Tech Titans and Oil Money: The Wild Takeover of Electronic Arts That'll Make Gamers' Heads Spin
Silicon Valley’s favorite game publisher is about to get a seriously unexpected makeover, and tech bros are already losing their minds.
Electronic Arts, the Redwood City gaming giant behind legendary titles like Battlefield and Madden NFL, is set to be acquired in a jaw-dropping $55 billion deal that reads like a geopolitical thriller. Enter stage left: Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, ready to shake up the gaming world faster than you can say “unexpected crossover”.
Saudi Money Meets Silicon Valley
This isn’t just another corporate acquisition - it’s a power move that signals massive shifts in the tech and entertainment landscape. With Saudi Arabia already owning 9.9% of EA’s shares, they’re not just dipping their toes but diving headfirst into the gaming ecosystem.
Gaming’s Global Power Play
The timing couldn’t be more interesting. As traditional gaming consoles face stiff competition from mobile platforms, this acquisition hints at potential strategic pivots. Analysts suggest the Saudi investors might be eyeing broader mobile and streaming strategies, potentially transforming how we consume video games.
What This Means for Gamers
For now, EA’s leadership remains unchanged, with CEO Andrew Wilson staying at the helm. The deal still needs shareholder and governmental approvals, with an expected closure in 2027. But one thing’s certain: the gaming world just got a whole lot more complicated - and potentially more interesting.
Welcome to the future of gaming, where geopolitics meets pixels, and oil money funds your next epic quest.
AUTHOR: mei
SOURCE: SFist