Savvy to focus on game development, publishing in next 2 years to boost investment portfolio: CEO

Brian Ward CEO Savvy Games Group

Savvy Games Group, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), focused since inception on the esports sector during its first year and a half, but then shifted its investments more heavily towards game development and publishing, said CEO Brian Ward.

This approach has yielded positive results through acquisitions such as Scopely and Niantic, in addition to investments in local studios such as Mirai, he told Argaam on the sidelines of a joint media conference with Scopely’s CEO.

“The company will continue over the next two years to seize qualitative opportunities in game development and publishing to expand its investment portfolio,” Ward said.

The aim is to accelerate the realization of the Crown Prince’s vision for Saudi Arabia to become the home for the world’s leading gaming company by 2030.

He added that Savvy is not directly focusing on sectors outside of gaming and esports, but sees indirect opportunities through potential partnerships with other entertainment sectors, such as music and the influencer economy, to expand the esports audience base.

Ward stated that the Scopely acquisition delivered higher-than-expected financial results, with its business size tripling since the deal.

Additionally, the Niantic's games business deal, which was concluded recently, is progressing faster than expected. He emphasized that Pokémon GO has significant growth potential through additional marketing strategies and direct-to-consumer channels.

He pointed out that 70% of Pokémon GO players have been active for over five years, expressing strong confidence in the game’s continued success and its growing status within Savvy’s portfolio.