Brian Ward has announced his departure 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 poised to enter a new phase of "transformational growth" 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." 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 heads its International Investments Division. Alnowaiser will act as CEO on a temporary basis while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw a massive capital infusion of roughly $37.8 billion, a sum designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide gaming sector.
The fund‑backed venture was created and remains wholly owned by the PIF, an entity Ward has frequently cited as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy of economic diversification and social transformation. Under Ward’s stewardship, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, snapping up several high‑profile studios. Notably, the group bought Moonton—a developer best known for the mobile hit "Mobile Legends"—from Chinese tech giant Bytedance for a reported $6 million earlier this year. The following year, Savvy completed a landmark purchase of Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for approximately $4.9 billion.
These deals were intended to give the Saudi‑backed conglomerate a robust portfolio of intellectual property and development talent, positioning it to compete with established Western and Asian players. Before his stint at Savvy, Ward accumulated a wealth of experience at some of the industry’s most influential companies. He held senior positions at Electronic Arts, where he helped shape global publishing strategies, at Microsoft’s Xbox division, where he contributed to console and service initiatives, and at Activision, where he was involved in both game development oversight and corporate operations.
This background equipped him with the expertise needed to navigate the complex, fast‑moving world of interactive entertainment. Ward’s exit comes shortly after a monumental deal that saw Electronic Arts acquired for $55 billion by a consortium led by the PIF. The acquisition, one of the largest in gaming history, sparked internal discussions at Savvy about the future governance of two massive Saudi‑owned gaming entities.
According to sources familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous, the EA transaction raised concerns about how the two giants would be coordinated, potentially influencing Ward’s decision to step down. The transition period will be closely watched by industry observers and investors alike.
Alnowaiser, while primarily known for his work in sovereign wealth fund investments, brings a different perspective to the gaming arena. His appointment signals the PIF’s continued commitment to ensuring that Savvy remains on track with its ambitious growth roadmap, even as the organization adjusts to new leadership. Analysts suggest that the interim CEO will focus on stabilizing operations, integrating recent acquisitions, and maintaining momentum on existing projects while the board evaluates long‑term strategic options.
The broader context includes the Saudi government’s Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy away from oil dependence by fostering sectors such as entertainment, technology, and tourism. Gaming, with its global reach and high revenue potential, is a key pillar of that vision. Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue expanding its portfolio, investing in emerging technologies like cloud gaming, virtual reality, and AI‑driven content creation.
The company’s sizable financial backing gives it the flexibility to pursue both organic growth—through internal development studios—and further strategic acquisitions. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by rapid expansion, high‑value deals, and a clear mandate to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global gaming ecosystem.
Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship will bridge the gap to the next permanent leader, ensuring that the organization remains aligned with its long‑term objectives while navigating the complexities introduced by recent mega‑transactions in the industry.