A new report from The Wall Street Journal has revealed Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is the majority investor behind the proposed acquisition of game studio EA, with plans for it to own 93.4% of the entire company.
EA is the California-based studio behind titles like Battlefield, The Sims and Madden NFL.
EA’s proposed acquisition – quick links
EA’s ownership breakdown, post-acquisition
While the involvement of Saudi Arabia was announced publicly, EA’s buyout deal had previously been described as a joint initiative by an equal consortium of investors. This included the Saudia Arabia PIF, as well as Affinity Partners (the investment firm led by Jared Kushner, the US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law) and equity firm Silver Lake.
Now, it appears the consortium is led by the Saudi Arabia PIF, with Affinity Partners and Silver Lake serving in muted roles. Silver Lake is reportedly set to own just 5.5% of EA, and Affinity will own 1.1%. Should the acquisition go ahead, the PIF will seemingly command sole control of EA.
Per analysis by Wall Street Journal, the Saudi Arabia PIF may be contributing up to USD$29 billion to own EA, which is one of the largest investments it’s made in the global games industry to date. Previously, it also purchased stakes in major companies such as Take-Two, Capcom, Nexon and Nintendo. It also purchased fighting game studio SNK in 2022.
Why players are concerned about Saudi Arabia’s planned acquisition of EA
Since Saudi Arabia’s PIF began making investments into game studios around the world, there have been ample concerns aired in public forums by gaming fans, developers and content creators alike. These discussions largely stem from Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Saudi Arabia, through its PIF, has spent these years investing in a range of sports organisations, events and companies to become a more active global citizen, though these investments have sometimes been labelled ‘sportswashing’ to distract attention from the allegations facing the country.
With the PIF now set to acquire EA, gaming fans have expressed concerns about the company’s future direction and how its proposed Saudi Arabian owners might influence it.
EA has frequently championed a diversity of voices, with major franchises like Dragon Age and The Sims spotlighting LGBTQIA+ characters and self-expression.
In a press release announcing the planned acquisition of EA, current CEO Andrew Wilson attempted to reassure investors and players that little would change.
‘Our mission at EA to – Inspire The World To Play – continues to guide everything we do,’ Wilson said. ‘Our values and our commitment to players and fans around the world remain unchanged.’
At this stage, it’s unclear whether this proposed acquisition of EA will be given the regulatory approval to go ahead. With some US senators already voicing concerns about foreign influence and security risks tied to the planned EA buyout, it does appear there will be close public attention.
For now, we’ll have to wait to see what results and whether EA will become a near-solely Saudi Arabian-owned company in future.
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