Brian Ward has announced his resignation from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as confirmed by an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. In his farewell note, Ward explained that the company is entering a new phase of ambitious expansion and that fresh leadership is essential to guide this transformative period. He wrote, "As Savvy embarks on its next period of transformational growth, this is the right time for new leadership for that evolution," underscoring his belief that a change at the top will help the organization capitalize on emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving gaming sector.
Taking over the reins on an interim basis will be Turqi Alnowaiser, who currently serves as a deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and heads its International Investments Division. Alnowaiser will act as the temporary chief executive while the board conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent successor. His appointment signals a continued close alignment between Savvy Games Group and the broader strategic objectives of the PIF, which has been the sole owner of the gaming venture since its inception.
Brian Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since the company was founded in 2021. Over the past three years, he has overseen a massive capital infusion—approximately $37.8 billion—intended to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the global video‑game industry. This investment program reflects the Kingdom’s wider Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to diversify the national economy away from oil dependence and foster a vibrant digital entertainment ecosystem. Under Ward’s stewardship, Savvy has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, targeting both established publishers and emerging studios to build a diversified portfolio of gaming assets.
Among the most notable deals executed during Ward’s tenure were the purchases of Moonton and Scopely. In early 2023, Savvy acquired Moonton, the developer behind the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese tech giant Bytedance for a reported $6 million—a figure that highlighted the strategic importance of securing a foothold in the Southeast Asian mobile market. Later that year, Savvy completed a landmark acquisition of Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for roughly $4.9 billion.
The Scopely deal not only expanded Savvy’s catalogue of high‑revenue titles but also provided access to a robust network of partnerships and a proven monetization framework. Ward’s background before joining Savvy Games Group includes senior leadership positions at several of the world’s most influential gaming companies. He spent significant time at Electronic Arts, where he contributed to the development of flagship franchises and helped steer the company through a period of digital transformation.
His experience also includes a stint at Microsoft’s Xbox division, where he oversaw console strategy and content partnerships, as well as a role at Activision, where he was involved in global publishing operations. This extensive industry pedigree equipped him with the insight needed to navigate the complex regulatory and cultural landscapes associated with building a Saudi‑backed gaming conglomerate.
The timing of Ward’s departure is noteworthy, coming just weeks after the Public Investment Fund led a consortium that acquired Electronic Arts for a staggering $55 billion. The EA transaction, one of the largest in the history of the video‑game sector, has sparked internal discussions within Savvy about how two major Saudi‑owned gaming entities will be coordinated and managed.
Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that the magnitude of the EA deal raised concerns about potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and brand positioning between the two organizations. These concerns appear to have contributed to the decision to bring in new leadership capable of aligning Savvy’s roadmap with the broader objectives of the PIF’s expanding gaming portfolio. Looking ahead, Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship will likely focus on maintaining operational stability while the board evaluates long‑term leadership options. Given Alnowaiser’s deep involvement in the PIF’s international investment activities, he is well‑positioned to ensure that Savvy continues to execute on its strategic initiatives, such as further studio acquisitions, development of indigenous game content, and the establishment of partnerships with global publishers.
Moreover, his temporary role may provide an opportunity to reassess the integration of Savvy’s assets with those of the newly acquired EA, potentially paving the way for synergies that could enhance the Kingdom’s competitive edge in the worldwide gaming market. In summary, Brian Ward’s exit marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a company that has rapidly grown from a nascent venture into a major player backed by billions of dollars of sovereign wealth. His leadership helped lay the foundation for an ambitious expansion plan that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader economic diversification goals.
As Turqi Alnowaiser steps in as interim acting CEO, the organization faces a pivotal moment to consolidate its recent acquisitions, refine its strategic direction, and continue building a robust ecosystem that supports both domestic talent development and international market penetration. The coming months will be critical in determining how Savvy navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly competitive global gaming landscape, while also contributing to the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a hub for digital entertainment and innovation.