Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as disclosed in an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. In his farewell note, Ward emphasized that the organization is poised to enter a new phase of transformative expansion, and that fresh leadership is essential to guide this evolution. 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 helm will help the company navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities. The interim position will be filled by Turqi Alnowaiser, who currently serves as the deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and leads its International Investments Division.
Alnowaiser will assume the responsibilities of acting CEO on a temporary basis while the board conducts a thorough search for a permanent successor. His appointment signals the continued close ties between Savvy Games Group and its sole owner, the PIF, and reflects the fund’s intent to keep strategic oversight within its senior leadership cadre. Ward’s tenure at Savvy Games Group began at the company’s inception in 2021. Over the past few years, he has overseen a massive capital infusion of $37.8 billion, aimed at establishing a robust Saudi foothold in the worldwide video‑game market.
Under his guidance, the firm has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, securing several high‑profile studios to broaden its portfolio and enhance its development capabilities. One of the most notable deals during Ward’s leadership was the purchase of Moonton, the creator of the popular mobile title “Mobile Legends,” from ByteDance for approximately $6 million earlier this year. This acquisition marked Savvy’s first major foray into the mobile gaming segment and was seen as a strategic move to capture a rapidly expanding audience in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Later, in 2023, Savvy completed a landmark transaction by acquiring Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for a reported $4.9 billion. The Scopely deal significantly expanded Savvy’s intellectual property holdings and gave the group access to a suite of successful live‑service games, positioning it as a serious competitor on the global stage.
Before his stint at Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the interactive entertainment industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision. His experience across these major publishers equipped him with a deep understanding of both console and mobile ecosystems, as well as the intricacies of large‑scale game development, publishing, and monetization.
Colleagues have often praised his ability to navigate complex cross‑border negotiations and to align corporate strategy with evolving consumer trends. Ward’s exit comes just weeks after a monumental transaction in which a consortium led by the PIF acquired Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The EA deal, one of the largest in gaming history, has raised internal questions at Savvy about how two massive Saudi‑backed gaming entities will be coordinated and managed.
According to sources who asked to remain anonymous, the acquisition sparked concerns regarding potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and governance structures between the two firms. Some insiders suggested that the uncertainty surrounding the integration of EA’s extensive portfolio with Savvy’s ambitious growth plans may have contributed to Ward’s decision to step down. The PIF, which fully owns Savvy Games Group, has framed the venture as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda—an initiative aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependence and fostering a vibrant cultural and entertainment sector. In earlier statements, Ward described Savvy as a vehicle for “economic diversification and social transformation,” highlighting the fund’s commitment to developing a domestic gaming ecosystem that can generate jobs, nurture talent, and attract international investment.
Looking ahead, the interim leadership of Turqi Alnowaiser is expected to maintain continuity while the board evaluates long‑term strategic options. Analysts anticipate that Savvy will continue to pursue acquisitions, especially in emerging markets and innovative technology areas such as cloud gaming, esports, and AI‑driven game design. The company’s substantial financial backing provides it with the flexibility to invest in cutting‑edge development studios, secure licensing deals, and expand its distribution networks globally. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period characterized by rapid capital deployment, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the worldwide gaming arena.
With Turqi Alnowaiser stepping in as interim acting CEO, the organization is poised to navigate the next phase of its evolution, balancing the expectations of its sovereign investor with the dynamic demands of the global gaming market.