Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, a move confirmed by 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 wrote, "As Savvy embarks on its next period of transformational growth, this is the right time for new leadership for that evolution," signaling both optimism for the future and a clear rationale for the leadership change. The interim position will be filled by Turqi Alnowaiser, who currently serves as a 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. His appointment reflects the close ties between Savvy Games Group and its sole shareholder, the PIF, and underscores the fund’s intention to maintain strategic continuity during the transition. Ward’s tenure at Savvy began when the organization was founded in 2021. Over the past three years he has overseen a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a significant player in the worldwide video‑game market.
The investment strategy has been framed as part of the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and to promote cultural and social development through new industries such as interactive entertainment. Savvy Games Group itself is a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the PIF. Ward has previously described the venture as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “economic diversification and social transformation” efforts, noting that the gaming sector offers both lucrative revenue potential and a platform for cultural exchange. Under his guidance, the company pursued an aggressive acquisition program designed to bring established development studios and publishing capabilities under the Savvy umbrella.
One of the most notable deals during Ward’s leadership was the purchase of Moonton, the Chinese studio behind the hit mobile title "Mobile Legends," from ByteDance for roughly $6 million earlier in the year. While the purchase price may appear modest compared with other transactions, the strategic value lay in Moonton’s strong foothold in Southeast Asian markets and its expertise in free‑to‑play monetization models. Later, in 2023, Savvy completed a far larger acquisition, buying the U.S.
mobile‑gaming powerhouse Scopely for $4.9 billion. This deal gave Savvy immediate access to a portfolio of popular titles, a robust user base, and a seasoned executive team with deep experience in global distribution. Before joining Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the gaming industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Xbox, and Activision.
His background provided him with a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of game development, as well as the complex dynamics of licensing, publishing, and live‑service operations. Colleagues have credited him with bringing a disciplined, data‑driven approach to Savvy’s rapid expansion. Ward’s exit comes just weeks after the PIF‑led consortium completed a landmark $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest video‑game publishers. The timing has sparked speculation that the consolidation of two massive Saudi‑backed gaming entities raised internal concerns about governance, operational overlap, and strategic alignment.
According to sources familiar with the situation, some Savvy employees expressed unease about how the two giant organizations would be coordinated under a single sovereign wealth fund, prompting discussions at the board level about leadership structure and oversight. Industry observers note that the transition could have far‑reaching implications for the global gaming landscape.
With the PIF continuing to pour resources into both Savvy and EA, the kingdom is positioning itself as a hub for talent acquisition, technology transfer, and market expansion. The interim appointment of Alnowaiser, a senior figure within the PIF’s investment apparatus, suggests that the fund intends to keep a tight strategic grip on Savvy while it evaluates long‑term leadership options. Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue its aggressive growth trajectory, leveraging its newly acquired studios to develop original IP, expand into emerging markets, and explore new business models such as cloud gaming and esports. The company’s roadmap includes plans to invest in local talent development programs, forge partnerships with Western publishers, and potentially launch a regional game‑distribution platform that could serve as a gateway for Saudi‑originated content to reach global audiences.
In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, during which the firm secured billions in capital, executed high‑profile acquisitions, and laid the groundwork for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious entry into the international gaming arena. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship will likely focus on maintaining operational stability, addressing any lingering concerns from the EA acquisition, and preparing the organization for the next phase of leadership that will carry forward the vision of a diversified, technologically advanced Saudi economy.