A Saudi-backed consortium successfully acquired gaming giants Electronic Arts (EA) in a massive $55 billion deal, marking a monumental strategic move in the global gaming industry. This powerful consortium includes Saudi Arabia’s influential Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside prominent private equity firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The unprecedented transaction immediately transforms the popular game publisher into a privately held entity, signaling an exciting new phase for the entire company and marks the largest buyout in gaming industry history.
The acquisition values EA at $210 per share, a 25% premium on its previous market value. The deal involves around $36 billion from the consortium, with the rest financed through loans, creating approximately $20 billion in debt for the company.
This move represents the second-largest acquisition in gaming history, after Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. However, the Activision deal faced regulatory scrutiny, leading to concessions including rights to certain game distribution platforms.
Despite the sale, EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, will remain in his position, calling the deal “a powerful recognition of the work done by the company,” adding that “together with our partners, we will create transformative experiences to inspire generations to come.”
Industry Concerns and Future Outlook
Industry experts express mixed feelings about the deal, with Christopher Dring of BBC noting that EA had been open to a buyer to help level up, but the private equity acquisition has caused anxiety. The key concern centers on the $20 billion in debt, which must be serviced by revenue from top titles like EA Sports FC, Madden, and Battlefield.
Dring warned that this financial pressure could limit EA’s ability to invest in new games and innovative projects. Additionally, he speculated that the new owners might pursue cost-cutting measures to improve cash flow and manage debt obligations.
Founded more than four decades ago, EA has developed some of the most successful franchises in gaming history. Its football titles, now known as EA FC, have sold 325 million copies since 1993. The company’s other major franchises include The Sims, with over 200 million copies sold, and Need for Speed, with 150 million copies.
In September 2025, EA launched EA FC 26, featuring Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala on the cover.
Saudi Arabia’s Expanding Gaming Influence
The purchase highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in the global gaming industry. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has increasingly invested in gaming and esports, including a $3.5 billion acquisition of Niantic’s gaming division, which owns Pokémon Go, in March 2025. Niantic was later integrated into Scopely Inc., owned by Savvy Games Group, another PIF subsidiary.
Saudi Arabia also hosts major esports tournaments, including the eSports World Cup, and plans to host the Olympic Esports Games in 2027. The fund also has stakes in industry giants like Nintendo and Take-Two Interactive.
Controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the PIF’s investments reflect the kingdom’s strategic move to become a major player in the entertainment and gaming sectors.
