EA Employees Reportedly Panicking Over Saudi-Backed Takeover — “It’s Going to Get Worse”

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Electronic Arts is a very well-known name in the world of video games, but currently, many of its employees are not happy. Reports indicate that workers at EA are feeling worried and frustrated after the company was recently acquired by a group backed by Saudi Arabia.

The $55 billion agreement, initially revealed earlier this week, will result in EA becoming a private company. This will be led by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, working with Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. It’s reported that EA will also take on $20 billion in debt to complete the deal. Experts have differing opinions – some believe this could lead to growth, while others consider the move to be a gamble that primarily benefits those involved.

Analysts Split on the Move

Experts disagree about whether the buyout is a good idea. Mike Hickey from Benchmark told the Associated Press it seems like a move to benefit those in charge, calling it “a self-serving, opportunistic move by management and the investor group.” However, Nick McKay of Freedom Capital is more hopeful, suggesting the deal will let EA “increase its focus on long-term growth” without pressure from the stock market.

There’s a lot riding on two major game releases for EA. Their leading soccer game – now known as EA Sports FC – came out just last week. And next month, Battlefield 6 is scheduled to launch, aiming to compete with Activision’s popular military shooter games. These releases are particularly important for EA as the company begins a new chapter with new owners. The success of both titles is crucial as EA transitions into this new era.

Wilson’s Message to Staff

EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, is expected to continue in his role after the acquisition, and he shared a positive message with employees. In a note to staff, he said: “This is a celebration of your creativity, your innovation, and your passion. Everything we’ve accomplished-and everything we will accomplish in the future-is thanks to your hard work.”

Wilson also told employees that “our core beliefs and dedication to players and fans globally haven’t changed.”

But not everyone was convinced.

Workers Speak Out: “It’s Going to Get Worse”

Gamefile spoke with several current EA employees who painted a very different picture.

One employee strongly voiced their disapproval: “Andrew Wilson essentially dismissed the concerns of all women and LGBTQ employees at EA with this agreement.” This comment referred to Saudi Arabia’s well-documented history of enforcing strict separation based on gender, restricting women’s rights, and severely punishing same-sex relationships-a record that sharply conflicts with the inclusive image EA has worked to build over time. This is, of course, a sensitive issue and reflects a serious concern about the company’s values.

Another was blunt about the toll on morale.

They explained that the past year has seen many people suffer so that executives could profit. Nothing feels good right now. They also anticipate that things will likely worsen after the deal is finalized, before potentially improving – though they aren’t even sure if improvement is possible.

A third worker told Gamefile they expect layoffs to follow.

They expressed concern about potential job losses after the acquisition, saying layoffs often happen with this type of deal. They also added that, personally, they didn’t align with the values and beliefs of the future owners.

Why Employees Are Nervous

The Public Investment Fund is directly connected to the Saudi government, and this link has caused concern due to the government’s human rights record. For a long time, EA (Electronic Arts) has presented itself as a forward-thinking and inclusive publisher in the gaming world, consistently showing support for events like Pride month and incorporating social issues – such as options for choosing pronouns – into games like The Sims and Dragon Age: The Veilguard.

This deal is particularly upsetting for employees, who see it as going against the company’s publicly expressed principles.

Recently, EA announced it had 14,500 employees as of March 30, 2025 – a rise in headcount even after two rounds of layoffs over the past two years. Given the company’s $20 billion in debt and a track record where mergers and acquisitions typically result in job losses, many employees are preparing for further cuts, which they anticipate are likely to happen.

The Bigger Picture

It’s still uncertain whether the acquisition will change EA’s company culture and the jobs of its employees. However, many employees are already feeling worried. Since EA relies on the creativity of its staff, leaders might face challenges in assuring everyone that this change won’t negatively impact them.

What should currently be a celebratory time for those in charge has instead become a worrying time for regular employees.

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2025-09-30 19:57