Savvy to focus on games development in next 2 years: CEO

Brian Ward CEO Savvy Games Group

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

This approach has yielded positive results through acquisitions such as Scopely and Niantic, in addition to investments in local studios like Mirai, said CEO Brian Ward.
 

“The company will continue over the next two years to seize qualitative opportunities in game development and publishing to expand its investment portfolio, with the aim to accelerate the realization of the Crown Prince’s vision for Saudi Arabia to become the home of the world’s leading gaming company by 2030,” Ward said, in a statement to Argaam on the sidelines of the joint media conference with Scopely’s CEO.
 

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 fields, such as music and the influencer economy, to expand the esports audience base.
 

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

Additionally, The Niantic deal – which has been concluded recently – is progressing faster than expected, said the top executive, stressing that Pokémon GO has significant growth potential through additional marketing strategies and direct-to-consumer channels.
 

He also 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.