Brian Ward has announced his resignation as chief executive of Savvy Games Group, a move that was disclosed in an internal memorandum obtained by Bloomberg. 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 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 role 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 step in as acting CEO while the board conducts a search for a permanent replacement. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since its inception in 2021.
During his tenure, he oversaw a massive infusion of capital—approximately $37.8 billion—intended to expand Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game market. The fund that created Savvy, the PIF, is wholly owned by the Saudi government and has positioned the gaming venture as a cornerstone of the kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and promote social transformation beyond the traditional oil sector.
Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy aimed at building a portfolio of development studios and publishing assets. Notable deals included the purchase of Moonton, the creator of the popular mobile title "Mobile Legends," from Bytedance for roughly $6 million earlier in the year.
Later, in 2023, Savvy completed a landmark transaction acquiring Scopely, a leading mobile game publisher, for an estimated $4.9 billion. These acquisitions were designed to give Saudi investors a foothold in both the creation and distribution of globally popular games, aligning with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Before joining Savvy, Ward accumulated extensive experience in the interactive entertainment industry, holding senior positions at Electronic Arts, Xbox, and Activision. His background in large‑scale game publishing and platform development made him a natural fit for steering a state‑backed entity that aims to become a major player on the international stage. Ward’s departure comes only a month after the PIF‑led consortium completed a $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest game publishers.
According to Bloomberg, the EA deal sparked internal concerns within Savvy about how two massive Saudi‑owned gaming companies would be managed side by side. Sources who requested anonymity indicated that questions arose regarding governance, strategic alignment, and potential competition for resources between the two entities. The transition to Alnowaiser is expected to be smooth, given his deep involvement with the PIF’s international investment portfolio and his familiarity with the strategic priorities that drive Savvy’s mission. As interim acting CEO, he will oversee ongoing operations, continue integration of recent acquisitions, and maintain relationships with key partners and developers worldwide.
The board has indicated that a thorough search for a permanent chief executive will commence shortly, with the aim of finding a candidate who can build on Ward’s foundation while navigating the evolving landscape of global gaming. Industry observers note that the leadership change underscores the rapid pace at which Saudi Arabia is moving to become a significant stakeholder in the entertainment sector.
By leveraging the financial muscle of the PIF and recruiting seasoned executives from established Western gaming firms, the kingdom hopes to cultivate home‑grown talent, foster innovation, and eventually produce original IP that can compete on a global stage. In summary, Brian Ward’s resignation marks the end of an era defined by aggressive capital deployment and strategic acquisitions aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a formidable force in the video‑game industry.
Turqi Alnowaiser’s appointment as interim CEO provides continuity and signals the PIF’s commitment to maintaining momentum while it seeks a long‑term leader to steer Savvy Games Group through the next chapter of its ambitious growth plan.