Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, together with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, finalises the acquisition of Electronic Arts, advancing the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global gaming and esports powerhouse.
A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, has officially completed its acquisition of video game publisher Electronic Arts (EA), marking one of the largest transactions in the gaming industry’s history.
According to the Saudi Gazette, the deal, first announced in September 2025, received shareholder approval in December 2025 and officially closed on Tuesday. Under the agreement, EA shareholders received $210 per share in cash, and the company’s shares have now been delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market, making EA a privately owned company.
EA joins Saudi-backed gaming portfolio
Electronic Arts is among the world’s leading interactive entertainment companies, with a portfolio of globally recognised gaming franchises.
Its popular titles include EA SPORTS FC, Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, Apex Legends, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect, making it one of the most influential publishers in the global gaming industry.
The acquisition significantly expands Saudi Arabia’s presence in the international gaming sector through investments backed by the Public Investment Fund.
Saudi Arabia strengthens gaming ambitions
The acquisition forms part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to establish itself as a global hub for gaming and esports while diversifying its economy beyond oil.
Gaming has been identified as one of the fastest-growing global industries and a strategic sector capable of attracting investment, generating employment opportunities, and supporting economic diversification under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programme.
According to Saudi customs data, the Kingdom imported more than 2.4 million video game consoles during 2024 and 2025, reflecting strong growth in the domestic gaming market.
Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy aims to contribute more than SR50 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) while positioning the Kingdom among the world’s leading gaming destinations.
Savvy Games Group expands global footprint
PIF-owned Savvy Games Group continues to play a central role in Saudi Arabia’s gaming investments and international expansion strategy.
Beyond corporate acquisitions, the group has invested heavily in esports development and international tournaments.
The 2025 Esports World Cup held in Riyadh attracted approximately 750 million views across more than 175 countries and featured nearly 2,000 professional players, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the competitive gaming industry.
The completion of the Electronic Arts acquisition represents another major milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to become a leading force in the global gaming and esports ecosystem.