Electronic Arts has been acquired in the second-largest gaming industry deal ever. The transaction closed today, marking a seismic shift in gaming's corporate structure.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside private equity firm Apollo Global Management and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, now control EA. The deal values the publisher at approximately $37 billion, second only to Microsoft's 2023 acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion.
EA operates some of gaming's largest franchises. The Sims, Madden NFL, FIFA/FC 25, Apex Legends, and The Old Republic fall under the publisher's umbrella. The company also owns DICE, Motive Studios, and numerous other development teams spanning console, PC, and mobile platforms.
This acquisition represents a major consolidation of gaming power. The deal faced scrutiny over foreign investment in a major entertainment property, particularly given PIF's role as Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. The involvement of Kushner, former White House senior advisor and real estate executive, added political dimensions to industry discussions.
For players, the immediate impact remains unclear. EA typically operates franchises independently after acquisition integration. However, the shift in ownership structure could influence long-term strategy around live service games, monetization models, and franchise direction. EA's leadership and day-to-day operations may remain largely unchanged during the transition period.
The acquisition caps a year of major consolidation across the industry. Microsoft's Activision purchase, Sony's acquisition of Bungie, and Take-Two's acquisition of Zynga preceded this deal. These megadeals reshape how gaming's largest properties operate and who controls them.