Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, according to 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 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 searches for a permanent replacement. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw a massive capital injection of roughly $37.8 billion, a sum designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector.
The group itself is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the PIF, a sovereign wealth fund that Ward has frequently described as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and drive social transformation. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy Games Group pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, snapping up several notable studios. In early 2023 the firm purchased Moonton, the developer behind the hit mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese internet giant Bytedance for an estimated $6 million.
Later that year, Savvy completed a landmark $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely, a prominent mobile‑gaming publisher known for titles such as "Star Trek Fleet Command" and "Marvel Strike Force." These deals were part of a larger vision to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global gaming ecosystem, both by investing in established developers and by fostering home‑grown talent. Ward’s prior experience in the industry—spanning senior roles at Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision—gave him the credibility and network needed to negotiate such high‑profile transactions. Ward’s exit comes only weeks after the PIF‑led consortium finalized a $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest video‑game publishers.
Bloomberg reports that the EA deal sparked internal concerns within Savvy Games Group about how two massive, Saudi‑owned gaming entities would be coordinated and managed. Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity, said the overlapping ownership structures raised questions about strategic alignment, resource allocation, and potential regulatory scrutiny.
The appointment of Alnowaiser as interim CEO signals the PIF’s intent to maintain continuity while it evaluates the next strategic direction for Savvy. As deputy governor, Alnowaiser brings a deep understanding of the fund’s international investment priorities and has overseen numerous cross‑border deals in sectors ranging from technology to renewable energy. His temporary stewardship is expected to keep ongoing projects on track, including the integration of newly acquired studios, the rollout of upcoming game titles, and the continuation of partnerships with global publishers.
Industry analysts note that the leadership change could have several implications. First, it may accelerate the consolidation of Saudi gaming assets, potentially leading to a more unified brand strategy that leverages the strengths of both Savvy and the newly acquired EA. Second, the shift might prompt a reassessment of Savvy’s investment pipeline, with a possible emphasis on emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, virtual reality, and blockchain‑based play‑to‑earn models, all of which are areas the PIF has shown interest in.
Furthermore, the transition offers an opportunity for Savvy to deepen its engagement with local talent development programs. The Saudi government has launched several initiatives aimed at nurturing game developers, designers, and esports athletes, and a stable leadership team could better align corporate resources with these national objectives.
By fostering a vibrant domestic ecosystem, Savvy could reduce its reliance on foreign acquisitions over time and become a true incubator for home‑grown IP. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by rapid capital deployment, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear mandate to embed Saudi Arabia within the global gaming landscape. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim appointment provides a bridge to the next phase, during which the organization is likely to refine its strategic focus, address internal integration challenges, and explore new growth avenues in an increasingly competitive industry. The coming months will reveal how the PIF balances its broader diversification goals with the operational realities of managing two of the world’s largest gaming enterprises under a single sovereign umbrella.