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 5 studio was reportedly told to tone down inclusivity by EA after Saudi Arabia buyout, former BioWare dev…
Former BioWare developers have reportedly stated that Electronic Arts instructed them to tone down inclusivity in the unreleased Mass Effect 5 following the company's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Developers allegedly had to remove an LGBTQIA+ flag from a presentation to avoid causing offense, reflecting broader concerns about content policing after the buyout.
EA morale hits a new low amid AI push and BioWare closure: "A cold dead place that's slowly decaying as leadership pilfers every last cent"
Morale at Electronic Arts is reportedly at an all-time low following recent layoffs and the closure of BioWare's studio. Employees describe the layoff process as impersonal and disruptive, with management pushing generative AI tools despite employee concerns. The publisher's acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also led to significant cost-cutting measures.
Mass Effect fans protest EA with Times Square ad and plans for The Game Awards
Mass Effect fans are launching a campaign, including a Change.org petition and a Times Square billboard, to pressure Electronic Arts into continuing the franchise after the closure of BioWare and the cancellation of the next Mass Effect game. Despite EA's decision, an Amazon TV adaptation is reportedly still in development, and composer Austin Wintory has shared music he created for the cancelled project.
Commander Shepard actors Jennifer Hale & Mark Meer mourn BioWare: 'It was in the hands of ownership that may…
Voice actors Jennifer Hale and Mark Meer expressed sadness and concern over the reported closure of BioWare and the fate of its intellectual properties. They reflected on the impact on employees and the potential loss of beloved franchises like Mass Effect, with Hale even humorously suggesting a fan-led Kickstarter to save the studio. The article also touches on the broader trend of industry consolidation and the potential for IPs to be mishandled by new ownership.
Battlefield 6 Reportedly Cancels Mass Effect Collab In Wake Of BioWare Closure
Battlefield 6 has reportedly canceled its planned Mass Effect collaboration following EA's decision to close BioWare and cancel the next Mass Effect game. Mass Effect-themed cosmetics previously found in Battlefield 6's files have been removed from the in-game store. The closure of the 30-year-old studio, known for its contributions to queer representation in games, has upset fans, especially given EA's recent leveraged buyout.
Mass Effect TV Show Still Going Ahead After EA Cancels Mass Effect 5 And Closes BioWare, Report Says
A report indicates that Electronic Arts has closed BioWare and canceled the development of Mass Effect 5, despite the ongoing production of a Mass Effect TV show for Prime Video. Key creative personnel remain attached to the television project, which has been in development since 2021. The studio closure and game cancellation follow EA's privatization and subsequent cost-saving measures, which also led to layoffs and the halt of other projects like a new The Sims game.
BioWare is closing down and Mass Effect 5 is cancelled, months after Saudi Arabia's $55bn EA buyout
BioWare, the acclaimed RPG developer behind titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, is closing down, with its in-development Mass Effect 5 project also cancelled. This surprising decision comes just months after its parent company, Electronic Arts, was acquired by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The closure marks the end of an era for the studio, which has been a prominent name in the industry for over three decades.
Mystique's lesbian relationship in Marvel's Wolverine is seemingly censored in certain parts of the world
Players have reported that Marvel's Wolverine features censorship in its Middle Eastern version, particularly regarding Mystique's lesbian relationship with Tyger. This includes blurred photos and redacted dialogue, a tactic also seen in other media distributed in the region. This follows a similar pattern observed with Marvel's Spider-Man 2, which had LGBTQ+ references removed prior to its release in Saudi Arabia.
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.
