Saudi Arabia's PIF completes $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, taking it private
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Electronic Arts has officially become a private company after a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners completed its $55 billion all-cash acquisition on Tuesday. The PIF now holds a 93.4% stake in the storied game publisher, marking the largest all-cash sponsor take-private transaction in history. The takeover raises concerns over potential impacts on inclusive games and a shift toward AI, as EA carries $20 billion in debt from the buyout.
The Buyout
The consortium paid $55 billion for EA, making it the largest all-cash sponsor take-private deal in history, according to Game Informer. Saudi Arabia's PIF now owns 93.4% of the company, with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners — the latter founded by Jared Kushner — holding minority stakes. The deal was announced in September 2025 and closed on Tuesday, ending EA's decades-long run as a publicly traded firm. CEO Andrew Wilson said the move 'recognizes the extraordinary people' at EA and promised to 'invest boldly' under new ownership.
Creative and Ethical Uncertainty
The acquisition has intensified scrutiny over whether EA will continue supporting inclusive titles like The Sims. Former BioWare lead writer Trick Weekes warned that anything beyond 'guns and football' could be at risk, per PC Gamer. Wilson previously stated that EA's values would 'remain unchanged,' but Saudi Arabia's human rights record has fueled skepticism among observers who note the kingdom has long used video games for sportswashing.
Debt, AI, and Layoffs
The buyout left EA with a $20 billion debt load, prompting job cuts over the past year, PC Gamer reported. Silver Lake CEO Egon Durban confirmed a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence, raising questions about the future role of human developers. Meanwhile, Wilson's compensation rose to $38 million, an $8 million increase, even as layoffs continued.
What's Next
EA is expected to accelerate restructuring and AI integration under private ownership, though specific plans have not been disclosed. It remains unclear how its game portfolio — particularly non-sports franchises — will evolve under Saudi control, and whether creative compromises will follow.
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Saudi Arabia's PIF completes $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, taking it private
