Games Done Quick Cuts Sponsored SNK Stream Mid-Run Over Saudi Ownership Ties

Games Done Quick (GDQ) cut short a sponsored Metal Slug speedrunning showcase in the middle of a run during its Summer Games Done Quick charity marathon, then posted an explanation on Bluesky a few hours later. The reason: community backlash over sponsor SNK's ties to the Saudi Arabian government.

What Happened

SNK, a Japanese game developer best known for franchises like Metal Slug and King of Fighters, sponsored a showcase during the marathon. Partway through the stream, GDQ ended it early. In its statement, the organization said it had "heard the concerns from our community regarding this partnership, specifically the company's majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and the human rights concerns tied to the Saudi government."

GDQ went further than just canceling the segment. The group said it will not accept funding from or work with SNK again, and pledged to "review and strengthen" its sponsor vetting process, including "closer examination of companies' ownership," going forward.

Despite the disruption, the marathon still delivered for its charity partner. Summer Games Done Quick raised more than $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders, according to Engadget.

The Ownership Chain

SNK itself is Japanese. According to Engadget, majority ownership actually runs through the Misk Foundation, a nonprofit organization tied to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, via its gaming subsidiary Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC). That same EGDC subsidiary also holds a five percent stake in Capcom.

Separately, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) — the sovereign wealth fund chaired by bin Salman, and the entity GDQ named in its statement — holds its own roughly five percent stake in Capcom. PIF also joined two private equity firms last year in a $55 billion deal to acquire Electronic Arts.

The Case for Caution

Gamers raising concerns about SNK's ownership aren't inventing a controversy out of thin