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 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 helm will be taken 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 CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement. Ward has been at the forefront of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021.
Under his stewardship, the PIF‑backed venture has deployed roughly $37.8 billion to cement Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector. The firm was created as a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the PIF, a sovereign wealth fund tasked with diversifying the kingdom’s economy and driving social transformation—objectives that Ward has repeatedly emphasized in public statements.
During Ward’s tenure, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, snapping up a number of high‑profile studios. Notably, the group purchased Moonton, the developer behind the hit mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese tech giant Bytedance for an estimated $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy completed a far larger deal, acquiring Scopely—a leading mobile game publisher known for titles such as "Star Trek Fleet Command" and "Marvel Strike Force"—for approximately $4.9 billion. These purchases were part of a broader vision to build a vertically integrated gaming ecosystem that could produce, publish, and distribute content on a global scale.
Before his appointment at Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the interactive entertainment industry. He held senior positions at Electronic Arts, where he oversaw major franchise development, and at Microsoft’s Xbox division, where he helped shape console strategy. He also spent time at Activision, contributing to the growth of several flagship franchises.
This background equipped him with the expertise needed to navigate the complex regulatory and market dynamics associated with building a Saudi‑based gaming powerhouse. Ward’s exit comes only a month after the PIF‑led consortium finalized a landmark $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, a move that reshaped the global gaming landscape. Bloomberg reports that the EA deal sparked internal concerns within Savvy about the future governance of two massive, Saudi‑owned gaming entities.
Sources who requested anonymity said the transaction raised questions about how the two organizations would be coordinated, whether resources would be shared, and how strategic priorities would be aligned. The timing of Ward’s resignation suggests that the leadership transition may be linked to these strategic deliberations. Industry observers note that the PIF is now overseeing a portfolio that includes both Savvy Games Group and the newly acquired EA, creating a unique situation where a sovereign fund controls two of the world’s most influential gaming companies.
This concentration of power could lead to synergies—such as shared technology platforms, joint marketing initiatives, and cross‑licensing of intellectual property—but it also raises potential challenges related to competition law, cultural integration, and the preservation of creative independence. Alnowaiser’s appointment as interim CEO signals the PIF’s intent to keep the organization stable while it evaluates the best long‑term leadership structure. As deputy governor, Alnowaiser brings a deep understanding of the fund’s investment philosophy and its broader economic diversification agenda, often referred to as Vision 2030.
He has overseen numerous international deals across sectors ranging from technology to renewable energy, and his experience in managing large‑scale cross‑border transactions is likely to be valuable as Savvy navigates the post‑EA acquisition environment. Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue its push into both mobile and console gaming markets. Analysts anticipate that the company will leverage its substantial capital base to invest in emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, artificial intelligence‑driven game design, and virtual‑reality experiences. Moreover, the firm may seek to cultivate regional talent by establishing development studios in Saudi Arabia and partnering with local universities to create a pipeline of skilled creators.
The departure of a founding CEO is always a pivotal moment for a fast‑growing organization. While Ward’s exit may introduce a period of adjustment, the solid financial backing of the PIF and the strategic vision articulated by both the fund and Savvy’s board provide a strong foundation for continued expansion.
Stakeholders—including investors, partner studios, and the broader gaming community—will be watching closely to see how the interim leadership team balances the ambition of rapid growth with the need for sustainable, culturally resonant game development. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era for Savvy Games Group, a company that, under his guidance, transformed from a nascent venture into a multi‑billion‑dollar player on the global stage. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship will bridge the gap to the next permanent chief executive, ensuring that the organization remains on course amid a rapidly evolving industry landscape and the broader strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.