One of the most well-known names in the gaming world, Electronic Arts (EA), has been sold in a massive $55 billion deal. EA, which owns hugely popular games like the FIFA series (now EA SPORTS FC), The Sims, Battlefield, and Apex Legends, is now becoming a private company. But what does this sale mean, and what will change for gamers?
Who Bought EA?
EA was sold to an investment partnership. This partnership includes a major investment fund called Silver Lake, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, and Affinity Partners, managed by Jared Kushner. In other words, EA was not bought by a single company, but rather handed over to a group of investors.
How Much Was EA Sold For?
The total sale price is $55 billion. Shareholders will receive $210 in cash for each EA share they own. This amount is roughly 25% higher than EA's market value before the sale, making it a very profitable deal for investors.
When Will the EA Sale Be Finalized?
For large deals like this, it's not enough for the buyer and seller to agree; government regulatory bodies also need to approve the sale. Since EA is a US-based company and its games are played by millions around the world, it is expected that the sale will be finalized in the second quarter of 2027.
What Will Change?
This is the biggest question everyone is curious about. In the short term, not much will change:
- Game franchises will continue as usual.
- EA’s headquarters will remain in Redwood City, California.
- The current CEO, Andrew Wilson, will continue in his role.
However, in the long term, we may see new strategies aligned with the investors’ goals. For example:
- A stronger focus on live service games.
- Riskier projects may be canceled or replaced by more profitable game types.
Why Is the EA Sale Important?
The sale of EA has gone down as one of the largest acquisitions in the gaming industry. Previously, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard made headlines. Now, EA changing hands raises new questions about how competition in the gaming world will evolve.
Additionally, this major investment by Saudi Arabia in the gaming sector signals their ambition to become a more powerful player in the industry.
A New Era Begins for EA
The sale of EA marks a major turning point in the gaming world. While players may not notice any immediate changes, over time, we could see differences in the company’s game portfolio and strategies. For EA, this sale could be the beginning of an entirely new era.
