The Billion-Dollar Bet That’s Reshaping Gaming
Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group has burst onto the gaming scene, dropping billions of dollars on major acquisitions, esports domination, and a bold plan to make Saudi Arabia a global gaming hub.
But why?
But is this a real industry revolution — or just a PR move wrapped in billion-dollar deals?
In this article, we break down:
✅ The massive investments and acquisitions shaping the industry
✅ Savvy’s esports empire and global expansion plans
✅ The controversy — is this just ‘gaming for image’?
✅ What’s next? Will they buy a major publisher? Can they actually make great games?
Like it or not, Savvy is here to stay. But will they change gaming forever — or just buy their way in? Let’s dive in.
Earlier articles that I wrote:
Xsolla Just Changed the Game — Here’s What It Means for You
Supercell’s Biggest Lesson: Why Brawl Stars Won Big and Squad Busters Didn’t
The Rise, Fall, and Future of Ubisoft — Can the Gaming Giant Rebound?
When Gaming Meets Music: How Two Digital Giants Can Learn from Each Other
Roblox Just Got a Reality Check — Here’s What the Game Industry Should Learn
Now let’s continue with today’s story. Savvy time!
1. Introduction: Who is Savvy Games Group?
The games industry is no stranger to big money, but few companies have shaken things up quite like Savvy Games Group. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably seen their name pop up next to some insanely big numbers — multi-billion-dollar acquisitions, investments in top publishers, and massive esports plays.
So, who are they? And why does Saudi Arabia — a country not exactly known for its gaming heritage — suddenly want to be the next big global gaming powerhouse?
Here’s what we know: Savvy Games Group (SGG) was founded in 2021, and it’s wholly owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — one of the biggest government-backed investment funds in the world. And they’re not here to play small.
Their goal? To transform Saudi Arabia into a gaming and esports hub, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 strategy — basically, a huge push to diversify its economy beyond oil and, let’s be honest, reshape its global image.
But let’s get real: Money alone doesn’t make you a gaming powerhouse. The industry runs on creative vision, culture, and trust — and that’s where the skepticism kicks in. Can a company backed by a country with a questionable human rights record really gain the industry’s trust?
That’s what we’re here to explore.
2. The Big Numbers: Savvy’s Billion-Dollar Investments
Alright, let’s talk numbers. Because if there’s one thing Savvy Games Group does well, it’s spending big — really big.
Since launching in 2021, they’ve committed a staggering $37.8 billion to gaming investments. To put that into perspective, that’s more than what Microsoft paid for Activision Blizzard ($68.7B) — except Savvy isn’t buying one company, they’re building an entire gaming empire.
Here’s how the money breaks down:
Biggest Acquisitions and Investments
- $4.9 billion — Acquired Scopely, a mobile gaming giant behind Marvel Strike Force and MONOPOLY GO!
- $1 billion — Bought a stake in Embracer Group, the Swedish company that owns studios like Gearbox, THQ Nordic, and Crystal Dynamics.
- $500 million+ — Merged ESL Gaming and FaceIt into ESL FACEIT Group, creating one of the biggest esports organizations in the world.
- $13.3 billion — Set aside for acquiring a major publisher (Ubisoft? Take-Two? EA? Speculation is wild.)
Public Investment Fund (PIF) Stakes in Global Gaming
Savvy’s parent company, PIF, also owns pieces of some of the biggest publishers in the world:
- 8.26% of Nintendo (biggest external shareholder)
- 5%+ of Capcom & Nexon
- 9% of EA
- Stakes in Activision Blizzard, Take-Two, and Koei Tecmo
Translation? Saudi Arabia isn’t just investing in gaming; it’s quietly buying influence across the industry.
The Esports Push
Savvy isn’t just after game studios — they want to dominate esports too.
- They merged ESL and FaceIt, creating the ESL FACEIT Group, which now controls some of the biggest esports events in the world.
- They’re investing in Saudi gaming infrastructure, with plans to build gaming venues and host major esports tournaments.
What’s the Endgame?
The official story is that Savvy wants to make Saudi Arabia a gaming hub — creating 39,000 gaming jobs and 250 gaming companies by 2030.
The unofficial reality?
- They want legitimacy. Gaming isn’t just an investment — it’s a PR play for Saudi Arabia’s global image.
- They want influence. When you own parts of Nintendo, EA, and Capcom, you get a seat at the table for future industry moves.
- They want control. With billions in esports, they’re positioning Saudi Arabia as the home of competitive gaming.
The question is: Can they actually pull it off?
3. How Savvy is Reshaping the Gaming Industry
So, Savvy has money — lots of it. But money alone doesn’t automatically make you a power player in the gaming world. To truly reshape the industry, you need influence, infrastructure, and strategic plays. And that’s exactly what Savvy is working on.
Let’s break down how they’re changing the game — literally.
a. Building a Global Gaming Presence
Savvy isn’t just writing checks and hoping for the best. They’re laying the groundwork to make Saudi Arabia a major player in the global gaming ecosystem.
