European Union set to approve Saudi PIF acquisition of Electronic Arts, according to report

The European Union is poised to approve the acquisition of Electronic Arts by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) under its foreign subsidy regulations, according to a report from Reuters published by Video Games Chronicle. This regulatory milestone brings the multi-billion-dollar deal significantly closer to completion following months of international scrutiny.

Details of the $55 Billion Takeover

The acquisition, which was first announced in September 2025, involves a consortium led by the PIF alongside Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners and the private equity firm Silver Lake. The deal values a massive 93.4% stake in the major game publisher at $55 billion.

The transaction has already secured critical internal support. In December 2025, the shareholders of Electronic Arts voted to approve the takeover, leaving regulatory clearances as the primary remaining hurdles before the acquisition can be finalized.

A Growing Footprint in the Gaming Industry

The pending acquisition of Electronic Arts marks the largest step yet in Saudi Arabia's rapid expansion into the global gaming sector. Over the last several years, the kingdom has systematically built up its portfolio of gaming assets through various state-backed entities.

Notable previous investments include:

• SNK: The Electronic Gaming Development Company (EGDC) purchased a controlling 96% stake in the veteran Japanese game developer in April 2022.
• RTS (Evo): The Saudi-owned enterprise Qiddiya acquired RTS, the co-owner of the prominent fighting game tournament brand Evo, in September 2025.
• Capcom: EGDC expanded its industry presence by acquiring a 5% stake in the publisher behind Resident Evil and Street Fighter in March 2026.

Potential Slowdown in Saudi Investment

While the acquisition of Electronic Arts represents a historic consolidation in the interactive entertainment space, it may also signal the climax of Saudi Arabia's aggressive purchasing campaign.

According to reports, the PIF's high-velocity "investment spree" in the video game sector is expected to slow down. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the sovereign wealth fund was running low on cash following the immense capital layout required to secure the $55 billion Electronic Arts deal.

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