Brian Ward announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as 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." 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. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw a massive capital infusion of $37.8 billion, a strategic move designed to boost Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector. The fund, which fully owns Savvy Games Group, is part of the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 agenda to diversify the economy away from oil and to foster a vibrant, modern cultural landscape.
Under Ward’s direction, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy. In early 2023, the company purchased Moonton, a developer best known for the popular battle‑royale title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese conglomerate ByteDance for roughly $6 million. Later that year, Savvy closed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a leading mobile‑gaming studio, for $4.9 billion, marking one of the largest transactions in the sector to date.
These purchases were intended to give the Saudi fund a foothold in both the creation and distribution of high‑engagement games across global markets. Before joining Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the gaming industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision. His experience in both development and publishing gave him a comprehensive view of the industry’s supply chain, from console hardware to live‑service game operations. This background helped him navigate the complexities of integrating newly acquired studios into a cohesive corporate structure.
Ward’s exit comes only a month after a monumental deal in which the PIF led a consortium to purchase Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The acquisition, one of the biggest in gaming history, sparked internal discussions within Savvy about how two large, Saudi‑backed gaming entities would coexist and be managed. Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg that the EA deal raised concerns about potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and brand positioning between the two organizations.
The appointment of Alnowaiser as interim CEO signals the PIF’s intent to maintain continuity while it evaluates long‑term leadership options. Alnowaiser’s experience overseeing international investments positions him to oversee Savvy’s ongoing projects, including the integration of its newly acquired studios and the rollout of upcoming game titles that aim to capture both regional and global audiences. Industry analysts view Ward’s departure as a natural inflection point for Savvy Games Group.
The company has already demonstrated an ability to mobilize vast financial resources, but the next challenge lies in converting that capital into sustainable revenue streams and market share. Critics point out that while the acquisition spree has built an impressive portfolio, the true test will be the successful launch and monetization of games that resonate with players worldwide.
Looking ahead, Savvy is expected to continue leveraging the PIF’s deep pockets to invest in emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, augmented reality, and esports infrastructure. The firm has hinted at plans to establish a regional hub for game development talent, aiming to nurture local creators and reduce reliance on overseas studios.
If executed effectively, these initiatives could position Saudi Arabia as a competitive player in the global gaming ecosystem, aligning with the kingdom’s broader objectives of economic diversification and cultural modernization. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by rapid expansion, high‑profile acquisitions, and a bold vision to embed Saudi Arabia within the international gaming landscape. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship will likely focus on stabilizing operations, addressing any lingering integration issues from recent deals, and preparing the organization for the next phase of growth under a new permanent CEO.