Games Done Quick Announces and Then Quickly Cancels SNK-Sponsored Stream because of Company's Saudi Ownership
GDQ said it will not accept sponsorship funds after community criticism over SNK’s 96% ownership by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
- On Sunday, July 12, Games Done Quick cancelled a Metal Slug speedrunning showcase mid-stream following community backlash over developer SNK's majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund .
- Developer SNK is 96% owned by the Saudi government's Electronic Gaming Development Company , a subsidiary of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Misk Foundation. The Saudi government faces criticism for human rights violations, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- Shortly after Summer Games Done Quick raised $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders, the cancellation occurred. Critics noted the irony, as Doctors Without Borders has provided aid to victims of Saudi-led coalition air strikes in Yemen.
- GDQ apologized, stating it "failed to conduct the level of review our community should expect," announcing it will not accept funds from SNK and will strengthen its future sponsor evaluation process.
- Saudi Arabia's PIF continues expanding into the video game industry, recently acquiring stakes in Capcom and Electronic Arts. These investments have prompted ongoing discussions among gamers regarding the ethics of such partnerships.
12 Articles
12 Articles
"An Oversight We Deeply Regret" — Summer Games Done Quick Cancels Partnered SNK Stream Over Saudi Gov Involvement
Summer Games Done Quick canceled its sponsored stream with SNK, citing ethical concerns regarding the developer’s majority ownership by the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.The cancellation occurred just two hours into the org’s speedrun of Metal Slug in a partnered celebration of the classic run-and-gun action shooter’s 30th anniversary.The broadcast was interrupted with an announcement from the run's host, Twitch streamer Ateatree, who informed th…
GDQ cancels SNK-associated event after massive backlash over Saudi ties
Shortly after Games Done Quick (GDQ) wrapped up Summer Games Done Quick, its latest speedrunning competition that raised an impressive $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders, the gaming charity made a controversial decision. On Saturday afternoon, GDQ’s Bluesky and X accounts announced that it would be collaborating with Metal Slug publisher SNK to celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary. The stream began as the social media posts went live.
Games Done Quick announces and then quickly cancels SNK-sponsored stream because of company's Saudi ownership
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is now over, and while it's been a grand time as usual, one of the group's post-event streams - dedicated to celebrating Metal Slug's 30th anniversary - was ended early after many viewers expressed disappointment due to developer-publisher SNK's ties to the Saudi-owned Electronic Gaming Development Company.
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