Savvy Games Group Eyes Expansion into PC and Consoles Market

In an interview with PocketGamer.biz at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Savvy Games CEO Brian Ward outlined the company’s next major strategic move: entering the PC and console market . Building on its acquisitions of Scopely in 2023 and Niantic in 2025, Savvy Games is positioning itself as “one of the most active and prolific investors” in the gaming and esports sectors. Savvy Games is backed by multi-billion-dollar capital investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) .

While nothing is imminent, Ward is quoted as saying, “We do need to turn our mind to PC and console.” As Savvy Games embarks on this expansion beyond mobile games, Savvy Games must navigate a host of legal and regulatory considerations spanning foreign investment review, competition law, intellectual property rights, data privacy concerns, and complex tax considerations. Below, we identify the principal issues likely to shape Savvy Games’ next bold M&A move.

Foreign Investment and National Security Scrutiny

Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)

Any significant acquisition of U.S.-based PC or console studios (or one with U.S.-based subsidiaries) will trigger mandatory filings with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the interagency body tasked with reviewing foreign investments for national security risks. Given Savvy Games’ PIF backing, U.S. regulators will closely examine whether the transaction could grant Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund access to sensitive technologies (e.g., proprietary game engines, user-data analytics platforms) or create pathways for foreign intelligence gathering via hardware or software. Similar concerns were raised in several investments (namely Riot Games, Epic Games, and Sumo Group) made by Chinese-owned gaming conglomerate Tencent. Those concerns were cleared by CFIUS, leading to Tencent’s continued investment in U.S.-based entities like Skydance-Paramount.

European Union Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR)

Similarly, the EU’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR) requires disclosures of acquisitions benefiting from foreign support that may disrupt fair competition. Savvy Games’ deep PIF funding will need to be disclosed and assessed for “competitive distortions” according to the EU’s European Commission.

Antitrust and Competition Law
Savvy Games’ M&A and investment practices, from ESL to Faceit and Nintendo, has allowed it to be a game changer. In 2023, Savvy Games backed out of a USD 2 billion investment in The Embracer Group leading to mass restructuring, showing the outsized influence it holds. Should Savvy Games target major console or PC publishers, U.S. and EU antitrust enforcers will likely investigate whether the consolidation dampens competition in key segments, such as first-person shooters or multiplayer games.

To secure antitrust clearance, Savvy Games may need to offer risk-mitigation plans prior to acquisition or enact solutions like ones they have employed in the past, such as divesting overlapping studios to alleviate concerns over market foreclosure or bringing in acquisitions as “autonomous business units under the Savvy umbrella.”

Intellectual Property and Licensing Complexities

According to a report published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) acquiring PC and console developers often entails complex rights structures, with IP licenses carved by region, platform, and sequel-rights. Savvy Games should perform thorough IP due diligence to ensure that all acquired assets and associated licenses are clear of any third-party claims, since any overlooked obligations could result in unexpected liabilities down the road.

Data Privacy and Consumer Protection

Data and Privacy Protections

PC and console gamers often generate significant amounts of data like voice chat recordings, geolocation tracking, and payment card details. Under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CPRA), Savvy Games will need robust data-governance frameworks to manage cross-border data transfers, secure valid consents, honor data-subject rights, and maintain breach-notification protocols .

Protection for Minors

Furthermore, titles appealing to minors trigger the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) compliance in the U.S. Failure to obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13 can result in six-figure FTC penalties per violation. Savvy Games’ legal team must audit all new PC and console launches for potential child-directed content to verify age and privacy disclosures.

Tax Considerations

PIF’s global investments often use Luxembourg or the Cayman Islands as holding jurisdictions for tax purposes. Savvy Games will need to structure its PC and console acquisitions through appropriate subsidiaries to avoid adverse tax treatment that could trigger unexpected taxes in the U.S. or Europe.

Conclusion

PIF, through Savvy Games, has publicly committed to investing USD 37.8 billion in “making the kingdom a global hub for gaming.” Savvy Games Group’s push into the PC and console arena represents a natural evolution for PIF’s plan to expand its presence in the gaming industry. Yet this strategy raises a pandora’s box of legal challenges, from national security reviews and antitrust clearances to IP diligence, and data-privacy obligations. By addressing these issues, Savvy Games can continue preserving its position as a leader in the gaming and esports industry while also furthering PIF’s ambition to expand and diversify its global holdings.