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 on the cusp of a new phase of "transformational growth" and that fresh leadership is essential to guide this evolution.
He expressed confidence that a change at the top would help the organization navigate the upcoming challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Taking over the reins on an interim basis will be 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 determines a permanent successor. His appointment underscores the close ties between Savvy Games Group and its sole owner, the PIF, and signals that the fund intends to keep strategic oversight firmly within its own senior ranks during this transitional period.
Ward’s tenure at Savvy began when the company was founded in 2021. Over the past few years, he has overseen a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—aimed at establishing a robust Saudi footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector.
This investment strategy aligns with the broader vision articulated by the Saudi government to diversify its economy away from oil dependency and to foster a vibrant, modern entertainment ecosystem. In his own words, Savvy Games Group is a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s “economic diversification and social transformation” agenda. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, snapping up several high‑profile studios to build a diversified portfolio of gaming assets.
Notably, the company purchased 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 completed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a U.S.-based mobile game publisher, for roughly $4.9 billion.
These transactions not only expanded Savvy’s catalogue of intellectual property but also provided the firm with valuable expertise in game development, publishing, and global distribution. Before his stint at Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the gaming industry, holding senior positions at industry giants such as Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision.
His background gave him a deep understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of video games, which proved instrumental in shaping Savvy’s rapid growth trajectory. Ward’s exit comes shortly after a monumental deal that saw the PIF lead a consortium to acquire Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The acquisition, one of the largest in the history of the sector, raised internal questions at Savvy about how two massive, Saudi‑backed gaming entities would be managed under a single sovereign wealth fund. Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, indicated that the EA purchase sparked concerns regarding potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and corporate governance between the two companies.
Industry observers note that the timing of Ward’s resignation may reflect broader strategic recalibrations within the PIF’s gaming portfolio. As the fund consolidates its holdings, it may seek to streamline leadership structures, clarify reporting lines, and ensure that each subsidiary can operate with a clear mandate while contributing to the overarching goal of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for interactive entertainment. Looking ahead, the interim appointment of Turqi Alnowaiser suggests that the PIF intends to maintain continuity while it evaluates the long‑term direction of Savvy Games Group.
Alnowaiser’s experience in overseeing international investments will likely be valuable as the company continues to explore cross‑border partnerships, further acquisitions, and potential collaborations with established developers worldwide. Stakeholders, including investors, partners, and the gaming community, will be watching closely to see how Savvy navigates this leadership transition.
The firm’s ambitious roadmap—centered on building world‑class gaming studios, nurturing local talent, and delivering globally competitive titles—remains intact, but the execution will now be guided by a new set of hands. In summary, Brian Ward’s departure marks the end of an era for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by massive capital deployment, strategic acquisitions, and a clear vision to embed Saudi Arabia within the global gaming landscape. With Turqi Alnowaiser stepping in as interim acting CEO, the organization is poised to continue its push for growth while the PIF assesses the optimal leadership model to sustain its long‑term ambitions in the interactive entertainment sector.