Back in September, it was announced that the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund had scaled for $55 billion. The path to the close of that deal has been steeped in controversy, especially due to fears of Saudi Arabia’s censorship. EA recently confirmed it will maintain creative control even after the acquisition.
The latest reaction from the company is obviously intended to ease the tension that may be building up among its development team over the fate of their jobs and games if the deal is finalized.
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The latest SEC filing from Electronic Arts includes an update to the employee FAQ to answer most of the questions relating to the studio’s acquisition. Regarding the company’s culture, EA said it will “remain unchanged”, adding that the company will “maintain creative control, and our track record of creative freedom and player-first values will remain intact”.
“We will continue to be guided by our cultural values of creativity, pioneering, passion, determination, learning, and teamwork. The Consortium is supportive of and committed to investing in our exceptional employees and our strong culture.”
If the deal finalizes, Electronic Arts will also be taking on $20 billion in debt. This has also got employees worried—and rightly so, considering the mass layoffs in the video game industry. EA dispelled any fears in that regard.
“There will be no immediate changes to your job, team, or daily work, as a result of this transaction,” Electronic Arts said in the update employee FAQ.
EA said they will continue to chase “organic and inorganic growth opportunities as a private company, even with new debt”, pointing out the need to invest in the business to “accelerate innovation”.
Electronic Arts has recently come under scrutiny following the allegation that the company is mandating its employees to use AI tools for just about everything. As the company works to clear its debt, more stringent cost-cutting measures will likely be introduced, and layoffs may not be off the table.
Are you concerned that censorship may be introduced in EA games after the acquisition? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
