CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group Brian Ward steps down after overseeing billions in mobile gaming acquisitions
Brian Ward has stepped down as CEO of Savvy Games Group, the Saudi Arabian state-owned gaming investment vehicle, after overseeing roughly $38bn in acquisitions including Niantic and Scopely. His departure comes shortly after Saudi Arabia's $55bn leveraged buyout of Electronic Arts, the largest acquisition of its kind in gaming history, which reportedly sparked internal concern at Savvy about how the two Saudi-backed gaming businesses would coexist. Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor of the Public Investment Fund, will take over on an interim basis while Savvy determines its next direction.
During Ward's tenure, Savvy spent $3.5bn on Pokémon Go developer Niantic and $4.9bn on Monopoly Go studio Scopely, alongside heavy investment in esports through the Esports World Cup, an event that has yet to turn a profit and recently relocated from Riyadh to Paris amid regional instability. Industry commentator George Osborn praised Ward's discipline, citing the Scopely deal and the decision to pull out of Embracer at the right time, while suggesting Savvy's future could see it absorbed under EA or folded back into the PIF as part of Vision 2030.
- Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward steps down after $38bn investment run
- Interim successor is PIF deputy governor Turqi Alnowaiser
- Move follows Saudi Arabia's $55bn EA buyout, raising internal uncertainty
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Saudi Arabia has used its Public Investment Fund (PIF), its sovereign wealth fund, to invest in gaming through Savvy Games Group. Savvy owns or invests in game developers and runs esports projects, including the Esports World Cup.
Savvy’s investments have included Niantic, known for Pokémon Go, and Scopely, which makes Monopoly Go. These deals are part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and build entertainment industries.
The PIF also backs Electronic Arts, a major video game publisher, through a separate investment. Having both Savvy and EA under Saudi ownership raises questions about how their businesses and plans may fit together.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ward’s departure could give Savvy a chance to reassess a vast and complex portfolio after major acquisitions and costly esports investments, while clarifying how it should relate to Saudi-backed EA. An interim leader from the Public Investment Fund may be well placed to align Savvy’s next steps with the fund’s broader strategy and Vision 2030.
The case against
A leadership change after billions in acquisitions could disrupt execution just as Savvy faces the challenge of managing its portfolio alongside EA and building sustainable returns from esports. Ward’s record, including the Scopely deal and a timely exit from Embracer, gives a reasonable case for continuity, and uncertainty over Savvy’s future structure could unsettle staff and business partners.
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