EA Assures Creative Autonomy in $55 Billion Sale to Saudi-Led Consortium
Electronic Arts tells employees it will preserve ‘creative control’ ahead of takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and partners
Electronic Arts (EA) has told its workforce that the upcoming sale of the company to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, will not compromise its creative independence.
In an updated internal Frequently Asked Questions document released to staff, EA reaffirmed that “EA will maintain creative control, and our track record of creative freedom and player-first values will remain intact.”
The $55 billion deal, announced in late September, would take the videogame publisher private and marks one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history.
In the FAQ, the company addressed concerns about layoffs, studio closures and potential censorship, stating there will be “no immediate changes” to jobs or teams and emphasising the company’s mission and values will remain unchanged.
Underlying the acquisition is the PIF’s ambition to expand into the global gaming and esports sector, part of Saudi Arabia’s broader diversification strategy.
The FAQ highlights that EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in place and that the company’s headquarters will stay in Redwood City, California.
Despite these assurances, regulatory scrutiny is mounting in the United States.
Lawmakers have raised questions about national security, data privacy and creative freedom given the involvement of a sovereign wealth fund with links to the Saudi state.
Industry analysts also note that the $20 billion debt component of the deal may pressure cost structures and future investment.
For now, EA is presenting a message of continuity: the company says its leadership, culture and portfolio of titles will remain unchanged.
Whether that promise holds will depend on how the transition is managed once the deal closes, anticipated in early fiscal 2027 subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
In an updated internal Frequently Asked Questions document released to staff, EA reaffirmed that “EA will maintain creative control, and our track record of creative freedom and player-first values will remain intact.”
The $55 billion deal, announced in late September, would take the videogame publisher private and marks one of the largest leveraged buyouts in history.
In the FAQ, the company addressed concerns about layoffs, studio closures and potential censorship, stating there will be “no immediate changes” to jobs or teams and emphasising the company’s mission and values will remain unchanged.
Underlying the acquisition is the PIF’s ambition to expand into the global gaming and esports sector, part of Saudi Arabia’s broader diversification strategy.
The FAQ highlights that EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in place and that the company’s headquarters will stay in Redwood City, California.
Despite these assurances, regulatory scrutiny is mounting in the United States.
Lawmakers have raised questions about national security, data privacy and creative freedom given the involvement of a sovereign wealth fund with links to the Saudi state.
Industry analysts also note that the $20 billion debt component of the deal may pressure cost structures and future investment.
For now, EA is presenting a message of continuity: the company says its leadership, culture and portfolio of titles will remain unchanged.
Whether that promise holds will depend on how the transition is managed once the deal closes, anticipated in early fiscal 2027 subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.
