Brian Ward has announced his resignation from the chief executive position 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 this next evolution.
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 confidence in the organization’s future and a desire to hand over the reins to someone who can build on the foundations he helped lay. Taking over the helm on an interim basis will be Turqi Alnowaiser, who currently serves as deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and heads the fund’s International Investments Division. Alnowaiser’s appointment reflects the close relationship between Savvy Games Group and its sole shareholder, the PIF, and suggests that the fund intends to keep strategic oversight tightly aligned with its broader investment objectives while it searches for a permanent chief executive.
Ward’s tenure at Savvy began when the entity was created in 2021. Over the past few years, he has overseen a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—aimed at establishing Saudi Arabia as a serious player in the worldwide video‑game market. The fund’s ambition, which Ward frequently highlighted, is to diversify the kingdom’s economy and support social transformation through high‑tech, culturally resonant entertainment.
In his own words, Savvy Games Group is part of Saudi Arabia’s "economic diversification and social transformation" agenda, a statement that underscores the strategic importance the government places on the gaming sector as a driver of new jobs, talent development, and international soft power. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy to quickly build a portfolio of development studios and publishing capabilities.
Notable deals include the purchase of Moonton, the Chinese studio behind the popular battle‑royale title "Mobile Legends," which was bought from Bytedance for roughly $6 million earlier this year. In 2023, Savvy closed a landmark transaction for the acquisition of Scopely, a U.S. mobile‑gaming powerhouse, for an estimated $4.9 billion. These moves were designed to give the Saudi‑backed group a foothold in both Asian and Western markets, diversify its game genres, and accelerate its roadmap for original IP creation.
Before joining Savvy, Ward accumulated decades of experience at some of the world’s most influential gaming and interactive entertainment firms. He held senior roles at Electronic Arts, where he contributed to the growth of flagship franchises; at Microsoft’s Xbox division, where he helped shape console strategy and ecosystem development; and at Activision, where he was involved in publishing and global distribution. This background gave him a deep understanding of the industry’s commercial dynamics, talent pipelines, and the importance of aligning creative vision with monetization models.
Ward’s departure comes on the heels of a major corporate development that has reverberated throughout the gaming sector: the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by the PIF for $55 billion. The deal, one of the largest ever in the entertainment space, raised internal questions at Savvy about how two massive Saudi‑owned gaming entities would be coordinated, governed, and integrated.
Sources familiar with the situation, who asked to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg that the EA transaction sparked concerns within Savvy regarding potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and brand positioning. Those concerns appear to have contributed to Ward’s decision to step aside, allowing the organization to reassess its leadership structure in light of the new corporate landscape. The interim appointment of Turqi Alnowaiser signals a period of careful stewardship.
As deputy governor of the PIF, Alnowaiser brings a macro‑economic perspective and a deep familiarity with the fund’s long‑term strategic goals. His experience overseeing international investments will be valuable as Savvy navigates the complexities of cross‑border studio integrations, regulatory environments, and the competitive pressures of a rapidly evolving gaming market.
Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue its push into both development and publishing, leveraging the capital and strategic guidance of the PIF to attract top talent, invest in next‑generation technologies such as cloud gaming and AI‑driven content creation, and expand its reach into emerging markets. The company’s roadmap likely includes further acquisitions, partnerships with established publishers, and the launch of original titles that reflect Saudi cultural narratives while appealing to a global audience. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, a period characterized by rapid expansion, high‑profile acquisitions, and a clear mandate to position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global gaming ecosystem. Turqi Alnowaiser’s interim leadership will provide continuity and strategic alignment with the PIF’s broader objectives as the organization seeks a permanent CEO to guide its next phase of growth and innovation.