US EditionSaudi Arabia Buys EA: What Does It Mean for Gamers?
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund leads a $50 billion deal loading EA with $20 billion debt to expand gaming influence under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Earlier this week, Electronic Arts was acquired in a $55 billion takeover led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, taking EA private.
- Mohammed bin Salman has directed major investments into gaming, mandating $38 billion, with Public Investment Fund committing funds to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy away from oil.
- The leveraged buyout loads EA with $20 billion of debt, increasing pressure to cut costs and raise margins; EA's workforce totals roughly 15,000 employees, with 14,500 reported as of March 30, 2025.
- The sale immediately removes public-market scrutiny while prompting internal fears about cuts and culture shifts, as workers are anxious and expect layoffs after going private frees EA to invest in AI and live-service games.
- Industry analysts warn the deal accelerates consolidation and raises concerns about smaller companies' ability to compete, while critics say the purchase advances Saudi `gameswashing`.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The Saudi State Fund PIF becomes majority owner of the video game manufacturer EA. With the takeover several circles close. It is certain that Saudi Arabia will hardly pass a game anymore.
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EA Employees Reportedly Panicking Over Saudi-Backed Takeover — "It's Going to Get Worse"
Electronic Arts is one of the most recognizable names in gaming, but right now many EA employees aren’t celebrating. Instead, reports suggest that workers inside EA are anxious and upset following the company’s massive sale to a Saudi-backed consortium. The post EA Employees Reportedly Panicking Over Saudi-Backed Takeover — “It’s Going to Get Worse” appeared first on That Park Place.
The high-profile buyout of the gaming company Electronic Arts is sparking reactions. Among other things, from the human rights organization Amnesty, which is critical. “It is a way for Saudi Arabia to try to polish its tarnished reputation when it comes to human rights,” says Maja Åberg, an expert at Amnesty International.
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