By Simon, SCM Tech Reporter
THE KINGS of oil are now the kings of the console. In a record-breaking deal that has sent shockwaves from Silicon Valley to Riyadh, gaming titan Electronic Arts (EA)—the powerhouse behind Battlefield, The Sims, and EA Sports FC—has been snapped up for a staggering $55 billion (£43bn).
The deal, led by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), marks the largest leveraged buyout in the history of the industry. Shareholders gave the green light on Monday to a deal that sees the 42-year-old California firm go private, ending its long run on the stock market.
DEI: Game Over?
But it’s not just the price tag getting gamers talking. Industry insiders claim the buyout signals a “massive reset” for the culture of big-budget gaming.
For years, EA has been at the forefront of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, but with the Riyadh-backed consortium now holding the joystick, many believe the era of “woke” gaming is hitting the Game Over screen.
”This is more than a business move; it’s a cultural shift,” said one industry analyst.
“The public markets demanded certain representation metrics, but the new owners are focused on one thing: global dominance and massive hits.”
A New Era of Representation
While critics fear for the future of representation, others suggest we are simply entering a new type of diversity.
The Saudi investment is part of a “Vision 2030” plan to diversify their economy away from oil and into global entertainment.
With over 700 million players worldwide, EA provides the Saudis with a direct line to every living room on the planet.
This could mean:
A Shift in Focus: Moving away from Western-centric social narratives.
Global Appeal: More content tailored for the rapidly growing Middle Eastern and Asian markets.
Creative Freedom: As a private company, EA developers may no longer have to answer to ESG-focused investment funds.
The deal, which includes backing from US private equity firm Silver Lake and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, is expected to close officially by early 2027.
For now, the message to the gaming world is clear: The rules of the game have just changed.
