Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as detailed in an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. In his farewell note, Ward explained that the company is entering a new phase of "transformational growth" and that fresh leadership is essential to guide this evolution. He expressed confidence that a change at the helm would better position Savvy for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Effective immediately, Turqi Alnowaiser, who serves as deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and leads its International Investments Division, will step in as interim acting CEO.
Alnowaiser’s appointment reflects the close ties between Savvy Games Group and its sole owner, the PIF, and signals a desire for continuity while the board conducts a search for a permanent chief executive. Ward has been at the forefront of Savvy Games Group since the venture’s inception in 2021. Under his stewardship, the firm secured a massive capital injection of $37.8 billion, earmarked for building Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector. The investment was part of a broader strategy championed by the Kingdom to diversify its economy beyond oil and to foster a vibrant, modern cultural landscape.
Ward frequently described Savvy as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “economic diversification and social transformation” agenda, underscoring the strategic importance of the gaming industry to the nation’s long‑term vision. During his tenure, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy aimed at rapidly scaling its portfolio and expertise. Notable deals included the purchase of Moonton, the developer behind the popular mobile title “Mobile Legends,” which was bought from Chinese tech giant Bytedance for approximately $6 million earlier this year.
In 2023, Savvy closed a landmark transaction with Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, acquiring the company for roughly $4.9 billion. These acquisitions not only expanded Savvy’s catalog of titles but also brought in seasoned development teams, intellectual property assets, and valuable market insights across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Before his stint at Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the interactive entertainment industry. He held senior positions at Electronic Arts, where he oversaw global publishing operations; at Xbox, where he contributed to the growth of Microsoft’s console ecosystem; and at Activision, where he helped steer the company through periods of rapid expansion and product diversification. His deep experience in both the creative and commercial facets of gaming made him a logical choice to lead Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push into the sector.
Ward’s exit comes just weeks after a monumental deal that saw the PIF-led consortium acquire Electronic Arts for $55 billion, one of the largest transactions in the history of the video‑game industry. Sources familiar with internal discussions, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that the EA acquisition sparked unease within Savvy’s leadership. Employees reportedly worried about how two massive, Saudi‑backed gaming entities would coexist, compete, or potentially integrate under a single sovereign umbrella. The concerns centered on strategic alignment, resource allocation, and the preservation of each company’s distinct brand identity and operational autonomy.
The transition to Alnowaiser as interim CEO is expected to provide stability while the board evaluates long‑term leadership options. Alnowaiser brings a wealth of experience in managing large‑scale international investments and has been instrumental in guiding the PIF’s diversification initiatives across sectors such as technology, entertainment, and sports. His interim stewardship will likely focus on maintaining momentum on existing projects, ensuring smooth integration of recent acquisitions, and addressing any lingering internal uncertainties stemming from the EA deal.
Industry analysts view Ward’s departure as a natural inflection point for Savvy Games Group. The company now stands at a crossroads, with a substantial war chest, a growing portfolio of studios, and a clear mandate from the Saudi government to become a global gaming powerhouse.
The next chief executive will need to balance aggressive expansion with sustainable operational practices, nurture talent across its newly acquired studios, and navigate the complex regulatory and cultural landscape of the international gaming market. In the broader context, Savvy’s evolution mirrors Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, which aim to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues by fostering high‑tech industries, creative arts, and digital entertainment. By investing heavily in gaming, the Kingdom hopes to attract young talent, stimulate domestic content creation, and position itself as a hub for esports and interactive media in the Middle East and beyond. As the company moves forward, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the interim leadership manages the integration of Scopely’s portfolio, the rollout of Moonton’s titles, and any potential synergies with the newly acquired EA assets.
The outcome will have implications not only for Savvy’s shareholders but also for the global gaming ecosystem, where Saudi capital is becoming an increasingly influential force. Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era for Savvy Games Group, but it also opens the door for fresh perspectives that could accelerate the firm’s ambition to become a dominant player on the world stage.
The interim period under Turqi Alnowaiser will be critical in setting the tone for the next chapter of growth, innovation, and strategic alignment within the fast‑moving world of interactive entertainment.