Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive at Savvy Games Group, as disclosed in an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. In his farewell note, Ward explained that the company is about to enter 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," underscoring his belief that a change at the top will help the organization achieve its ambitious objectives. 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 chief executive while the board searches 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 willingness to place senior officials in key operational roles when strategic transitions arise. Ward’s tenure at Savvy began when the company was founded in 2021. Over the past few years, he has overseen a massive capital infusion—approximately $37.8 billion—intended to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector.
The investment plan was part of a broader national strategy to diversify the kingdom’s economy beyond oil and to foster a vibrant digital entertainment ecosystem. In public statements, Ward described Savvy Games Group as a pillar of Saudi Arabia’s "economic diversification and social transformation," emphasizing the dual goals of generating new revenue streams and providing culturally resonant gaming experiences for a global audience. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, securing several high‑profile studios to build a diversified portfolio. Notably, the group purchased Moonton, the developer behind the popular battle‑royale title "Mobile Legends," from Bytedance for a reported $6 million earlier this year.
In 2023, Savvy completed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a leading mobile gaming company, for roughly $4.9 billion. These transactions were designed to give Savvy immediate access to proven IP, talent, and distribution channels, thereby fast‑tracking its ambition to become a major player in the global market.
Before his stint at Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the gaming industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Microsoft’s Xbox division, and Activision. His background gave him a deep understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of game development, as well as the complexities of operating across multiple regions and regulatory environments. Ward’s exit comes on the heels of 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, has raised questions within Savvy about how two sizable, Saudi‑backed gaming entities will coexist and be governed. According to sources familiar with internal discussions, the EA purchase sparked concerns regarding potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and corporate culture. Some employees reportedly worried about the degree of autonomy each company would retain and how decision‑making authority would be divided between the two giants.
Industry observers note that the timing of Ward’s resignation could be linked to these internal debates, although no official statement has confirmed a causal relationship. Nevertheless, the leadership change may provide an opportunity for the PIF to recalibrate its oversight mechanisms and ensure that both Savvy and EA can operate synergistically while preserving their distinct brand identities. Looking ahead, Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim stewardship is expected to focus on maintaining operational stability, reassuring investors and partners, and continuing the execution of Savvy’s long‑term growth plan.
Alnowaiser’s experience in international investment will likely be valuable in navigating cross‑border partnerships, securing additional funding, and aligning the company’s strategic priorities with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The departure of a founding CEO is a pivotal moment for any organization, and Savvy Games Group is no exception. As the firm moves forward, it will need to balance the ambitious scale of its investment program with the practical challenges of integrating newly acquired studios, fostering innovation, and delivering compelling gaming experiences that resonate with players worldwide.
The next chapter for Savvy will be shaped by how effectively the interim leadership can bridge the gap between the current operational reality and the lofty aspirations set out at the company’s inception. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative era for Savvy Games Group, during which the company laid the financial and strategic foundations for a robust presence in the global gaming arena.
Turqi Alnowaiser’s appointment as interim acting CEO signals a continued commitment from the Public Investment Fund to steer the organization through this transitional phase, while the broader industry watches closely to see how Saudi Arabia’s ambitious push into interactive entertainment will evolve in the years to come.