Savvy Games
Savvy Games business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
MMO Week in Review: Foreverrrrr
BlizzCon 2026 saw major announcements including a new open-world StarCraft shooter, Diablo V for 2029, and World of Warcraft Forever launching soon. The event also revealed World of Warcraft's next retail expansion, The Last Titan, and sparked controversy over World of Warcraft Forever's monetization. Other news included the sunsetting of Ship of Heroes, layoffs at Pantheon Rise of the Fallen, and business dealings involving ArcheAge.
Evening Reading - September 11, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including Saudi Arabian investors considering a merger between EA and Savvy Games, EA Sports confirming the use of generative AI voice tech in NHL 27, and PlayStation reportedly shelving Hideo Kojima's Physint. It also notes Stellar Blade developers confirming game card sizes for the Nintendo Switch 2, the closure of Moss developer Polyarc, and Nintendo's legal win against Switch pirates.
EA’s New Owners May Be Considering An Even Bigger Gaming Empire
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has become the majority shareholder of Electronic Arts and is reportedly considering merging it with Savvy Games Group, another PIF-owned entity. This potential consolidation, which could also involve Moonton, Scopely, and SNK, aims to improve coordination among the PIF's gaming assets. However, the move faces regulatory scrutiny due to the vast number of major franchises that would fall under one umbrella, and employees fear significant cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and studio closures, may be implemented.
Pokémon Go and EA FC could be "under one roof", as EA and Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group reportedly considering merger
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts (EA) with its subsidiary Savvy Games Group to improve asset coordination. This potential merger follows EA's recent $55 billion acquisition by the PIF. Savvy Games Group already owns companies like Scopely and ESL, and has partial stakes in Capcom and Nintendo.
Saudi Arabian fund is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with its Savvy Games Group to improve coordination between its assets. This potential merger, which is not finalized and awaits the completion of Moonton acquisition, could significantly boost EA's mobile gaming efforts. The article expresses concern over the PIF's growing influence in the gaming industry, citing past deals and their ripple effects.
EA's Saudi Arabian owners are reportedly considering forming an ubermegacorp by merging them with Savvy Games
Following the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts, the PIF is reportedly considering merging EA with its existing firm, Savvy Games Group. This potential 'ubermegacorp' aims to better coordinate the PIF's gaming investments, though no decision has been made. Concerns exist regarding potential layoffs and the influence of the Saudi government's human rights record on creative decisions.
Saudi Arabia's PIF reportedly considering to combine EA with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts (EA) with its subsidiary, Savvy Games Group, to improve coordination between its assets. This potential merger is unlikely to proceed until Savvy completes its $6 billion acquisition of Moonton. EA's acquisition by the PIF was finalized last month, with assurances that creative control and player-first values would remain intact.
Saudi Arabia investors are considering merging EA with Savvy Games
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games, following its recent acquisition of EA. This potential merger is unlikely to proceed until Savvy Games completes its $6 billion acquisition of Moonton. If realized, the merger would bring together titles like Battlefield, Pokemon Go, and Apex Legends under a single entity.
EA’s New Owners Are Considering Merger With Savvy Games – Rumor
Following its acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Affinity Partners, and Silver Lake, Electronic Arts' new owners are reportedly considering a merger with Savvy Games. This potential consolidation aims to better capitalize on global gaming franchises like Madden NFL and Pokémon Go. While no final decision has been made, the merger is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.
Saudi Arabia reportedly looking at merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with its other gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. This potential merger, which would consolidate significant gaming assets under one umbrella, is said to be contingent on the PIF's acquisition of Moonton and would likely face regulatory scrutiny. The move could also lead to cost-saving measures, including layoffs at Electronic Arts, which recently incurred substantial debt from the PIF's acquisition.
Potential EA and Savvy Merger Would Create Gaming Giant
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly exploring a merger between Electronic Arts and Savvy Games Group to create a major player in the global gaming industry. The potential deal aims to consolidate PIF's investments and improve coordination, though no final decision has been made and regulatory hurdles are anticipated. This move would combine EA's console and PC presence with Savvy's mobile gaming operations and could serve as a vehicle for future acquisitions.
A month after buying EA, Saudi Arabia is reportedly looking to merge EA into a new mega-corporation
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which recently took Electronic Arts private, is reportedly considering merging EA into a new mega-corporation alongside Savvy Games. This potential move, aimed at consolidating the country's gaming strategy, could also involve acquisitions like Moonton and would likely face significant antitrust scrutiny.
Report: Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward departs company
Brian Ward, CEO of Saudi Arabian video game conglomerate Savvy Games Group, is reportedly stepping down. Ward announced his departure to employees, stating it's the right time for new leadership during the company's growth phase. Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor of the parent Public Investment Fund, will temporarily replace him.
MMO Business Roundup: Savvy Games’ CEO, Nvidia’s AI filter, and PlayStation 5’s monetization
This business roundup covers several key developments in the gaming industry. Savvy Games Group's CEO Brian Ward is stepping down, Nvidia's DLSS AI filter is criticized for negatively impacting game performance, and Sony's CEO Hiroki Totoki outlined plans to focus on monetizing the existing PlayStation 5 user base, particularly PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Brian Ward steps down as Savvy Games Group CEO
Brian Ward is stepping down as CEO of Savvy Games Group, a company established in 2021 to expand Saudi Arabia's presence in the global games industry. Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will serve as interim acting CEO. Ward's tenure saw significant acquisitions, including Scopely and Moonton.
CEO of Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group Brian Ward steps down after overseeing billions in mobile gaming acquisitions
Brian Ward, CEO of Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, has stepped down after overseeing billions in investments, including significant stakes in Niantic and Scopely. His departure comes amidst concerns following Saudi Arabia's recent acquisition of Electronic Arts. Industry analyst George Osborn noted Ward's diligent work in building Savvy's portfolio, balancing acquisitions with ecosystem development.
Roblox to establish Saudi Arabia headquarters to support MENA creators
Roblox is establishing a new headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to support its creator program across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This move signifies Roblox's long-term investment in Saudi Arabia and aligns with the country's Vision 2030 objectives to boost its digital economy and gaming sector. The initiative is supported by various Saudi government entities and follows a partnership with Savvy Games Group to enhance the region's gaming infrastructure and empower local creators.
'I feel dirty:' EA workers trapped in a maelstrom of cynicism and doubt after Saudi buyout
Employees at Electronic Arts are expressing deep cynicism and doubt following the company's buyout by an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite assurances from EA leadership, workers fear the acquisition will lead to cultural changes, potential project cancellations, and layoffs, as well as concerns about the country's human rights record and the use of 'sportswashing' and 'pixelwashing' to launder its image.
EU Clears Saudi-Led $55 Billion EA Buyout, But The Deal Isn’t Done Yet
The European Union has approved the $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts by Saudi-backed Savvy Games Group. However, the deal is not yet finalized, and concerns remain regarding market control and human rights issues associated with the acquisition.
Regulators clear the path: Saudi Arabia’s $55B takeover of EA loses its final barrier
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has received approval from the European Commission for its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, removing a major regulatory hurdle. The deal, which is the second-largest in video game history, has been cleared without competition concerns. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy and increase its presence in the global gaming market.
