Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world’s largest video game companies, has been acquired by a Saudi led investment group in a deal valued at $55 billion. The acquisition brings an end to EA’s 36 year run as a publicly traded company and ranks among the largest buyouts in the history of the global gaming industry. The transaction was completed after receiving final approval from European Union regulators. The new ownership group includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Affinity Partners, the private equity firm led by Jared Kushner, and investment firm Silver Lake Partners. With the completion of the acquisition, EA will transition into a privately held company as the new investors take ownership of one of the most recognized names in the gaming business.
EA has built a strong global reputation through the development of some of the industry’s most successful gaming franchises. Its portfolio includes EA Sports FC, formerly known as FIFA, The Sims, Madden NFL, and Battlefield, all of which have attracted millions of players and established large gaming communities around the world. Following the acquisition, EA will no longer be listed on the stock market or publish quarterly financial results as a public company. Industry observers believe this change could provide the company with greater flexibility to focus on long term product development, technology investments, and strategic growth without the pressure of meeting short term financial expectations. Jared Kushner, founder of Affinity Partners, said EA has created memorable stories, characters, and gaming communities that have become part of everyday life for hundreds of millions of people. He added that the new ownership group intends to help the company reach more players, support future game creators, and expand how people connect through interactive entertainment.
The acquisition also reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in the global gaming and esports industries. Over recent years, the kingdom has expanded its presence across gaming, sports, media, and entertainment as part of broader efforts to diversify its economy. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has expressed a strong interest in video games, while Saudi Arabia has continued supporting initiatives related to gaming development and esports. EA itself has a long history within the gaming industry. Founded in 1982 by former Apple employee William “Trip” Hawkins, the company has grown into one of the world’s leading game publishers. Since 2013, EA has been led by Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wilson, overseeing the continued expansion of its major gaming franchises across console, PC, and mobile platforms.
Although EA remains one of the largest publishers in the gaming industry, its financial growth has remained relatively stable in recent years, with annual revenue ranging between $7.4 billion and $7.6 billion despite the continued popularity of its flagship titles. At the same time, competition across the gaming market has intensified as mobile gaming continues to expand and companies such as Epic Games strengthen their market position. Industry consolidation has also accelerated, highlighted by Microsoft’s nearly $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023. Against this backdrop, the new ownership structure is expected to provide EA with additional financial resources and greater flexibility to invest in future game development, emerging technologies, and new business opportunities. While players are unlikely to experience immediate changes, the acquisition represents a significant development for one of the gaming industry’s most established companies as it begins operating as a privately held business under its new ownership.
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