In July 2026, the Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) event concluded, raising over $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders. However, a post-event stream celebrating the 30th anniversary of Metal Slug was abruptly cancelled after viewers expressed concerns regarding the developer-publisher SNK's ownership by the Saudi Arabian Electronic Gaming Development Company. This ownership raised significant ethical questions, especially given Saudi Arabia's controversial human rights record and its involvement in conflicts such as the airstrikes in Yemen. The cancellation followed a wave of criticism on social media, where many argued that GDQ should have reconsidered the sponsorship before the stream went live. GDQ organizers later issued a statement acknowledging their oversight in not conducting a thorough review of the partnership, which they recognized as a failure to meet community expectations. They also announced that they would not accept funds from this sponsorship or work with SNK in the future, emphasizing their commitment to human rights and inclusivity. The community response to the cancellation was largely positive, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in gaming sponsorships and partnerships.
