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EA Shareholders Approve Partial Sale to Saudi Arabia’s PIF Despite Industry Concerns

by · Inside Sport India

EA Shareholders Approve Partial Sale to Saudi Arabia’s PIF Despite Industry Concerns. Check out the details about the sale.

Electronic Arts (EA) shareholders have officially approved the partial sale of the company to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), signaling another major stride in the kingdom’s expanding footprint within the global gaming sector. The decision, confirmed during EA’s latest shareholder meeting, grants PIF a substantial ownership stake in the company known for hit franchises like FIFABattlefield, and Apex Legends.

EA Shareholders Approve Partial Sale

The PIF, which manages over $700 billion in assets, has steadily invested in key gaming and entertainment entities worldwide. Its latest acquisition aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 — a national initiative focused on diversifying the country’s economy beyond oil, with video games and esports projected as critical growth sectors.

This approval has sparked mixed reactions across both the gaming community and financial analysts. Some industry observers note that the investment could provide EA with capital to expand development capabilities and strengthen its live-service portfolio. Others, however, raise ethical concerns tied to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and increased government involvement in Western entertainment platforms.

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EA has not disclosed the exact value or percentage of the shares acquired by PIF, but recent estimates suggest the fund could now hold a considerable minority position. This move further cements PIF’s growing role in the global gaming ecosystem — following prior investments in companies such as Nintendo, Activision Blizzard, Capcom, and Take-Two Interactive.

Executives at EA emphasized that the deal would not alter the company’s operational independence or leadership structure. Still, analysts suggest that PIF’s influence on financial decisions and future expansion strategies could become more visible over time.

As Saudi Arabia continues positioning itself as a global gaming hub, this development illustrates how sovereign wealth investments are reshaping industry ownership dynamics — and how major publishers like EA are adapting to an era of global capital interest in interactive entertainment.