- Global Workforce: 3,500+ employees across 22 countries
- Saudi Expansion: Plans to create 250 gaming and esports companies by 2030
- Job Creation: Aiming to generate 39,000 jobs in the gaming sector
This isn’t just about Saudi Arabia joining the gaming industry — it’s about becoming a leader in it.
b. Dominating Esports
If you control where esports happens, you control a massive chunk of gaming culture. That’s why Savvy’s esports strategy is just as important as their game investments.
- ESL + FACEIT = ESL FACEIT Group (EFG)One of the biggest esports organizers in the worldHosts tournaments for Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and more
- Gaming InfrastructureInvesting in venues and training centers to bring major esports events to Saudi Arabia
Translation? They want Saudi Arabia to be the new global hub for esports — and they’re putting serious money behind it.
c. Supporting Game Developers
Savvy isn’t just acquiring big names — they’re also building the next generation of gaming companies.
- Nine66: Their incubator/accelerator for gaming startups
- Partnership with HP: Expanding game development and esports training in Saudi universities
- $80M Fund with Merak Capital: Helping Saudi developers scale their studios and go global
They’re not just buying companies — they’re building an ecosystem.
d. Expanding Their Global Influence
This is where things get interesting. Savvy isn’t just owning pieces of the industry; they’re positioning themselves as a necessary partner for anyone wanting to grow in the Middle East.
- Japanese Game Market InfluencePIF owns stakes in Nintendo, Capcom, Nexon, Koei TecmoSavvy is in talks with Japanese developers about expansion into Saudi Arabia & MENA
- Western Publisher ConnectionsTheir stakes in EA, Take-Two, and Activision Blizzard give them leverage in industry decisions
- Esports LeadershipWith ESL FACEIT Group, they own some of the biggest esports tournaments on the planet
The Big Picture: What’s the Endgame?
Savvy isn’t just investing in gaming — they’re integrating themselves into every layer of the industry.
The vision?
- Make Saudi Arabia a global HQ for gaming and esports
- Become a go-to partner for major publishers
- Control esports infrastructure and become the industry’s competitive gaming hub
So, is Savvy Reshaping the Industry?
✅ Yes, financially. You don’t drop $37.8B into gaming without making waves.
✅ Yes, strategically. They’re embedding themselves into the biggest publishers, esports, and game development ecosystems.
❌ Not yet, creatively. They’re buying into the industry, but they haven’t proven they can build great games yet.
And that’s where the real challenge begins.
4. Is Savvy Just ‘Gaming for Image’ or a True Industry Force?
Let’s be real — when a country with a history of human rights controversies suddenly drops billions into gaming, people are going to ask questions.
Is Savvy Games Group really here to build a gaming empire? Or is this just a massive PR move — a way for Saudi Arabia to improve its global image through the gaming industry?
The “Sportswashing” Accusation
This isn’t the first time Saudi Arabia has been accused of using entertainment to clean up its reputation.
- Formula 1, LIV Golf, WWE, football (Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Benzema) — all major sports investments linked to the Saudi government.
- Now, it’s gaming’s turn.
Critics say Savvy’s gaming push isn’t about industry growth — it’s about global optics. A way to shift focus away from issues like human rights, press freedom, and LGBTQ+ discrimination by aligning with something positive and widely accepted.
And let’s not forget:
- The Last of Us Part II (featuring an LGBTQ+ protagonist) was banned in Saudi Arabia.
- Homosexuality is illegal, with severe punishments.
- Women’s rights, while improving, are still a global concern.
So how does Savvy reconcile Western gaming culture — often progressive and inclusive — with Saudi’s more conservative reality?
Savvy’s Response: “We’re Just Here to Build Games”
Brian Ward, Savvy’s CEO, completely rejects the idea that this is about PR.
- He insists Savvy runs like any normal gaming company, with no government interference.
- “We’ve been given carte blanche to operate as a true games company, consistent with industry values.”
- He argues that Saudi Arabia is changing, and that many criticisms don’t reflect the country’s transformation over the last five years.
How Much Independence Does Savvy Really Have?
Here’s the thing — Savvy might say they have full autonomy, but at the end of the day…
- They’re owned 100% by Saudi’s Public Investment Fund.
- Their chairman is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Their board approves their overall strategy.
So while they might not be dictated to on a daily basis, there’s zero chance they operate without some level of government alignment.
The Industry’s Response: Cautious Interest
Despite the controversy, major companies are still taking Savvy’s calls.
- Why? Because money talks.
- The MENA region is one of the fastest-growing gaming markets in the world.
- 68% of Saudi’s population identifies as gamers — a huge audience for publishers.
- There are more gamers in the Middle East than in the U.S. or Western Europe.
So even if companies don’t love the optics, the business opportunity is too big to ignore.
Reality Check: Will Savvy Be a Creative Powerhouse?
Here’s the biggest test for Savvy’s credibility: Can they create something meaningful?
- Buying companies is easy.
- Building great games that players love? That’s hard.
So far, Savvy has spent billions, but they haven’t actually produced a major hit game. Until that happens, the industry will always wonder:
- Are they true innovators?
