Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, according to 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," underscoring his belief that a change at the top will help the organization navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 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. His appointment signals a continued close alignment between Savvy Games Group and its sole owner, the PIF, and reflects the fund’s intent to keep strategic oversight of the gaming venture within its senior leadership.
Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—intended to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector. The creation of Savvy Games Group was part of a broader Saudi strategy to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependence and to foster a modern, creative industry that could also serve social transformation goals.
Ward frequently described the PIF’s involvement as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic diversification and social change agenda. Under Ward’s direction, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, targeting high‑profile studios and publishers to build a robust portfolio.
Notably, the company acquired Moonton, the developer behind the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese conglomerate ByteDance for a reported $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy closed a landmark deal to purchase Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for roughly $4.9 billion. These transactions were aimed at establishing Savvy as a dominant player in the mobile gaming market and to leverage the expertise of established developers to create new content that could compete globally.
Before joining Savvy, Ward amassed a distinguished career in the gaming industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Xbox, and Activision. His experience across these major platforms gave him a deep understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of game development, which he applied to the rapid expansion of Savvy’s operations. Ward’s exit comes on the heels of a monumental corporate move: the Public Investment Fund led a consortium that acquired Electronic Arts for $55 billion. This acquisition, one of the largest in the history of the video‑game sector, raised internal questions within Savvy about how two massive Saudi‑owned gaming entities would be coordinated and governed.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg that the EA deal sparked concerns about potential overlaps, resource allocation, and strategic direction between the two companies. The timing of Ward’s resignation suggests that these internal deliberations may have influenced his decision to step down. The appointment of Alnowaiser as interim CEO is expected to provide continuity while the board evaluates long‑term leadership options.
Alnowaiser’s background in international investments equips him with a broad perspective on global markets, which could be valuable as Savvy continues to integrate its newly acquired studios and seeks to launch new titles across multiple platforms. His interim tenure will likely focus on stabilizing operations, ensuring that the integration of Moonton and Scopely proceeds smoothly, and maintaining the momentum of Savvy’s growth initiatives.
Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group faces several strategic challenges. The company must balance rapid expansion with sustainable development, nurture talent across its diverse portfolio, and navigate the competitive landscape of mobile and console gaming. Moreover, it will need to address any regulatory or cultural considerations that arise from operating in a global market while being owned by a sovereign wealth fund with specific national objectives. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a pivotal chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by massive capital deployment, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global gaming ecosystem.
Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim leadership will serve as a bridge to the next phase, ensuring that the company remains on course while the board seeks a permanent chief executive who can build on Ward’s foundation and drive the organization toward its long‑term vision.