Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as confirmed by an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. In his farewell note, Ward explained that the company is entering a new phase of ambitious expansion and that fresh leadership is essential to guide this transformation.
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 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 replacement. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since the organization’s inception in 2021. During his tenure, he oversaw a massive capital injection of $37.8 billion, a strategic move designed to boost Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game market.
The fund‑backed entity was created and remains wholly owned by the PIF, a sovereign wealth fund that Ward has repeatedly linked to the kingdom’s broader agenda of economic diversification and social transformation. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy aimed at building a portfolio of globally recognized studios. Notable deals include the purchase of Moonton, the developer behind the popular mobile title “Mobile Legends,” from ByteDance for roughly $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy also completed a landmark acquisition of Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for an estimated $4.9 billion.
These transactions were intended to provide Savvy with a diversified slate of intellectual property, talent, and distribution channels, thereby accelerating the fund’s ambition to become a major player in the international gaming ecosystem. Prior to joining Savvy Games Group, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the entertainment software sector. He held senior positions at Electronic Arts, where he contributed to the development of live‑service models, at Microsoft’s Xbox division, overseeing console strategy and ecosystem growth, and at Activision, where he was involved in franchise management and global publishing. This background gave him a comprehensive understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of the industry, which proved valuable in steering Savvy’s rapid expansion.
Ward’s exit comes only a month after a monumental transaction in which the PIF‑led consortium acquired Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The acquisition, one of the largest in the history of the video‑game sector, has raised questions within Savvy about the future governance of two large, Saudi‑backed gaming enterprises operating under the same sovereign umbrella.
According to sources familiar with internal discussions, the EA deal sparked concerns about potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and brand positioning. These worries reportedly contributed to a heightened sense of uncertainty among Savvy’s senior leadership, ultimately influencing Ward’s decision to step down.
Industry observers note that the transition may signal a shift in Savvy’s operational approach. With Alnowaiser stepping in, the company could see a stronger alignment with the PIF’s broader investment thesis, emphasizing long‑term strategic partnerships, regional talent development, and the creation of a sustainable gaming ecosystem that supports both domestic and international markets. Alnowaiser’s expertise in international investments suggests that Savvy may prioritize cross‑border collaborations, joint ventures, and the integration of emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, artificial intelligence‑driven content creation, and blockchain‑based digital assets.
The broader context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan underscores the significance of this leadership change. The kingdom has been actively diversifying its economy away from oil dependence by fostering sectors such as entertainment, tourism, and digital media.
Gaming, in particular, is viewed as a high‑growth arena capable of attracting young talent, generating export revenues, and enhancing cultural soft power. Savvy Games Group, as a flagship vehicle of the PIF’s gaming ambitions, is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in this national strategy. Looking ahead, stakeholders will be watching how Savvy navigates the integration of its newly acquired studios, the management of its expansive portfolio, and the potential synergies with EA’s global operations.
The appointment of an interim CEO with deep investment experience may provide the stability needed to maintain momentum while the board evaluates long‑term leadership options. Regardless of the outcome, the company’s mission—to position Saudi Arabia as a central hub in the worldwide gaming industry—remains unchanged, and the next chapter will likely involve further expansion, innovative product development, and increased participation in the global gaming community.