Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) has cancelled a post-event stream intended to celebrate Metal Slug's 30th anniversary due to community backlash concerning the sponsorship from SNK, the developer and publisher of the franchise. The stream was cut short after viewers expressed significant disappointment over SNK's ties to the Saudi-owned Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC).
SNK is now 96% owned by EGDC, a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation, which is linked to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia's human rights record and alleged involvement in actions such as the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi have been subjects of international concern. Recently, Saudi Arabia has also increased its investment in the gaming industry, with EGDC acquiring a 10% stake in Capcom.
While some viewers noted the concerns early on, the stream proceeded before being terminated. This cancellation comes after SGDQ 2026 successfully raised $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders, an organization that has provided aid in regions affected by Saudi-led coalition air strikes in Yemen.
In a statement following the cancellation, GDQ organizers announced they "will not accept the funds from this sponsorship or continue to work with this sponsor again." They acknowledged a failure in conducting the necessary level of review for the partnership, a lapse they deeply regret and take full responsibility for. The organizers also extended apologies to the runners and stream host, who were not involved in the sponsorship decision.
The community response to the cancellation has been largely positive, though concerns persist regarding the oversight in the initial decision-making process for such partnerships, especially given the ongoing public discourse surrounding Saudi Arabia's investments in the gaming sector. GDQ emphasized its commitment to human rights and inclusivity, vowing to be more thorough in future partnership analyses.