Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as disclosed in an internal memorandum that Bloomberg obtained. In his farewell note, Ward explained that the company is about to enter a new phase of "transformational growth" and that fresh leadership is essential to guide that evolution. He wrote, "As Savvy embarks on its next period of transformational growth, this is the right time for new leadership for that evolution." The interim position will be filled by Turqi Alnowaiser, who currently serves as a deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and leads its International Investments Division.
Alnowaiser will act as the temporary chief executive while the board searches for a permanent replacement. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since the venture’s inception in 2021. Over the past three years, he has overseen a massive capital infusion—approximately $37.8 billion—aimed at establishing a robust Saudi footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector.
The fund that backs Savvy, the PIF, is wholly owned by the Saudi government, and Ward has repeatedly framed the company’s mission as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and drive social transformation. Under Ward’s stewardship, Savvy has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, snapping up several high‑profile studios and publishers. Notably, the group purchased Moonton, the creator of the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese conglomerate Bytedance for a reported $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy closed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a leading mobile game developer and publisher, for roughly $4.9 billion.
These transactions were designed to give the Saudi‑backed entity a diversified portfolio of intellectual property and development talent, positioning it to compete on a global stage. Before his tenure at Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the gaming industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision.
His experience across both console and mobile platforms gave him a broad perspective on how to scale gaming operations, negotiate complex cross‑border deals, and navigate the regulatory environments of different markets. Ward’s exit comes only a month after a monumental deal in which the PIF‑led consortium acquired Electronic Arts for a staggering $55 billion. The acquisition of EA, one of the world’s largest game publishers, raised internal questions within Savvy about the future governance and strategic alignment of two massive Saudi‑owned gaming enterprises.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg that the EA purchase sparked concerns about potential overlaps, resource allocation, and the overall direction of the combined entities. Industry observers note that leadership changes of this magnitude are not uncommon when large sovereign wealth funds consolidate assets in a rapidly evolving sector. The appointment of Alnowaiser, a senior figure within the PIF, signals that the fund intends to keep close oversight of Savvy’s next steps while it evaluates the long‑term leadership structure.
Alnowaiser’s background in international investments suggests he will bring a macro‑economic lens to the role, balancing the need for rapid growth with prudent risk management. Analysts also point out that the timing of Ward’s departure may reflect a strategic pivot. With the EA acquisition now complete, the PIF may be looking to integrate its gaming holdings more tightly, possibly consolidating operations, sharing technology platforms, or aligning product roadmaps across its portfolio.
The new interim CEO will likely be tasked with maintaining momentum on existing projects, ensuring that the recently acquired studios continue to deliver on their targets, and preparing the organization for any forthcoming structural changes. For employees and partners of Savvy Games Group, the transition period will be closely watched.
Ward’s leadership style—characterized by bold investment moves and a clear vision of Saudi Arabia’s role in the global gaming ecosystem—has left an indelible mark on the company’s culture. Maintaining morale and continuity during the handover will be critical, especially as the firm continues to negotiate licensing deals, expand into new markets, and develop original titles that align with the kingdom’s cultural and economic objectives.
In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era for Savvy Games Group, a company that has rapidly ascended from a newly formed investment vehicle to a major player in the international gaming arena. Turqi Alnowaiser’s appointment as interim acting CEO provides a bridge between the current leadership and whatever permanent solution the board ultimately selects. The coming months will reveal how Savvy navigates the dual challenges of integrating its recent acquisitions and aligning its strategy with the broader ambitions of the Public Investment Fund, all while continuing to push the boundaries of what a sovereign‑backed gaming conglomerate can achieve.