Saudi Arabia has officially completed one of the biggest acquisitions in gaming history after a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, finalized its purchase of Electronic Arts (EA). The landmark agreement takes one of the world’s largest video game publishers into private ownership while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a global powerhouse in gaming and esports.
The deal, first announced in September 2025, received shareholder approval in December before officially closing this week. EA shareholders received $210 per share in cash, and the company has now been removed from the Nasdaq stock exchange.
Saudi Arabia Acquires EA to Expand Gaming Leadership
The decision by Saudi Arabia to acquire EA represents another major step in the Kingdom’s long-term investment strategy.
Electronic Arts remains one of the biggest names in the gaming industry, publishing globally successful franchises including EA SPORTS FC, Madden NFL, Battlefield, The Sims, Apex Legends, Need for Speed, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect.
With millions of active players worldwide, EA brings an enormous portfolio of intellectual property and international gaming influence.
PIF Continues Major Investments in Gaming
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has steadily expanded its investments across the gaming sector over recent years.
The acquisition supports the Kingdom’s vision of making gaming a major contributor to economic growth while reducing dependence on oil revenues.
PIF-owned Savvy Games Group has already invested billions into game development, esports, publishing, and gaming infrastructure worldwide.
The EA acquisition further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing position in the global gaming market.
Gaming Industry Central to Vision 2030
Gaming has become one of the fastest-growing entertainment industries worldwide, and Saudi Arabia considers the sector a key opportunity under Vision 2030.
The National Gaming and Esports Strategy aims to contribute more than SR50 billion to the country’s GDP, create thousands of new jobs, attract international developers, and position Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading gaming destinations.
Government officials believe investments like EA will accelerate those objectives.
Saudi Gaming Market Continues Rapid Growth
Demand for gaming products continues to increase across Saudi Arabia.
According to official customs figures, the Kingdom imported more than 2.4 million gaming consoles during 2024 and 2025, highlighting strong consumer demand.
Industry analysts expect continued expansion as younger generations increasingly embrace gaming, esports, and digital entertainment.
Esports Success Builds Global Reputation
Saudi Arabia has also invested heavily in competitive gaming.
The 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh attracted approximately 2,000 professional players, viewers from more than 175 countries, and around 750 million online views.
The event helped establish Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s fastest-growing esports destinations.
What the EA Acquisition Means
Bringing Electronic Arts into the Saudi-backed consortium provides the Kingdom with ownership of one of gaming’s most recognizable publishers.
Industry experts believe the acquisition could increase investment in game development, expand esports opportunities, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s influence in interactive entertainment, and encourage further international partnerships.
Although EA will continue developing its major franchises, the ownership change marks a new chapter for both the company and Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions.
The announcement that Saudi Arabia acquires EA demonstrates the Kingdom’s determination to become a major force in global gaming.
As investment continues across publishing, development, esports, and digital entertainment, Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming itself into one of the industry’s most influential markets.
The EA acquisition is expected to play a central role in shaping that future.
