Brian Ward has announced his resignation from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as disclosed in an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. In his farewell note, Ward explained that the company is poised to enter a new phase of "transformational growth" and that fresh leadership is essential to guide this evolution. He expressed confidence that a change at the helm would better position Savvy to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the rapidly shifting gaming landscape.
Taking over the reins on an interim basis will be 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 interim CEO while the organization searches for a permanent replacement, ensuring continuity of strategy and operations during the transition period. Ward’s tenure at Savvy Games Group began when the firm was founded in 2021. Over the past few years, he has overseen a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—directed at expanding Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game sector.
This investment strategy reflects the broader objectives of the PIF, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy and drive social transformation through high‑tech and entertainment ventures. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy Games Group has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, securing several high‑profile studios to build a robust portfolio of gaming IPs. Notably, the company acquired Moonton, the developer behind the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from ByteDance for a reported $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy completed a landmark purchase of Scopely, a U.S.
mobile game publisher, for roughly $4.9 billion, marking one of the largest deals in the sector to date. These acquisitions were intended to accelerate the development of original content, expand distribution channels, and integrate advanced analytics and monetisation capabilities across the group’s ecosystem.
Before joining Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the video‑game industry, holding senior positions at major publishers and platform providers such as Electronic Arts, Xbox, and Activision. His background in product development, global publishing, and strategic partnerships equipped him to navigate the complexities of building a Saudi‑backed gaming conglomerate that could compete on a global scale. Ward’s departure comes just weeks after a monumental transaction in which the PIF‑led consortium acquired Electronic Arts for $55 billion.
The acquisition of EA, one of the world’s largest game publishers, has sparked internal discussions within Savvy about the future governance and operational alignment of two massive Saudi‑owned gaming entities. According to sources who requested anonymity, there are concerns about potential overlaps, cultural integration, and the optimal allocation of resources between the two organizations. Industry analysts suggest that the timing of Ward’s exit may signal a strategic recalibration as the PIF seeks to harmonise its expanding portfolio of gaming assets. The appointment of Alnowaiser, a senior figure within the fund’s investment arm, underscores the importance the Saudi government places on ensuring that its gaming ambitions are coordinated with broader economic diversification goals outlined in Vision 2030.
Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue its expansion agenda, focusing on talent acquisition, technology development, and the creation of locally produced titles that can resonate with both regional and international audiences. The interim leadership will likely prioritize stabilising ongoing projects, maintaining relationships with acquired studios, and preparing the ground for the next permanent CEO, who will be tasked with steering the company through an increasingly competitive market. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era for Savvy Games Group, a period characterised by rapid capital deployment, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear mandate to position Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global gaming industry.
With Turqi Alnowaiser stepping in as interim acting CEO, the organization aims to preserve momentum while it evaluates its long‑term leadership needs and aligns its strategy with the broader objectives of the Public Investment Fund.