Employees at Electronic Arts are reportedly bracing for significant changes following the completion of Saudi Arabia's acquisition of the company. Concerns are mounting over potential censorship and a more restrictive approach to game development, particularly regarding titles that feature diverse and inclusive elements. The sentiment among many workers, as reported by Game Developer, is one of apprehension and moral discomfort regarding the new ownership.
While EA has attempted to reassure staff about the preservation of its "cultural values," many employees remain skeptical. Some view the acquisition as a strategic move by Saudi Arabia to improve its global image through "sportswashing," leveraging EA's established and comparatively progressive company culture to distract from the kingdom's human rights record. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and now EA's new principal owner, has previously expressed openness to using sportswashing to achieve economic goals.
Employees fear that instead of overt censorship, projects that do not explicitly align with the Saudi government's preferences may simply not be greenlit or even proposed. This apprehension is compounded by the moral objections some workers have to being part of a company owned by a regime with a history of oppressing women and LGBTQ+ individuals, and which is credibly accused of involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The involvement of Jared Kushner's Saudi-backed Affinity Partners investment firm has further intensified these feelings for some.
The current state of the video game industry, marked by widespread layoffs and a challenging job market, is forcing many employees to set aside moral objections for practical reasons. One employee stated, "I'd love to leave, but the jobs aren't there, and I have bills to pay." While employees with vested shares stand to benefit financially from the Public Investment Fund's premium buyout offer, those without shares, including temporary full-time staff, will not receive such compensation.
The overall mood among EA's rank-and-file employees is described as grim. Many feel a disconnect from management, recalling a time when executives were more engaged and appeared to genuinely care about the workforce. This perceived shift in corporate culture, combined with the uncertain future under new ownership and the financial pressures on EA following the leveraged buyout, suggests a challenging period ahead for the company and its employees.