Games Done Quick announces and then quickly cancels SNK-sponsored stream because of company’s Saudi ownership

Games Done Quick (GDQ) cancelled a sponsored speedrunning stream featuring Metal Slug developer SNK during the recently concluded Summer Games Done Quick 2026 event. The cancellation occurred within two to three hours of the stream’s announcement on July 12, 2026, following immediate backlash from the community.

The controversy centered on SNK’s majority ownership by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), an investment vehicle controlled by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince, who is also expanding Saudi Arabia’s presence in the gaming industry through state-backed investments, has faced scrutiny from human rights organizations including Amnesty International, and continues to face questions regarding alleged links to the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Community members and viewers rapidly highlighted concerns about the partnership’s ethical implications. GDQ responded by cancelling the remainder of the sponsored stream, acknowledging the decision as “an oversight we deeply regret.” The organization apologized for failing to conduct adequate due diligence before accepting the sponsorship, stating they would “review and strengthen our process for evaluating future sponsors and partners.”

The cancellation occurred during a successful event, with Summer Games Done Quick 2026 having raised $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders, a medical charity providing care in conflict zones and underserved areas worldwide. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the gaming community regarding corporate sponsorships and the ethical implications of foreign government investments in gaming.

Games Done Quick announces and then quickly cancels SNK-sponsored stream because of company’s Saudi ownership

Sources