The sale of gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA) for $55bn (£41bn) to a group of buyers, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been finalised. The deal, which includes investors like Affinity Partners, will take EA private, meaning it will no longer be traded on a stock exchange. It is thought to be the largest leveraged buyout in history, requiring PIF to borrow $20bn from JPMorgan to close the deal.

While EA's chief executive Andrew Wilson plans to create transformative experiences, the buyout has sparked concern among fans. Critics worry that the PIF's influence could lead to the censorship of themes like inclusivity and LGBTQI+ representation found in titles like The Sims.

Beyond economics, analysts suggest the acquisition is about owning a soft power asset. By owning EA, the PIF gains a relationship with a massive global audience, potentially expanding its influence beyond existing sporting ventures like Newcastle United.