By Dexerto | Created at 2026-07-18 17:26:39 | Updated at 2026-08-03 02:01:13
2 weeks ago
Games Done Quick canceled a sponsored SNK speedrunning showcase less than three hours after it began, following backlash over the gaming company’s ties to Saudi Arabia.
On July 12, the charity speedrunning organization announced that it was partnering with SNK to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Metal Slug franchise.
“We’re so excited to be working with SNK to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Metal Slug with a speedrunning showcase,” GDQ wrote as the Twitch broadcast went live.
However, viewers quickly raised concerns about SNK’s Saudi ownership and questioned whether the sponsorship aligned with GDQ’s stated commitment to inclusivity and human rights.
Two hours and 43 minutes after announcing the collaboration, GDQ confirmed that the stream had been canceled.
Games Done Quick apologizes for SNK partnership
“We have canceled our sponsored stream with SNK,” the organization said. “We will not accept the funds from this sponsorship or continue to work with this sponsor again.”
GDQ specifically cited concerns about Saudi Arabia’s ownership of the publisher and its human rights record.
The organization acknowledged that it had failed to properly investigate the company before accepting the partnership, calling the decision an “oversight we deeply regret.”
GDQ also apologized to the runners and host whose appearances were disrupted by the broadcast’s sudden cancellation, stressing that they had no involvement in arranging the sponsorship.
Going forward, the company said it plans to strengthen its process for reviewing potential sponsors, including conducting closer checks into corporate ownership and whether prospective partners align with its values.
We have canceled our sponsored stream with SNK.
We have heard the concerns from our community regarding this partnership, specifically the company’s majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and the human rights concerns tied to the Saudi government.
— Games Done Quick (@GamesDoneQuick) July 12, 2026
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 raised $2.8 million for Doctors Without Borders.
SNK, the Japanese developer and publisher behind Metal Slug, Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters, became wholly owned by Electronic Gaming Development Company in 2022.
EGDC is wholly owned by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, a Saudi nonprofit founded and chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Saudi Arabia has been increasingly involved in video games in recent years, including launching the Esports World Cup and taking full ownership of EVO.
Instead of boycotting, some teams have found creative solutions to still partake while highlighting their values. In 2023, Team Liquid pledged to donate $50,000 to LGBTQ+ charity Rainbow Railroad in response to its Dota 2 team’s participation in Riyadh Masters.
