Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund business and news from across the web.
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Mass Effect Team Can Make a Great Game if Left Alone, Says Former Cinematic Designer
Former Mass Effect cinematic designer Armando Troisi believes the current BioWare team can create a great new Mass Effect game if left to their own devices, citing the presence of original developers. He contrasts this with the challenges of the live-service era and corporate interference, expressing optimism for BioWare's ability to excel at narrative-driven RPGs. However, concerns are raised about Electronic Arts' financial situation and potential focus on live-service titles.
Report: Savvy Games Group CEO Brian Ward departs company
Brian Ward, CEO of Saudi Arabian video game conglomerate Savvy Games Group, is reportedly stepping down. Ward announced his departure to employees, stating it's the right time for new leadership during the company's growth phase. Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor of the parent Public Investment Fund, will temporarily replace him.
MMO Business Roundup: Savvy Games’ CEO, Nvidia’s AI filter, and PlayStation 5’s monetization
This business roundup covers several key developments in the gaming industry. Savvy Games Group's CEO Brian Ward is stepping down, Nvidia's DLSS AI filter is criticized for negatively impacting game performance, and Sony's CEO Hiroki Totoki outlined plans to focus on monetizing the existing PlayStation 5 user base, particularly PlayStation Plus subscribers.
Saudi media conglomerate MBC expands into video game industry with new studio
Middle Eastern entertainment company MBC Group has launched MBC Game Studio, a new subsidiary focused on video game development. The studio's first project is "1001 Threads of Mizan," an action-adventure game set in the world of One Thousand and One Nights. MBC Game Studio aims to build a successful game franchise and elevate the local industry, while also confirming a policy against using generative AI technology.
The Biggest Gaming Stories That Happened Since GTA 5 Came Out 13 Years Ago
Since Grand Theft Auto 5's release in September 2013, the gaming landscape has seen significant shifts, including the rise of live-service games like Fortnite and the eventual decline of E3. Major events include numerous Skyrim ports, the expansion of the Watch Dogs franchise, Halo appearing on PlayStation, and Grand Theft Auto 5 itself releasing on multiple new platforms. The period also saw the rise of Andrew Wilson at EA, the entire Phil Spencer era at Xbox, the successful launch and dominance of the Nintendo Switch, and a significant increase in console prices.
EA staff worries over Saudi buyout, Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, and Peak's last major update - Patch Notes #66
This article covers several gaming industry developments, including employee concerns at Electronic Arts following a Saudi buyout, ongoing leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6, and the final update for the game Peak. It also touches on FromSoftware's new game The Duskbloods, Compulsion Games' management buyout from Xbox, PlayStation's struggles with live-service games, and the use of AI in game development.
EA employees brace for the worst under Saudi ownership: 'Hard to feel good about being bought out by a regime that's very much at odds with progressive society'
Employees at Electronic Arts are reportedly concerned about potential content restrictions following the company's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite reassurances, staff fear a crackdown on diverse and inclusive game content, with some citing concerns over human rights and the practice of sportswashing.
Battlefield 6 is free at same time as Modern Warfare 4 beta as EA trolls rival
EA is offering a free week-long trial for Battlefield 6 that coincides with the beta for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, a move seen as a deliberate attempt to undercut Activision. The trial includes new maps and modes, and features a Top Gun crossover with character skins. While Modern Warfare 4's first beta is pre-order exclusive, Battlefield 6's free access aims to attract new players amidst ongoing pressure for both titles to succeed.
The video games industry is in the hands of monsters and EA is the latest victim
Electronic Arts has been taken private in a $20 billion deal involving debt financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, a move criticized for its potential negative impact on customers and employees. This acquisition highlights a trend of consolidation in the video game industry, driven by short-term profit motives and leading to job losses and a narrowing focus on profitable franchises like EA Sports FC and Madden NFL.
Saudi-acquired EA is reportedly planning to make massive cuts after taking $18 billion of debt, and we all know what…
Electronic Arts has officially gone private under the ownership of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This transition involves taking on $18 billion in debt, leading to a reported $700 million in annual cost-cutting measures, which are expected to result in significant layoffs across the company.