- Or just a financial juggernaut throwing money at problems?
The Balancing Act
Savvy is trying to walk a fine line.
- On one side: Western gaming culture — progressive, inclusive, creative.
- On the other: Saudi Arabia’s conservative reality — censorship, government control, and deep-rooted traditions.
Can they really bridge the gap? That’s the $37.8 billion question.
5. The Future: What’s Next for Savvy Games Group?
Alright, we’ve seen the big money moves, the esports takeover, and the controversy. But now comes the big question:
What’s next?
Savvy isn’t slowing down. If anything, they’re just getting started.
1. The Big Acquisition: Who’s Next?
Savvy has $13.3 billion set aside to buy a major game publisher.
So, who’s on the shopping list?
💰 Ubisoft?
- Struggling with delays, cancellations, and a need for a big backer.
- Has strong global franchises like Assassin’s Creed & Far Cry.
- But… does Ubisoft really want to be owned by a government-backed entity?
💰 Take-Two?
- GTA VI is about to be the biggest game launch in history.
- Owns Rockstar (GTA, Red Dead), 2K (NBA, Borderlands), Zynga (mobile games).
- Would be a MASSIVE win for Savvy, but also insanely expensive.
💰 Electronic Arts?
- Already 9% owned by PIF.
- FIFA (EA Sports FC), Battlefield, Apex Legends — biggest sports game portfolio in the world.
- But EA is strong financially — do they even need a buyout?
💰 A Dark Horse Pick?
- A Japanese publisher like SEGA, Square Enix, or Capcom?
- A mobile giant like Rovio or Zynga?
- Or could Savvy shock the industry and go after a Western giant like CD Projekt Red?
One thing’s for sure: Someone big is getting bought. It’s just a matter of who and when.
2. Expanding Saudi Arabia’s Gaming Ecosystem
Savvy isn’t just buying its way into the industry — they’re building infrastructure, too.
🏗️ Game Development Hubs
- Plans to establish 250 gaming companies in Saudi Arabia by 2030.
- Gaming accelerators, incubators, and funding to grow local talent.
🎮 More Esports Domination
- Bringing major esports events to Saudi Arabia.
- Building venues & training centers to develop regional talent.
🚀 Attracting Western Studios to Saudi Arabia
- Tencent, Epic, NetEase, and others are already exploring MENA expansion.
- Savvy wants to make Saudi the gaming capital of the Middle East.
3. Will Savvy Finally Make Its Own Games?
Right now, Savvy is mostly an investor. But at some point, they need to prove they can actually make great games.
👀 Savvy Games Studios (their in-house dev team) has been quiet so far.
- Will they launch a mobile hit through Scopely?
- Will they buy a AAA studio to start making console games?
- Or will they license big franchises and make Saudi-funded games based on global IPs?
Until they actually release a game that people love, they’ll always be seen as just a financial player — not a creative one.
4. Can Savvy Really Change the Industry?
💰 Financially? Absolutely.
- They’re throwing more money at gaming than almost anyone else.
- They own stakes in Nintendo, EA, Capcom, and more.
🎮 Esports & Infrastructure? Yep.
- ESL FACEIT Group runs some of the biggest esports events in the world.
- Saudi Arabia is becoming a hub for esports & game development.
🌍 Culturally & Creatively? Not yet.
- They haven’t built a truly great game yet.
- Western studios are still hesitant to fully align with them.
So, can money alone turn them into a real industry leader?
The next five years will tell us everything.
Should the Industry Take Savvy Seriously?
🔹 Like it or not, Savvy is here to stay.
🔹 They’ve got deep pockets, a clear strategy, and major industry influence.
🔹 But without creative credibility, they’ll always be seen as an outsider buying their way in.
For now, the gaming world is watching.
Will Savvy actually build something that gamers love? Or will they just keep buying pieces of the industry without truly understanding it?
Either way… they’re changing gaming forever.
Niantic Nears $3.5 Billion Sale of Pokémon Go Unit to Saudi-Owned Scopely
Niantic Inc., the creator of Pokémon Go, is in advanced discussions to sell its video-game business to Scopely Inc., a Saudi Arabia-owned gaming company, for approximately $3.5 billion.
While a deal is not yet finalized, an announcement could come within weeks. The acquisition would include Pokémon Go and other mobile titles, as Niantic has struggled to replicate the success of its 2016 AR hit, leading to layoffs and project cancellations.
Scopely, owned by Savvy Games Group under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has been expanding its gaming portfolio. Niantic, originally a Google spin-off, has also been developing geospatial mapping tools alongside its gaming ventures.
The potential sale aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy through major investments in the gaming industry.
And that’s the real story of Savvy Games Group.
What do you think? Should the industry welcome them — or keep them at arm’s length?
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Thank you for reading. Every day I look at the gaming industry, read up on things, and talk to industry people. In my Medium blogs, I try to give my readers and 1.5K followers a solid sense of trends, analysis, investments, and more in gaming. If you found this interesting, I’d appreciate it if you shared the article — but even more, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
