Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is reportedly exploring the idea of folding Electronic Arts (EA) into its gaming subsidiary, Savvy Games Group. According to sources briefed by Bloomberg, the strategic move is intended to "ensure better coordination between its assets," creating a more unified portfolio of interactive entertainment properties. Savvy Games Group, which was launched in 2021, already manages a diverse collection of gaming and esports investments. Its current holdings include the mobile game publisher Scopely, the esports tournament organizer ESL Gaming, the competitive platform FaceIt, and a substantial $1 billion stake in the Swedish video‑game conglomerate Embracer Group.
In addition to these core assets, Savvy also maintains minority positions in several major developers and publishers, such as Nintendo, Capcom, Nexon, Take‑Two Interactive, Activision Blizzard, and Koei Tecmo. This breadth of exposure gives the PIF a foothold across multiple segments of the global gaming ecosystem, from console and PC titles to mobile and competitive esports. The timing of the potential merger coincides with Savvy’s ongoing acquisition of Moonton, the Chinese studio behind the hit mobile title "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang." The Moonton deal, valued at roughly $6 billion, was announced in March and is still pending final closure.
Sources indicate that the integration of EA into Savvy’s structure is unlikely to proceed until the Moonton transaction is fully completed, suggesting that the PIF wants to avoid over‑extending its operational bandwidth while a major cross‑border purchase is being finalized. Both the PIF and EA declined to comment on the speculation when approached by Bloomberg, and a Savvy spokesperson did not respond to requests for clarification. Nevertheless, the background to this possible consolidation is already public: the PIF led a $55 billion leveraged buyout of EA that closed last month, making the Saudi fund the majority shareholder of the iconic Western game developer. The acquisition, first announced in September of the previous year, was backed by a consortium that included the PIF, private‑equity firm Silver Lake, and the investment vehicle Affinity Partners.
In an internal memo circulated to EA employees after the deal closed, the company emphasized that its core mission, values, and dedication to players worldwide would remain unchanged. "EA will maintain creative control, and our track record of creative freedom and player‑first values will remain intact," the letter read. The consortium’s statement added that the new owners “believe in our vision, our leadership and our focus on creating games, stories, and content that reflect a range of experiences and delivering them to our global player community.
They're investing in the creativity that defines EA." Leadership changes at Savvy Games also reflect the broader transformation underway. Last week, Brian Ward stepped down as chief executive of Savvy after serving since the company’s inception.
Turqi Alnowaiser, the deputy governor of the PIF and head of its International Investments Division, was named interim CEO. In a farewell note to staff, Ward wrote, "As Savvy embarks on its next period of transformational growth, this is the right time for new leadership for that evolution." During his tenure, Ward oversaw a $37.8 billion investment program aimed at expanding Saudi Arabia’s presence in the global gaming industry, positioning the kingdom as a significant player in a market that now generates over $200 billion in annual revenue. If the merger proceeds, the combined entity would bring together EA’s extensive catalog of blockbuster franchises—such as "FIFA," "Battlefield," "The Sims," and "Apex Legends"—with Savvy’s growing suite of mobile, esports, and publishing assets. This could create synergies in several areas: shared technology platforms, cross‑promotion of titles across different regions, and a more coordinated approach to licensing and distribution.
Moreover, the integration could give EA greater access to the fast‑growing mobile and emerging markets that Savvy has already tapped, while Savvy would benefit from EA’s deep expertise in large‑scale game development and its strong relationships with Western retailers and digital storefronts. Analysts note that the merger would also align with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 agenda, which seeks to diversify the kingdom’s economy away from oil dependence by investing heavily in entertainment, technology, and sports.
By consolidating its gaming holdings under a single umbrella, the PIF can more efficiently allocate capital, streamline decision‑making, and present a unified front to regulators and partners worldwide. However, the deal is not without challenges. Integrating two large, culturally distinct organizations will require careful management of talent, IP rights, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Antitrust scrutiny could arise, particularly in regions where EA already holds a dominant market position.
Additionally, the ongoing Moonton acquisition adds another layer of complexity, as the Chinese regulator’s approval process can be lengthy and opaque. In summary, the PIF’s contemplation of merging EA with Savvy Games Group reflects a strategic push to create a more cohesive, globally competitive gaming powerhouse.
While the exact timeline remains uncertain—especially pending the finalization of the Moonton purchase—the move signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to cement its role as a major investor and influencer in the worldwide video‑game landscape.