GDQ pulls the plug on SNK speedrunning event amid controversy over Saudi connections.

Shortly after wrapping up Summer Games Done Quick, which raised an impressive $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders, GDQ made a controversial move. On Saturday afternoon, the organization announced a collaboration with SNK to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Metal Slug series, coinciding with the launch of their social media posts.

The announcement sparked significant backlash, with the Bluesky post quickly accumulating hundreds of critical comments. SNK is predominantly owned by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund, a massive sovereign wealth fund. This fund is often viewed as an extension of the Saudi government, which has been linked to serious human rights violations, including the alleged assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Critics on Bluesky highlighted that GDQ’s partnership with SNK contradicts the charity’s usual support for the LGBTQ+ community. In Saudi Arabia, LGBTQ+ individuals face severe persecution, with laws permitting fines, flogging, imprisonment, and even execution for homosexual acts.

Amnesty International has reported on the Saudi government’s exploitation of migrant workers, political repression, and discrimination against women. One user even referenced a news story detailing how the Saudi government was responsible for bombing a Doctors Without Borders-supported hospital in 2016, further complicating GDQ’s decision to partner with SNK.

In light of the backlash, GDQ decided to cancel the Metal Slug stream midway through the event. They stated, “We will not accept the funds from this sponsorship or continue to work with this sponsor again. GDQ is committed to supporting human rights and inclusivity, and we recognize that this partnership conflicted with those values.”

GDQ acknowledged their oversight, admitting, “We failed to conduct the level of review our community should expect from us, and that was an oversight we deeply regret and take full responsibility for.”

In recent years, the Saudi government, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has leveraged the Public Investment Fund to expand into the gaming sector. The fund owns Savvy Games Group, which has acquired mobile game publisher Scopely and Pokémon Go developer Niantic. It also holds minority stakes in several major gaming companies, including Capcom, Nexon, Embracer, and Nintendo. In 2025, the PIF is set to acquire Electronic Arts in partnership with a private equity fund and an investment firm linked to Jared Kushner. Additionally, the PIF has made moves in esports, acquiring the tournament organizer ESL and taking full control of the Evo fighting game series, which faced criticism for its declining attendance.

While the Saudi government claims its investments in gaming aim to diversify the economy, many view this as an attempt to “sportswash” its image, associating the nation with entertainment rather than its human rights record. It appears that many GDQ viewers are too aware to be swayed by such tactics.