The organization announced its decision to no longer accept funds from or collaborate with SNK.
Games Done Quick (GDQ) abruptly ended a sponsored speedrunning event featuring SNK during its summer charity stream benefiting Doctors Without Borders. The decision came in response to community concerns regarding the video game company’s connections to the Saudi government. GDQ halted the Metal Slug presentation in the midst of a segment and later issued a statement on social media explaining their actions. Despite this setback, the Summer Games Done Quick initiative successfully raised over $2.4 million for the nonprofit.
“We have listened to the concerns from our community about this partnership, particularly regarding the company’s major ownership by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the associated human rights issues,” GDQ stated on Bluesky. The organization emphasized that it would not receive funding from or collaborate with SNK again and would reevaluate and enhance its processes for assessing future sponsors and partners, ensuring these companies align with GDQ’s values.
Although SNK is based in Japan and operates as a game developer and publisher, a majority share of the company is held by the Misk Foundation, a nonprofit organization overseen by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, through its gaming subsidiary. The Misk Foundation also holds a five percent interest in Capcom.
Gamers have expressed concerns regarding the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, led by bin Salman, particularly after the fund’s recent significant investments in the gaming sector. This sovereign wealth fund owns a similar five percent stake in Capcom, and it created significant headlines last year by participating in a $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts in collaboration with two private equity firms.
