Gaming giant EA bought in record $55bn deal – what it means for gamers
A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity firm Silver Lake and Affinity Partners has agreed to buy the company, marking the largest leveraged buyout in history. That means much of the deal is being financed through loans – an approach that has sparked concern in the gaming industry.
A massive moment for gaming
EA has been one of the world’s biggest gaming names for more than 40 years. Its football series alone (formerly FIFA, now EA FC) has sold more than 325 million copies since 1993. The Sims and Need For Speed franchises have also sold hundreds of millions worldwide.
The new deal values EA at $210 per share – a 25% premium on its previous market price – and takes the company private, meaning it will no longer be traded on the stock exchange. It’s the second biggest gaming acquisition ever, just behind Microsoft’s $69bn takeover of Activision Blizzard, which was only approved after UK regulators insisted Microsoft hand cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft.
Concerns about the takeover
EA boss Andrew Wilson will remain in charge, describing the deal as a “powerful recognition” of the company’s work. But experts warn the new owners will take on around $20bn of debt, which could pile pressure on EA to keep pumping out big earners like EA Sports FC, Madden and Battlefield.
That debt burden could mean fewer risks on new titles and possible cuts behind the scenes, as private investors seek to maximise cash flow.
Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming presence
The takeover is also a statement of intent from Saudi Arabia. Its investment fund already has stakes in Nintendo and Take-Two Interactive, and it has been expanding into esports and mobile gaming in recent years – buying Pokémon Go maker Niantic’s gaming arm, and hosting the eSports World Cup.
This latest move cements the country’s influence in gaming, though it comes alongside ongoing controversy around its government’s human rights record.
What this means for players in the UK
For most gamers, titles like EA Sports FC 26 (with Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala on the cover) will carry on as normal. But with more financial pressure behind the scenes, EA may lean even more heavily on its most successful franchises, especially the football series that dominates living rooms every autumn.
It also highlights how crucial fast, reliable broadband has become for modern gaming – from downloading 100GB+ titles to playing online matches without lag. If you’re planning to pick up EA Sports FC 26 or other big-name games this autumn, it might be the right time to check your postcode and see if you can upgrade to faster broadband today.
