Summer Games Done Quick (GDQ) has canceled a sponsored stream featuring SNK, citing ethical concerns related to the game developer's majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The decision came just two hours into a planned speedrun of Metal Slug, intended to celebrate the game's 30th anniversary.
The host of the stream, Twitch streamer Ateatree, announced the cancellation to viewers, stating that GDQ had issued a notice. "Due to ongoing concerns and statements from people watching, we do plan to rain check the rest of the runs for tonight," Ateatree said before the broadcast switched to a schedule screen.
In an official statement on X, formerly Twitter, GDQ explained that the partnership conflicted with its values of supporting human rights and inclusivity. The organization confirmed it would not accept funds from the sponsorship and would refrain from future collaborations with the sponsor. GDQ issued an apology to the community, acknowledging an oversight in its review process for sponsorships and partnerships.
GDQ specifically apologized to the runners and host involved in the disrupted stream, emphasizing that the decision was not a reflection on their participation. The organization pledged to enhance its vetting process for sponsors, including a closer examination of company ownership to ensure alignment with GDQ's values.
SNK has been under majority ownership by the MiSK Foundation since November 2020. The MiSK Foundation is a nonprofit organization associated with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. In August 2021, the MiSK Foundation's CEO was appointed to SNK's board of directors, and the foundation has since acquired approximately 96% of the company.
In 2022, SNK producer and designer Yasuyuki Oda addressed concerns about Saudi involvement, stating to VideoGamesChronicle that the company is not political and that such ownership has no effect on its creative output or freedom. "We have full freedom on what we want to create," Oda had said.
The cancellation occurred during GDQ's annual charity speedrunning festival, which concluded on July 12, raising $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders.