Brian Ward has announced his resignation from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, a development disclosed in an internal memorandum that Bloomberg obtained. 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 help the organization navigate the next stage of its ambitious expansion plans. Following Ward's departure, Turqi Alnowaiser, who serves as a deputy governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and leads the fund's International Investments Division, will step in as interim acting CEO.
Alnowaiser’s appointment signals a continued close alignment between Savvy Games Group and its sole owner, the PIF, ensuring that strategic oversight remains within the broader framework of Saudi Arabia’s state‑backed investment initiatives. Ward has been at the forefront of Savvy Games Group since the company’s inception in 2021.
During his tenure, he oversaw a massive capital infusion of $37.8 billion, a sum earmarked to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector. The fund’s ambition, as Ward has previously articulated, is to contribute to the kingdom’s broader economic diversification and social transformation agenda by building a competitive, globally‑connected gaming ecosystem.
Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy Games Group pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy. Notably, the firm purchased Moonton, the creator of the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese tech giant ByteDance for roughly $6 million earlier in the year.
Later, in 2023, Savvy completed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a leading mobile game developer, for an estimated $4.9 billion. These transactions were intended to secure a pipeline of high‑performing IPs, talent, and technology that could be leveraged to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global gaming market.
Before joining Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the interactive entertainment industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision. His background gave him a deep understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of game development, which proved valuable in steering Savvy’s rapid expansion. Ward’s exit comes shortly after a monumental deal in which Electronic Arts was purchased for $55 billion by a consortium led by the PIF.
Bloomberg reports that the EA acquisition sparked internal concerns within Savvy about how two large, Saudi‑owned gaming entities would be coordinated and managed. Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, indicated that questions regarding governance, resource allocation, and strategic alignment arose as a result of the overlapping ownership structures. The transition to Alnowaiser’s interim leadership is expected to provide stability while the board evaluates long‑term options for a permanent CEO. Alnowaiser’s deep familiarity with the PIF’s international investment strategy positions him to maintain continuity in Savvy’s ongoing projects, including the integration of newly acquired studios, the development of original game titles, and the expansion of the company’s global partnerships.
Industry observers note that the shift in leadership could also reflect a broader recalibration of the PIF’s approach to the gaming sector. By placing a senior fund official at the helm, the PIF may be seeking to tighten oversight, ensure alignment with national economic goals, and streamline decision‑making across its portfolio of entertainment assets. Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is likely to continue its push to attract top talent, invest in cutting‑edge technology such as cloud gaming and artificial intelligence, and explore new monetization models that cater to a diverse, worldwide player base. The company’s sizable financial backing provides it with the flexibility to experiment with innovative game concepts, acquire additional studios, and forge strategic alliances with established publishers.
In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era defined by rapid growth, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear mandate to embed Saudi Arabia within the global gaming landscape. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim appointment offers a bridge to the next chapter, during which Savvy Games Group will likely refine its strategic direction, deepen its integration with the PIF’s broader investment objectives, and continue to build a vibrant gaming ecosystem that supports both economic diversification and cultural outreach.