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," signaling both optimism for the future and a personal decision to step aside.
Following Ward’s exit, Turqi Alnowaiser, who serves as a deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and leads its International Investments Division, will assume the responsibilities of interim acting CEO. Alnowaiser’s appointment reflects the close ties between Savvy Games Group and its sole shareholder, the PIF, and underscores the fund’s intention to maintain continuity while it evaluates a permanent successor. 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 infusion of roughly $37.8 billion, a strategic move designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector.
The investment was part of a broader national agenda to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependence and to foster a vibrant, technology‑driven cultural ecosystem. In his own words, Ward described the PIF’s ownership of Savvy as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s “economic diversification and social transformation” efforts. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, snapping up several prominent development studios to build a robust portfolio.
Notably, the group purchased Moonton, the creator of the hit mobile title “Mobile Legends,” from Chinese conglomerate Bytedance for a reported $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy completed a far larger deal, acquiring Scopely—a leading mobile gaming company with a catalog of popular titles—for approximately $4.9 billion. These transactions not only expanded Savvy’s intellectual property holdings but also provided the company with deep technical expertise and access to established player communities across multiple regions. 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 comprehensive understanding of both the creative and commercial aspects of game development, which proved valuable in steering Savvy’s rapid growth and in negotiating high‑profile deals. Ward’s resignation comes on the heels of a monumental development in the broader Saudi‑backed gaming landscape: the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by the PIF for a staggering $55 billion. The EA deal, announced just a month prior to Ward’s departure, has sparked internal debate within Savvy about the future governance and strategic alignment of two massive Saudi‑owned gaming entities. Sources familiar with the situation, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that the EA purchase raised concerns about potential overlaps in operational oversight, resource allocation, and market positioning for the two companies.
Some insiders feared that managing two globally influential, Saudi‑funded gaming firms could create conflicts of interest or dilute focus on each organization’s distinct objectives. Industry analysts suggest that Ward’s exit may be a strategic move to allow Savvy to recalibrate its leadership structure in response to the new competitive environment created by the EA acquisition. By installing Alnowaiser as an interim leader, the PIF can ensure that Savvy’s strategic direction remains aligned with the fund’s overarching investment thesis while it searches for a permanent CEO who can navigate the complexities of a rapidly consolidating market.
Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue its aggressive expansion, leveraging the substantial capital backing of the PIF to acquire additional studios, invest in emerging technologies such as cloud gaming and virtual reality, and develop original titles that resonate with a global audience. The company’s mission—to position Saudi Arabia as a major hub for game development and distribution—remains unchanged, even as the leadership baton passes to new hands. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period defined by massive financial commitment, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear vision of diversifying the Saudi economy through interactive entertainment. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim appointment signals continuity and stability, while also providing the organization with an opportunity to reassess its strategic priorities in light of the recent EA takeover.
The next few months will be critical as Savvy determines its long‑term leadership and continues to shape the future of the global gaming industry from Riyadh.