Unveiling Savvy Games Group: Saudi Arabia's Bold Venture into the Gaming Industry

Saudi Arabia is making a significant foray into the video game industry through its Public Investment Fund, with substantial investments in prominent gaming companies such as Capcom, Nexon, and Nintendo. The fund's subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, has been actively acquiring stakes in major gaming companies, including a $1 billion stake in Embracer Group and a $4.9 billion acquisition of mobile publisher Scopely. Savvy has also allocated $37.8 billion to develop Saudi Arabia's presence in the global gaming industry, with $13.3 billion earmarked for acquiring a major publisher. The company's CEO, Brian Ward, aims to establish Savvy as a major player in the gaming industry, with a focus on growing the sector and creating new opportunities. Ward emphasizes that Savvy operates independently, making its own strategic decisions, despite being owned by the Public Investment Fund. However, the company's connection to the Saudi government raises concerns about the nation's human rights record and its potential impact on the gaming industry. Ward stresses that Savvy is committed to upholding the values and culture of the gaming industry, prioritizing diversity, inclusivity, and fairness in its operations. The company plans to continue investing in esports and gaming companies, exploring opportunities in PC and AAA console games, and aims to grow the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and North Africa region.