Shortly after the conclusion of Summer Games Done Quick (GDQ)—a marathon that successfully raised over $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders—the renowned speedrunning charity found itself at the center of a firestorm. On Saturday, GDQ announced a collaboration with Metal Slug publisher SNK to commemorate the iconic franchise’s 30th anniversary, with a live showcase kicking off simultaneously.
We’re so excited to be working with SNK to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Metal Slug with a speedrunning showcase!! Tune in now and stay in touch on their socials! Watch: gdq.gg/live X/Twitter: x.com/METALSLUG_EN FB: facebook.com/METALSLUGOfficial TikTok: tiktok.com/@metalslug_en
— Games Done Quick (@gamesdonequick.com) 2026-07-12T19:55:12.036857513Z
The partnership triggered immediate backlash. SNK is majority-owned (96%) by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), a massive sovereign wealth entity. Critics were quick to point out the ethical dissonance, noting that the Saudi government has been implicated in grave human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Many community members emphasized that aligning with a Saudi-backed entity is antithetical to the values GDQ has long championed, particularly its dedication to the LGBTQ+ community.
This ain’t it, chiefs. You literally do not have to partner with Saudi Arabia. This one is particularly gutting given how many queer folx have helped to make GDQ into the success it is today.
— Samantha Ferreira Is Very Tired (@sam-animeherald.bsky.social) 2026-07-12T20:22:41.972Z
The outcry highlighted the reality that LGBTQ individuals face systemic persecution in Saudi Arabia, where legislation permits harsh punishments for homosexuality. Others pointed to broader humanitarian concerns, such as the Saudi government’s role in the 2016 airstrike on a hospital supported by Doctors Without Borders—the very organization GDQ frequently raises funds for.
“Trans rights are human rights.” rings hollow by collaborating with SNK, which is wholly unnecessary. Please reconsider for the sake of the whole GDQ community and MSF, this is extremely concerning.
— Manijure (@manijure.hijumpboots.com) 2026-07-12T21:13:18.223Z
In response to the overwhelming negative feedback, GDQ swiftly ended the SNK partnership. In a public statement, the organization acknowledged the failure, apologized for the lack of due diligence, and affirmed its commitment to human rights.
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.com) 2026-07-12T22:36:56.018Z
This incident reflects a wider pattern of Saudi Arabia’s aggressive expansion into the gaming industry under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Through the PIF and Savvy Games Group, the kingdom has acquired significant stakes in major developers and publishers, including Capcom, Nintendo, and Electronic Arts, while also taking control of esports giants like ESL and the tournament series Evo. While Saudi officials frame these investments as economic diversification, many observers view them as “sportswashing”—an attempt to rehabilitate the nation’s international reputation through popular culture. However, as the GDQ community demonstrated, viewers are becoming increasingly vigilant about the corporate entities they support.
Source: Polygon
