Brian Ward has 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 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." The interim helm will be taken by Turqi Alnowaiser, who currently serves as the deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and leads its International Investments Division. Alnowaiser will act as the temporary CEO while the organization searches for a permanent replacement. Ward has been at the forefront of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021.
Over the past three years he has overseen a massive capital injection of roughly $37.8 billion, a sum intended to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game market. The fund that backs Savvy, the PIF, is wholly owned by the Saudi government, and Ward has repeatedly framed the venture as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and drive social transformation beyond its traditional oil‑based revenue streams. During his tenure, Ward guided a series of high‑profile acquisitions that have dramatically expanded Savvy’s portfolio. In early 2023, the group purchased Moonton, the developer behind the popular battle‑royale title "Mobile Legends," from Chinese tech giant Bytedance for a reported $6 million.
Later that year, Savvy closed a landmark deal to acquire Scopely, a leading mobile‑gaming studio, for approximately $4.9 billion. These transactions not only bolstered Savvy’s development capabilities but also signaled Saudi Arabia’s willingness to compete for top‑tier gaming assets on a global scale. Before his appointment at Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the interactive entertainment sector.
He held senior positions at Electronic Arts, where he helped shape the company’s live‑services strategy, and at Microsoft’s Xbox division, where he contributed to console and cloud‑gaming initiatives. He also spent time at Activision, gaining experience in publishing and franchise management.
This blend of industry expertise and strategic vision made him a natural fit for leading the PIF‑backed venture. Ward’s exit comes shortly after a monumental deal that saw the PIF lead a consortium to acquire Electronic Arts for $55 billion, one of the largest transactions in the history of the gaming industry.
Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that the EA acquisition raised internal concerns at Savvy about how two massive, Saudi‑owned gaming entities would be coordinated and governed. The apprehension centered on potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and brand positioning, prompting discussions among senior staff about the optimal governance model for the combined assets. The appointment of Alnowaiser as interim CEO reflects the PIF’s desire to maintain continuity while it evaluates the long‑term leadership structure for Savvy. Alnowaiser’s background in international investment equips him with a macro‑economic perspective that could prove valuable as Savvy navigates the complex regulatory and market environments of the global gaming ecosystem.
His temporary stewardship is expected to focus on stabilizing ongoing projects, ensuring the seamless integration of recent acquisitions, and preserving relationships with key partners and developers. Industry analysts view Ward’s departure as a pivotal moment for Savvy Games Group. Some speculate that the leadership change could usher in a more aggressive expansion strategy, leveraging the PIF’s deep pockets to acquire additional studios, secure exclusive publishing rights, or invest in emerging technologies such as cloud gaming, virtual reality, and AI‑driven content creation.
Others caution that the rapid influx of capital must be balanced with sustainable business practices to avoid overextension. Looking ahead, Savvy’s roadmap under interim leadership is likely to emphasize three core pillars: (1) consolidating the newly acquired studios to achieve operational synergies, (2) expanding the company’s global distribution network to reach new audiences across North America, Europe, and Asia, and (3) investing in talent development programs that nurture local Saudi game designers and programmers, thereby aligning the venture with the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by massive financial backing, strategic acquisitions, and a clear mandate to position Saudi Arabia as a heavyweight in the worldwide gaming arena. With Turqi Alnowaiser stepping in as interim acting CEO, the organization now faces the challenge of sustaining its momentum while charting a course for the next phase of growth.
The industry will be watching closely to see how Savvy balances its ambitious expansion plans with the practical realities of operating in a highly competitive and fast‑evolving market.