The deal is done: Electronic Arts is now officially owned by Saudi Arabia
Electronic Arts has been officially acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, along with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The deal, valued at a significant sum, gives Saudi Arabia a 93.4% ownership stake. Concerns have been raised regarding the company's future support for inclusive games given Saudi Arabia's human rights record, while EA leadership emphasizes continued innovation and investment, including in AI.
Live service revenue dominates in EA's last fiscal report ahead of Saudi merger
Electronic Arts reported a 19 percent increase in net revenue to $1.98 billion for its last fiscal quarter as a public company, largely driven by its live service games like EA Sports FC and Apex Legends. This financial report precedes EA's $55 billion merger with an investor consortium including the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, expected to close on August 4, 2026. Despite strong financial performance, the company has continued to implement layoffs.
MMO Business Roundup: EA’s buyout date, Roblox’s Q2 earnings, and PlayStation’s discs will (still) die
Electronic Arts' buyout by the Saudi Public Investment Fund is set for August 4th, pending final conditions, with the PIF set to own 93% of the company. Sony confirmed it will proceed with ending physical disc production for the PlayStation 5, despite industry pushback. Roblox Corporation reported a 36% year-over-year revenue increase to $1.5 billion in Q2 2026, though user migration to lower-monetizing games impacted profits.
Saudi-led EA buyout receives EU approval, Xbox trials ad-supported game streaming, and Poinpy is eternal - Patch Notes #62
The European Commission has approved the Saudi-led buyout of Electronic Arts, while Xbox is trialing ad-supported game streaming for select titles. Separately, the mobile platformer Poinpy has returned, and news emerges about a revived Kinect game, scrapped Pokémon designs, and legal disputes involving Nintendo and Bethesda employees.
Regulators clear the path: Saudi Arabia’s $55B takeover of EA loses its final barrier
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has received approval from the European Commission for its $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, removing a major regulatory hurdle. The deal, which is the second-largest in video game history, has been cleared without competition concerns. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy and increase its presence in the global gaming market.
GDQ cancels SNK-sponsored stream & refuses funds due to Saudi Arabia PIF ownership
Games Done Quick (GDQ) canceled a sponsored stream with SNK and refused funds due to SNK's majority ownership by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF). The decision came after community backlash citing human rights concerns related to the Saudi government. GDQ apologized and promised to be more mindful of partners' values in the future, though the controversy occurred during the successful Summer Games Done Quick 2026 event which raised $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders.
GDQ Cancels SNK Stream Over Saudi Arabia Ties
Games Done Quick (GDQ) canceled a sponsored Metal Slug speedrun stream featuring SNK due to community backlash over SNK's majority ownership by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and associated human rights concerns. GDQ apologized to the affected parties and pledged to strengthen its sponsor evaluation process.
EA reportedly lays off customer service, recruitment & safety staff ahead of $55 billion Saudi sale
Electronic Arts has reportedly conducted layoffs affecting customer service, recruitment, trust and safety, and IT teams in remote roles and its Hyderabad, India office. These cuts are occurring as EA nears its planned $55 billion sale to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The company cited a need to adapt to changing fan needs as the reason for the proposed role changes.
EA Layoffs Hit Customer Support, Recruitment, and More in US and India – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly conducted layoffs affecting customer support, recruitment, IT, and trust and safety teams across its US and India offices. These reductions are said to be part of an effort to adapt to changing fan needs and potentially in preparation for investments from entities like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners. Some reports suggest even employees from the high-earning Battlefield 6 team may have been impacted.
Report: EA conducts layoffs in Hyderabad, India and the US
Electronic Arts has conducted another round of layoffs affecting remote workers in the US and employees at its Hyderabad, India office. The affected roles are primarily in trust and safety, IT, customer support, and recruitment departments. This marks the third round of layoffs at EA this year, following reductions at its Battlefield division and the Skate developer Full Circle.
