SAN FRANCISCO, United States – Electronic Arts (EA), the publisher behind franchises including EA FC, The Sims and Mass Effect, has completed its $55 billion acquisition by an investor group led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), ending its time as a publicly traded company.
Okay News reports that the consortium also includes Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Jared Kushner. As part of the transaction, all publicly traded EA shares have been purchased, making the company privately owned. The deal is regarded as the largest leveraged buyout in history, with the PIF contributing about $36 billion while borrowing $20 billion to complete the acquisition.
Industry analysts say the debt attached to the deal could reshape EA’s future operations. Some have suggested the company may face pressure to cut costs, increase monetisation and focus more heavily on established franchises rather than experimental or smaller-scale games. Others believe the new owners are likely to take a more active role in the company’s long-term strategy.
The takeover has also sparked concern among sections of EA’s gaming community, particularly fans of The Sims, over whether future creative decisions could be influenced by Saudi Arabia’s social policies. Advocacy group Players Alliance HQ has launched a campaign urging gamers to oppose the acquisition, arguing that themes involving free expression and LGBTQ+ representation could come under pressure. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied accusations that it uses major investments in sport and entertainment to improve its international image.
EA Chief Executive Andrew Wilson will remain in his position and said the company intends to continue creating new gaming experiences under its new ownership. The acquisition is the second-largest in gaming history after Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, but it surpasses all previous deals as the biggest leveraged buyout ever completed.
