The Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA), a global leader in interactive entertainment, in September marks a new milestone in Saudi Arabia’s emerging dominance in the global gaming sector. 

The PIF-led consortium of investors also features Silver Lake and Affnity Partners in an all-cash transaction that values EA at approximately USD 55 billion. The transaction positions EA to accelerate innovation and growth to build the future of entertainment. 

EA Games is an American video game company that develops and publishes games for various platforms, including consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Founded in 1982, EA is known for popular franchises like Apex Legends, The Sims, Madden NFL, and Battlefield. It also operates a membership service called EA Play. 

PIF, Silver Lake, and Affnity Partners bring deep sector experience, committed capital, and global portfolios with networks across gaming, entertainment, and sports that offer unique possibilities for EA to blend physical and digital experiences, enhance fan engagement, and create new growth opportunities.

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory and EA stockholder approvals, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy (NGES). 

Launched in 2022, NGES aims to position the kingdom as a global hub for gaming and esports, adding a new economic diversification stream, creating high-tech jobs, and honing the creativity and innovation skillsets of Saudi’s youth population. With 86 initiatives across 20 public and private entities, the strategy enables the development of advanced technologies and platform, while nurturing an environment for local and global game developers. 

The sector has the potential to unlock economic contribution of more than SAR 50 billion. The government aims to invest in citizens and gamers with the aim to create over 39,000 jobs in development, publishing, infrastructure and other professions by 2030. With Saudi’s 23.5 million gaming enthusiasts (or 67% of the population), the sector boosts strong female participation in gaming of 42%, and 18% in esports. 

THE GAMING ECONOMY

The government’s Vision 2030 blueprint has cast gaming and esports as more than entertainment, but a route to innovation, youth engagement, and job creation.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions are backed by capital: with more than USD 38  billion committed to building the sector, the country wants to become a global hub for esports and interactive entertainment. 

The surge is also powered by demographics, with nearly nine out of 10 Saudis under the age of 35, forming both the consumer base and creative talent behind the boom. Homegrown developers are emerging, local esports teams are making their mark, and Saudi players are now fixtures in international competitions. Around them, a growing ecosystem – from digital studios and event organisers to training academies – is taking shape.

“Talent academies and youth-focused tournaments are equipping the next generation with tools to succeed in a competitive global landscape. Initiatives like these ensure that Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem continues to thrive, fostering an environment where passion meets purpose,” according to management consultancy PWC. 

GLOBAL PLAYERS FLOCK TO SAUDI

Its economic potential is already apparent. The Esports World Cup Foundation, the global non-profit organisation behind the Esports World Cup, said its latest event in Riyadh in August posted record-breaking achievements after seven weeks of competitions across 25 tournaments in 24 different games.

This year’s tournament brought together more than 2,500 players and team members and over 200 teams representing nearly 100 countries, competing for total prizes exceeding USD 70 million. Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons clinched the Clubs Championship for the second consecutive year. The event spanned eight festival venues and four competition halls covering an area equivalent to nine football stadiums. Boulevard Riyadh City welcomed more than three million visitors. 

The festival featured more than 30 main shows and over 50 partner-led initiatives, and it drew a strong presence from international content creators. The event generated 8 billion impressions, 2 billion views across ocial channels, and more than 800,000 pieces of digital content shared by fans, teams, and platforms. Global viewership reached new milestones too, with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang live viewership up 63% and Honor of Kings up 82%. 

Overall, the 2025 edition was the most watched in the tournament’s history, with more than 750 million viewers tuning in worldwide. Hundreds of thousands attended in person, including 2,000 members of the Superfan show who travelled to Riyadh. 

The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the launch of the Esports National Teams Cup, a landmark tournament where top players will represent their countries. The first edition will take place in Riyadh in November 2026.