Mohammed bin Salman
Reporting and statements that mention Mohammed bin Salman.
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Saudi Arabia reportedly looking at merging Electronic Arts with Savvy Games Group
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly considering merging Electronic Arts with its other gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. This potential merger, which would consolidate significant gaming assets under one umbrella, is said to be contingent on the PIF's acquisition of Moonton and would likely face regulatory scrutiny. The move could also lead to cost-saving measures, including layoffs at Electronic Arts, which recently incurred substantial debt from the PIF's acquisition.
Dragon Ball Z Is Getting a €6 Billion Theme Park Outside Paris, Funded by France and Saudi Arabia
France and Saudi Arabia are collaborating on a €6 billion Dragon Ball Z-themed amusement park to be built northwest of Paris. The concept emerged from a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, both fans of the franchise. The project will be funded by Qiddiya, a Saudi entertainment group, which is also developing a similar Dragon Ball park in Riyadh.
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.
'I feel dirty:' EA workers trapped in a maelstrom of cynicism and doubt after Saudi buyout
Employees at Electronic Arts are expressing deep cynicism and doubt following the company's buyout by an investor consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite assurances from EA leadership, workers fear the acquisition will lead to cultural changes, potential project cancellations, and layoffs, as well as concerns about the country's human rights record and the use of 'sportswashing' and 'pixelwashing' to launder its image.
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.
"Mass Layoffs" May Follow EA Sale
Following the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, discussions have turned to potential mass layoffs. The article suggests that significant workforce reductions may occur as a result of the sale.
EA is now a private company, with stakeholders that include Saudi's PIF and Affinity Partners
Electronic Arts has officially become a private company following a $55 billion buyout, with stakeholders including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Affinity Partners. This deal, the second largest in gaming history, has raised concerns regarding human rights and LGBTQ+ issues due to the nature of some investors. The future of EA's franchises and potential company restructuring remain uncertain.
More EA layoffs expected as Saudi Arabia buyout is completed
Electronic Arts has completed its $55 billion acquisition by an investor consortium, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, making it a private company. The deal, financed partly by a $20 billion loan, raises concerns about potential mass layoffs and increased microtransactions to offset the debt. The PIF now holds a majority stake, leading to discussions about potential censorship of inclusive titles like The Sims due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
EA has officially been sold to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
Electronic Arts (EA) has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) in a leveraged buyout valued at approximately $55 billion. The deal, which also includes investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, marks EA's return to private ownership after 36 years. CEO Andrew Wilson addressed staff, emphasizing continued innovation and the importance of interactive entertainment, while concerns remain about potential layoffs and the use of AI.
EA clears US regulatory approvals in take-private deal
Electronic Arts' major take-private deal, involving a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has received all necessary regulatory approvals in the US and Europe. The approximately $55 billion deal is expected to close on August 4, 2026, despite concerns raised about Saudi Arabia's control and potential cultural implications.
Saudi Arabia's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts will happen next week
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is set to complete its $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts next week, with all regulatory approvals secured. This acquisition, which will take EA private, has raised concerns among content creators and former employees regarding potential shifts in game content and the company's values. The deal, the largest leveraged buyout in history, will saddle EA with significant debt, potentially leading to cost-cutting measures focused on its most profitable franchises like Battlefield and EA Sports FC.
Saudi Arabia's takeover of EA gets approval from European Commission
The European Commission has approved Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's proposed $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, stating it will not raise competition concerns within the EU. While this hurdle is cleared, the deal still faces scrutiny from US lawmakers and developers concerned about the takeover's implications.
Saudi Arabia's divisive EA buyout approved under EU merger rules
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund under EU merger rules. The commission found the $55 billion deal, which involves the production and distribution of video games across mobile, PC, and consoles, will not raise competition concerns due to its limited market impact. The deal has faced scrutiny over potential human rights implications and cultural washing concerns.
Games Done Quick apologizes for partnering with Saudi-owned studio SNK
Charity speedrunning event Games Done Quick (GDQ) cancelled a sponsored stream with Japanese studio SNK due to concerns over the company's ownership by a subsidiary of the Misk Foundation, which is linked to Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. GDQ organizers apologized for failing to conduct adequate review and pledged to strengthen their sponsor evaluation process, stating the partnership conflicted with their values of supporting human rights and inclusivity.
Why the $55bn acquisition of Electronic Arts isn't your usual leveraged buyout
A consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is acquiring Electronic Arts for $55 billion in a record-breaking leveraged buyout. The deal, financed with over $20 billion in debt, raises concerns about future investment in EA's games and its ability to service the debt. Experts suggest the acquisition is a strategic move by Saudi Arabia to gain soft power and bolster its esports initiatives, rather than a typical financial play.
Protesters 'raid' EA to oppose Saudi Arabia acquisition
Protesters gathered at Electronic Arts headquarters to oppose the acquisition of the company by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The group attempted to deliver a petition signed by over 70,000 people but was denied direct access by security. Concerns were raised about potential layoffs, studio closures, and content restrictions due to the leveraged buyout and foreign influence.
Cosplayers plan to storm EA headquarters today to protest Saudi Arabia buyout
Cosplayers are planning to protest at Electronic Arts headquarters against a proposed $55 billion buyout by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners. The protest aims to deliver a 70,000-signature petition and raise concerns about potential staff layoffs, increased monetization, and studio closures.
Cosplaying Gamers Will Raid EA HQ To Protest Saudi Arabia's $55 Billion Buyout
Gamers are planning a cosplay protest at Electronic Arts' headquarters on May 11 to oppose Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's proposed $55 billion buyout. The Players Alliance HQ group aims to deliver over 70,000 petition signatures and raise awareness about potential negative consequences like layoffs and increased monetization due to the debt burden on EA.
CWA Canada president says Saudi buyout of EA should trigger 'virtually every alarm bell'
CWA Canada president Carmel Smyth has urged the Canadian government to scrutinize the proposed $55 billion buyout of Electronic Arts by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund due to national security risks. Concerns include potential data misuse, surveillance, and the transfer of sensitive AI technology to a foreign state. The union also highlighted potential job losses for Canadian EA workers due to the deal's financing structure.
Saudi Arabia’s EGDC Raises Ownership Stake in Capcom, Now Owns 6.04 Percent
Saudi Arabia's Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC) has increased its ownership stake in Capcom to 6.04 percent, acquiring an additional 1.01 percent. The EGDC, owned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also holds a majority stake in SNK and is involved in the proposed acquisition of Electronic Arts by the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
