Electronic Arts (EA), the publisher behind popular video game series such as The Sims and FC (formerly Fifa), has been acquired by a group of private investors. The deal, valued at $55bn (£41bn), was finalised this month following regulatory approval.
The purchasing group includes the Saudi Public Investment Fund, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Silver Lake, which has invested in AI infrastructure; and Affinity Partners, owned by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The acquisition was a leveraged buyout, with $22bn of the cost paid for with debt from fossil fuel financier JP Morgan. Concerns regarding the deal have been raised by popular Sims content creators, including lilsimsie (Kayla Sims), who is reportedly seeking to divest from the game. US Congressman Maxwell Frost has also promised to use congressional oversight to demand answers from EA and protect workers and players.