Electronic Arts is officially a privately owned company following the completion of a $55 billion acquisition led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The transaction ends EA’s long history as a publicly traded company and transfers ownership to an investor group consisting of PIF, Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.

PIF holds the controlling interest in the newly private company, while Silver Lake and Affinity Partners hold minority positions.

The acquisition was initially announced in September 2025 and valued Electronic Arts at approximately $55 billion.

EA’s public shareholders received $210 in cash for each share they owned as part of the transaction.

The company’s shares will no longer trade publicly, meaning EA will no longer operate under the same quarterly reporting requirements and immediate shareholder pressures it faced as a listed company.

Andrew Wilson will remain Electronic Arts’ chief executive officer.

EA will also maintain its headquarters in Redwood City, California.

Wilson described the acquisition as recognition of the employees whose creativity and work helped establish EA as one of the world’s largest interactive entertainment companies.

The publisher controls major franchises including Battlefield, The Sims, Apex Legends, Need for Speed, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies and Titanfall.

Its EA Sports division also operates EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, College Football, NHL, UFC and Formula 1 games.

PIF has steadily expanded its investments across gaming, esports, sports and entertainment as part of Saudi Arabia’s wider economic diversification strategy.

The Saudi investment fund previously owned approximately 9.9 percent of EA before joining the investor group that acquired the entire company.

Silver Lake is a technology-focused private investment firm, while Affinity Partners is an investment company founded by Jared Kushner.

The acquisition included approximately $36 billion in equity investment and $20 billion in committed debt financing.

Because EA is taking on substantial debt through the transaction, analysts and employees may closely watch whether the new ownership pursues cost reductions, studio restructuring or a stronger focus on the company’s largest franchises.

EA and its investors have instead emphasized long-term investment, international expansion and faster decision-making away from the pressures of the public market.

The company says the new ownership will provide additional capital and strategic connections across gaming, technology, sports and entertainment.

EA is expected to continue concentrating on franchises capable of reaching large global audiences and producing long-term recurring revenue.

That could place even greater importance on Battlefield, EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Apex Legends and The Sims.

Smaller projects may face greater scrutiny as EA attempts to balance creative investment with the financial obligations attached to the acquisition.

The new ownership has also generated debate about Saudi Arabia’s growing influence within the global gaming industry.

Critics have raised questions about human rights, creative independence and whether ownership could affect the themes or representation included in future EA games.

EA has not announced changes to its existing creative policies, currently supported games or publicly revealed release schedule following the takeover.

The company has also not announced immediate changes for players’ EA accounts, purchased games, subscriptions or online services.

Players should therefore expect EA’s current games and platforms to continue operating normally unless the company announces individual changes.

The completed transaction represents one of the largest corporate acquisitions in gaming history and the largest private equity-backed leveraged buyout recorded to date.

Electronic Arts now begins a new era as a private company controlled by PIF and supported by Silver Lake and Affinity Partners.