GDQ Cancels SNK Stream Amid Saudi Arabia Controversy

Games Done Quick faced backlash after announcing a sponsored stream with SNK for a charity event, only to cancel it due to concerns over the company's ties to Saudi Arabia.

During the Summer Games Done Quick charity stream, GDQ revealed a partnership with SNK to showcase a speedrun of Metal Slug in celebration of the game's 30th anniversary. However, following community backlash regarding SNK's majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, GDQ swiftly reversed its decision and called off the stream. The organization expressed regret to the involved parties, vowed to decline future sponsorships from SNK, and emphasized its commitment to human rights and inclusivity. GDQ also pledged to enhance its vetting process for future sponsors, particularly scrutinizing companies' ownership structures to ensure alignment with its values.

Saudi Arabia's presence in the gaming industry is notable, with involvement in projects like Pokemon Go's developer. Notably, the ongoing $55 billion acquisition bid for EA, a major video game publisher, by a Saudi entity has sparked opposition from video game unions and raised concerns about foreign influence, prompting scrutiny from the U.S. Senate. Despite objections from players, the EA deal is expected to proceed as planned.