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 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 assume the duties of acting CEO while the board conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw a massive capital injection of $37.8 billion, a sum intended to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a major player in the worldwide video‑game industry. The fund‑backed venture was created and remains wholly owned by the PIF, an entity that Ward has repeatedly framed as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy for economic diversification and social transformation. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy aimed at building a portfolio of development studios and publishing assets.
Notable deals included the purchase of Moonton, the creator of the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Bytedance for roughly $6 million earlier this year. The group also completed a landmark transaction in 2023, acquiring Scopely—a prolific mobile game publisher—for $4.9 billion.
These moves were designed to give Savvy a foothold in both the Asian and Western markets, as well as to secure intellectual property that could be leveraged across multiple platforms. Before joining Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the gaming sector, holding senior positions at several industry giants.
His résumé includes stints at Electronic Arts, where he contributed to global publishing operations, a leadership role at Microsoft’s Xbox division, and a senior executive post at Activision. This background helped him navigate the complex regulatory and cultural landscape that accompanies large‑scale cross‑border investments in entertainment.
Ward’s exit comes only a month after a high‑profile acquisition in which a consortium led by the PIF bought Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The deal, one of the largest in the history of the gaming industry, sparked internal discussions within Savvy about how two massive Saudi‑backed gaming entities would coexist and be managed.
Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that the EA purchase raised concerns about potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and governance structures between the two firms. Industry analysts suggest that Ward’s resignation may reflect a strategic recalibration as the PIF seeks to integrate its newly acquired assets more closely with Savvy’s existing operations. The appointment of Alnowaiser—a senior figure within the PIF’s investment arm—signals a desire to keep the group’s direction tightly aligned with the fund’s overall objectives for the sector.
Alnowaiser’s experience in international investments is expected to bring a broader perspective to Savvy’s growth plans, potentially expanding partnerships beyond traditional gaming hubs and exploring emerging markets such as cloud‑based gaming and esports. The transition also raises questions about the future of Savvy’s ongoing projects and its pipeline of upcoming titles.
While the interim CEO will likely maintain continuity to avoid disrupting current development cycles, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether the new leadership will shift focus toward different genres, platforms, or business models. Some observers speculate that Savvy may double down on mobile gaming, given the success of recent acquisitions, while others anticipate a diversification into console and PC gaming to capture a wider audience. Regardless of the strategic direction, the move underscores the rapid pace at which Saudi Arabia is reshaping its cultural and economic landscape through high‑profile investments in entertainment.
The kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan emphasizes the development of a vibrant, diversified economy, and the gaming sector is a key pillar of that ambition. By funneling billions of dollars into studios, publishing houses, and related infrastructure, the PIF aims to create jobs, nurture local talent, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for digital creativity.
In the coming weeks, Savvy Games Group is expected to release an official statement outlining the transition timeline, the criteria for selecting a permanent CEO, and any immediate strategic initiatives that will be pursued under Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship. Investors, partners, and the broader gaming community will be watching closely to gauge how these leadership changes might influence the competitive dynamics of the industry, especially as Saudi capital continues to flow into high‑growth entertainment assets worldwide.