One of the biggest deals in video game industry history is about to become official. Electronic Arts (EA) has confirmed that its $55 billion acquisition will be completed next week, bringing an end to more than three decades as a publicly traded company. The move marks a major turning point not only for EA but also for the wider gaming industry, where rising development costs and changing market conditions have pushed publishers to rethink their long-term strategies.
The company said all required regulatory approvals have now been secured, clearing the final hurdle before the transaction closes. Once the deal is completed, EA will begin operating as a privately owned company while continuing under its existing leadership.
EA confirms merger will close next week
In a filing submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Electronic Arts announced that the merger is expected to be finalized on August 4, 2026.
The company stated, “As of July 30, 2026, all regulatory approvals required to complete the Merger have been obtained. Electronic Arts currently expects the Merger to close on or about the close of trading on August 4, 2026.”
The acquisition was first announced last year, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) joining investment firms Silver Lake and Affinity Partners to acquire the gaming giant. Valued at approximately $55 billion, the transaction ranks among the largest leveraged buyouts ever completed in the entertainment and technology sectors.
Despite the ownership change, EA confirmed that CEO Andrew Wilson will remain in charge of the company. Its headquarters will also continue operating from Redwood City, California, signalling continuity in day-to-day management after the merger is finalized.
End of an era for one of gaming’s biggest publishers
The transaction closes the chapter on 35 years of Electronic Arts as a publicly listed company. Since its public debut, EA has grown into one of the world’s largest game publishers, building globally recognised franchises across sports, action and simulation genres.
The company’s portfolio includes blockbuster series such as EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, The Sims, Battlefield, Titanfall and several other major properties. Although EA ended its long-running partnership with FIFA in 2023 and rebranded its football franchise as EA Sports FC, the series has remained one of the publisher’s biggest commercial successes.
Like many major gaming companies, EA has also faced significant challenges in recent years. Rising production budgets, slower consumer spending and industry-wide restructuring led the publisher to reduce its workforce, cancel several projects and close multiple development studios. The company also put the Need for Speed franchise on hold while reallocating resources to other long-term priorities.
Battlefield 6 gives EA fresh momentum
Even as the industry experienced a difficult period, EA has recently regained momentum thanks to the success of Battlefield 6. Since its launch last October, the latest entry in the long-running military shooter franchise has attracted a strong player base and positive commercial performance, helping strengthen confidence in the company’s future.
According to its latest financial results, Electronic Arts generated approximately $7.5 billion in annual revenue, underscoring its position as one of the most influential publishers in the global gaming business. Its sports titles continue to deliver consistent revenue through annual releases, while franchises such as The Sims remain popular years after launch because of ongoing content updates and downloadable expansions.
The transition to private ownership could also provide EA with greater flexibility when making long-term investments. Without the pressure of quarterly public market expectations, the company may have more room to focus on large-scale game development, artificial intelligence initiatives and live-service experiences that often require years of investment before generating returns.
With regulatory approvals now complete and the closing date confirmed, Electronic Arts is preparing to enter a new phase in its history. The company will leave the stock market behind, but its biggest challenge remains the same—continuing to deliver blockbuster games in an increasingly competitive global gaming industry.
