Brian Ward has announced his departure from the role of chief executive officer at Savvy Games Group, as detailed 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." Following Ward's exit, Turqi Alnowaiser, who serves as the deputy governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and heads its International Investments Division, will step in as interim acting CEO.
Alnowaiser’s appointment signals the PIF’s continued hands‑on involvement in steering Savvy’s strategic direction during the transition period. Ward has been at the helm of Savvy Games Group since the organization’s inception in 2021.
Over the past three years, he has overseen a massive capital injection of roughly $37.8 billion, a sum earmarked to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s footprint in the worldwide video‑game market. The fund, wholly owned by the PIF, was created as part of the kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and foster a vibrant, knowledge‑based entertainment sector. Under Ward’s leadership, Savvy Games Group pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy aimed at building a portfolio of high‑profile studios and intellectual property assets.
Notably, the company purchased Moonton, the developer behind the popular mobile title “Mobile Legends,” from Chinese tech giant Bytedance for an estimated $6 million earlier this year. In addition, Savvy completed a landmark $4.9 billion acquisition of Scopely, a U.S. mobile gaming powerhouse, in 2023. These deals were intended to give the Saudi‑backed firm a foothold in both the Asian and Western gaming ecosystems, providing cross‑regional synergies and a diversified revenue base.
Before joining Savvy, Ward built a distinguished career in the interactive entertainment industry, holding senior positions at several marquee companies. He spent time at Electronic Arts, where he contributed to the launch of major franchises, and later served in leadership roles at Microsoft’s Xbox division and at Activision. His experience across development, publishing, and corporate strategy equipped him to navigate the complex regulatory and cultural landscape that accompanies large‑scale cross‑border investments in gaming.
Ward’s resignation comes just weeks after a high‑profile transaction that saw the PIF lead a consortium to acquire Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The deal, one of the largest in the history of the sector, raised internal questions within Savvy about how two massive Saudi‑owned gaming entities would be coordinated and governed.
Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that the EA acquisition sparked concerns regarding potential overlaps in strategy, resource allocation, and brand positioning between the two firms. Industry observers note that the timing of Ward’s departure may reflect broader strategic recalibrations within the PIF’s entertainment portfolio.
As the fund consolidates its holdings, it may seek to streamline decision‑making processes, reduce redundancies, and align the objectives of its various gaming assets under a unified vision. Appointing Alnowaiser—who already oversees the PIF’s international investments—could facilitate tighter integration and ensure that Savvy’s next growth phase is closely coordinated with the broader objectives of the sovereign wealth fund. Looking ahead, Savvy Games Group is expected to continue its expansion agenda, leveraging the substantial capital base provided by the PIF to acquire additional studios, invest in emerging technologies such as cloud gaming and virtual reality, and develop original content that resonates with global audiences.
The interim leadership period under Alnowaiser will likely focus on stabilizing ongoing operations, finalizing any pending deals, and setting a clear strategic roadmap for the incoming permanent CEO. Stakeholders, including employees, partners, and investors, have been reassured that the transition will be smooth and that the company’s core mission—to position Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for game development and publishing—remains unchanged. The PIF’s continued involvement underscores its commitment to the sector and signals that the kingdom will maintain its momentum in reshaping the global gaming landscape. In summary, Brian Ward’s exit marks the end of a formative chapter for Savvy Games Group, during which the organization grew from a nascent venture into a multi‑billion‑dollar player with a diversified portfolio of studios and titles.
With Turqi Alnowaiser stepping in as interim acting CEO, the firm is poised to navigate the next phase of its evolution, balancing the ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s diversification agenda with the competitive realities of the worldwide gaming industry.