Games Done Quick Cancels SNK Stream Due to Saudi Arabia Ties
SNK sponsorship terminated due to connections with Saudi Arabia.
1Sponsorship Cancellation
Games Done Quick (GDQ) abruptly canceled SNK's sponsorship during its summer event. This decision stemmed from community concerns about SNK's ties with the Saudi Arabian government. The event raised over $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders.
2Community Concerns
GDQ took into account community concerns regarding SNK's majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and its human rights violations. This led to a review of sponsorship processes.
3SNK's Ownership
SNK is a Japan-based game developer and publisher. However, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Misk Foundation holds a majority stake in SNK. The foundation also owns a 5% stake in Capcom.
4Saudi Arabia's Investments
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has made significant investments in the video game industry in recent years. The fund holds a 5% stake in Capcom and participated in the $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts last year.
5GDQ's Statement
GDQ announced on Bluesky that it would not collaborate with SNK in the future. They also stated that they would review sponsorship processes and scrutinize companies' ownership structures more closely.
6Event's Success
Despite the cancellation of SNK's sponsorship, the Summer Games Done Quick event raised over $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders. This highlights the event's success and community support.