Games Done Quick (GDQ) abruptly cut a sponsored SNK showcase during its summer charity event, citing community concerns about the Saudi Arabia‑linked ownership of the Japanese developer. The decision came after players highlighted that the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Misk Foundation holds a majority stake in SNK through its subsidiary, Electronic Gaming Development Company. GDQ posted an explanation on Bluesky, stating it would not accept funds from or work with SNK in the future and would review its sponsor‑evaluation process. Despite the interruption, the Summer Games Done Quick event raised more than $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders.

GDQ’s statement also noted that the Misk Foundation’s gaming arm owns a five percent stake in Capcom and that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, chaired by bin Salman, recently partnered with private equity firms to acquire Electronic Arts for $55 billion. The move highlights growing scrutiny of gaming sponsorships linked to sovereign wealth funds.

The cancellation underscores the importance of aligning charitable events with sponsors whose ownership structures match the community’s values, prompting GDQ to strengthen future partner reviews.