Saudi-Led Group Completes $55 Billion Purchase of Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts, known for titles such as EA FC, The Sims and Mass Effect, has been a publicly traded company since its 1993 debut and has sold more than 325 million copies of its games. The firm reported $7.5 billion in revenue last year and saw Battlefield 6 sell more than 7 million copies in its first three days.

The acquisition, finalized after a $36 billion cash contribution from the consortium and a $20 billion loan from JPMorgan, will take EA private. The group, which includes the Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners, will hold all of EA’s shares and the company will no longer be listed on a stock exchange.

Christopher Dring, editor‑in‑chief of Game Business, said the buyout is likely to bring a hands‑on approach from the investment group, noting that private equity firms typically manage companies aggressively. Some fans have raised concerns that the new ownership could affect EA’s inclusive content, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation. EA chief executive Andrew Wilson said the company will continue to focus on creating transformative experiences and that he remains energized about the future. Observers noted that the deal gives the Saudi‑controlled fund a soft‑power asset with reach into the global gaming community.