Citing Human Rights Abuses in Saudi Arabia, Games Done Quick Ends Partnership with PIF-Linked Company

Games Done Quick, a charity video game events organization, announced the cancellation of an SNK-sponsored broadcast due to the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s majority ownership of the company and human rights concerns linked to the Saudi government.

The organization said it would reject the sponsorship funds and would not work with the company again, acknowledging that the partnership conflicted with its stated commitment to human rights. It also pledged to strengthen its vetting of sponsors and partners and examine corporate ownership structures more closely before entering future agreements.

SANAD Human Rights Organization said the decision reflects growing international awareness of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and opposition to using video game investments to conceal abuses and improve the Saudi authorities’ global image.

SANAD stated that the Public Investment Fund’s expansion into video game companies and international event sponsorships forms part of reputation-washing efforts, while Saudi authorities continue to suppress freedom of expression and target human rights defenders and critics.

SANAD called on companies and organizations in the video game industry and other sectors to review their financial and commercial ties with the Saudi government and the Public Investment Fund, and to cancel partnerships that help whitewash the authorities’ human rights record.

It also urged international companies to adopt clear human rights due diligence standards and prevent their activities, platforms, and events from being used to distract from ongoing abuses in Saudi Arabia.