Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson has stated that the company’s values will remain unchanged following a $50bn buyout from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.
In a statement posted to the Electronic Arts website and titled “Exciting News About Our Future”, Wilson attempted to reassure staff at EA that the future was bright for EA in the wake of the buyout.
He said: “This moment is a recognition of your creativity, your innovation, and your passion. You have built some of the world’s most iconic IP, created stories that have inspired global communities, and helped shape culture through interactive experiences. Everything we have achieved – and everything that lies ahead – is because of you.
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“We are entering a new era of opportunity. This is one of the largest and most significant investments ever made in the entertainment industry. Our new partners bring deep experience across sports, gaming, and entertainment. They are committed with conviction to EA – they believe in our people, our leadership, and the long-term vision we are now building together.
“Our mission at EA to – Inspire The World To Play – continues to guide everything we do. Our values and our commitment to players and fans around the world remain unchanged. With continued rigor and operational excellence, we can amplify the creativity of our teams, accelerate innovation, and pursue transformative opportunities that position EA to lead the future of entertainment. Together, we’ll create experiences that are bold, expressive, and deeply connected to inspire generations of players around the world.”
These values are of particular note. Among EA’s developers stand both Bioware and Maxis Studios, creators of Mass Effect and The Sims respectively. These series are not only popular, but quite outwardly LGBT-positive, featuring same-sex relationships. One of the new private owners – the Saudi Arabian government – continues to keep same-sex relationships illegal.
It’s worth noting that SNK, following its acquisition by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, attempted to reassure the world that its creative input would not be changed as a result. SNK’s next game Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves would then feature Cristiano Ronaldo and Salvatore Ganacci – celebrities that featured heavily in Saudi Arabian events.
The statement from Andrew Wilson continues: “I am excited to continue as CEO, working alongside our leadership team to advance our strategy. United by our vision, we will deliver experiences that transcend platforms and empower players everywhere to create worlds, characters, and stories that are bold, interactive, and deeply connected.”
