Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive at Savvy Games Group, according to an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. 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 the deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and heads its International Investments Division.
Alnowaiser will act as the temporary chief executive while the board conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since the venture was launched in 2021. Over the past three years, he has overseen a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—intended to cement Saudi Arabia’s foothold in the worldwide video‑game market. The fund that backs Savvy, the PIF, is wholly owned by the Saudi government, and Ward has frequently framed the initiative as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy for economic diversification and social transformation.
Under Ward’s stewardship, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy. Notable purchases include Moonton, the developer behind the hit mobile title “Mobile Legends,” which was bought from ByteDance for roughly $6 million earlier this year.
In 2023, Savvy closed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for an estimated $4.9 billion. These transactions were designed to give the Saudi fund a portfolio of established studios and IPs, accelerating its ambition to become a major player on the global stage. Before his tenure at Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the gaming sector, holding senior positions at industry giants such as Electronic Arts, Xbox, and Activision. His experience in both development and publishing gave him the expertise needed to navigate the complex landscape of international game investment and to align it with the strategic objectives of the PIF.
Ward’s resignation comes just weeks after a monumental development in the broader Saudi‑led gaming push: a consortium headed by the PIF acquired Electronic Arts for a staggering $55 billion. The deal, one of the largest in the history of the sector, has sparked internal discussions at Savvy about how two massive, Saudi‑owned gaming entities will coexist and be managed.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg that the EA acquisition raised concerns within Savvy regarding potential overlaps, governance structures, and the strategic direction of both companies. Industry observers note that the timing of Ward’s exit may reflect the natural growing pains of an ambitious, state‑backed expansion into a highly competitive market. The integration of EA’s extensive catalogue and development network with Savvy’s existing assets will require careful coordination, clear leadership, and a shared vision. By appointing Alnowaiser—a senior figure within the PIF—as interim CEO, the fund signals its intent to maintain continuity while it evaluates the best long‑term leadership structure.
Analysts also point out that the PIF’s aggressive investment pattern aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 blueprint, which seeks to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues by fostering high‑growth sectors such as entertainment, technology, and sports. Gaming, with its massive global audience and lucrative revenue streams, fits neatly into this agenda.
The Savvy Games Group, as the PIF’s dedicated vehicle for gaming, is expected to serve not only as a profit‑driven enterprise but also as a catalyst for talent development, local content creation, and the establishment of a regional hub for digital entertainment. Looking ahead, the interim period under Alnowaiser will likely focus on three key priorities: first, ensuring a smooth transition of day‑to‑day operations; second, clarifying the strategic relationship between Savvy and the newly acquired EA; and third, continuing to attract and integrate additional studios or IPs that complement the existing portfolio. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the group balances rapid expansion with sustainable growth, especially as it navigates regulatory, cultural, and market challenges across different jurisdictions. In summary, Brian Ward’s departure marks a pivotal moment for Savvy Games Group.
While his three‑year tenure laid the groundwork for a $37.8 billion push into the global gaming arena, the next chapter will be defined by how the organization adapts to the broader implications of the PIF’s mega‑acquisition of EA and how it leverages new leadership to sustain its ambitious trajectory. The appointment of Turqi Alnowaiser as interim acting CEO underscores the PIF’s commitment to steering the venture through this transitional phase, ensuring that the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s diversification plan remain on track while the company continues to build a formidable presence in the worldwide gaming ecosystem.