HUYA bought APKPURE from Tencent for $81 million 🎮 Huya Acquires APKPure from Tencent for $81 Million to Boost Global Game Distribution

As 2024 approaches, major tech companies are already preparing their next strategic moves. According to a Beijing Business Daily report published on December 25, Huya Inc. disclosed in a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it has reached a final agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Tencent Holdings to acquire a global mobile application service provider for a total cash consideration of USD 81 million.

The transaction, which remains subject to customary price adjustments, will see Huya purchase 100% equity interest in the target company through one of its own wholly owned subsidiaries. Although neither Tencent nor Huya publicly named the acquisition target, multiple sources have confirmed that the company in question is APKPure — an overseas app store owned by Tencent.

🌍 APKPure: A Global App Store under Tencent

Public information shows that APKPure is an international mobile application store that allows users to download Android apps outside of traditional platforms. Originally developed by a domestic Internet company, APKPure was later acquired by Tencent in 2021. It has since operated as an overseas app distribution platform under Tencent’s global portfolio.

Following the acquisition, Huya plans to consolidate the financial results of the mobile application service provider into its own reports. The company expects the move to significantly enhance its international game promotion and distribution capabilities, while strengthening synergies with its existing overseas live streaming platform, Nimo TV.

📈 A Strategic Move Toward Business Transformation

The deal aligns closely with Huya’s ongoing strategy to transform and diversify its business toward game-related services and broader commercialization opportunities. By integrating APKPure’s distribution ecosystem, Huya aims to expand its global reach in the gaming industry — particularly as live streaming growth continues to stagnate.

In recent years, the game live streaming market has seen a gradual decline, affecting Huya’s performance. Since the fourth quarter of 2021, the company has reported eight consecutive quarters of year-on-year revenue decreases.

💰 Huya’s Financial Performance in 2023

According to Huya’s Q3 2023 financial report:

• 📉 Total revenue reached 1.65 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 40%.
• 💡 Non-GAAP net profit stood at 103 million yuan, roughly the same as the previous year.
• 🎥 Live streaming revenue was 1.532 billion yuan, down 24.1% from 2.017 billion yuan in Q3 2022.
• 📢 Advertising and other revenue dropped sharply by 67.9%, totaling only 116 million yuan compared to 361 million yuan the previous year.
• 👥 Quarterly paying users declined from 5.6 million to 4.2 million.

Despite declining revenues, the APKPure acquisition represents a potential turning point for Huya, offering access to a broader global user base and a new revenue channel beyond live streaming. Industry analysts view this acquisition as a key step in Huya’s 2024 transformation strategy.

🚀 Outlook for 2024

As Huya prepares for the coming year, its focus is shifting toward building a more sustainable and diversified ecosystem. The integration of APKPure could strengthen Huya’s position in international game publishing and app distribution, marking a strategic evolution from live streaming to a wider entertainment and gaming platform model.

While the exact launch timeline and operational details of the integration have not yet been disclosed, the teaser from Huya’s SEC filing suggests that further announcements will follow soon.

Source: Beijing Business Daily / SEC Filings / Corporate Disclosures