EA’s Saudi takeover will be “a real waste” if it turns the publishers into a “sequel-and-mega-franchise machine”, Helldivers 2 studio boss says
EA’s $55 billion leveraged buyout by Saudi Arabia, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner-founded Affinity Partners has been approved by the European Commission, transitioning the publisher to private ownership with significant debt obligations.
The acquisition has prompted concerns from industry figures about EA’s strategic direction under new ownership. Shams Jorjani, CEO of Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead, expressed worry that EA may become increasingly focused on “a sequel-and-mega-franchise machine,” narrowing its portfolio to established franchises rather than pursuing diverse creative ventures.
Jorjani emphasized the industry’s need for business diversity alongside creative diversity, suggesting that a fragmented publisher landscape with multiple independent studios strengthens the sector. His comments hint at skepticism about whether the new ownership structure will encourage innovative projects or prioritize profitable, low-risk sequels and franchise extensions.
The takeover marks a significant shift in gaming’s corporate landscape, with the privately-held structure and debt load potentially influencing EA’s investment strategy and risk tolerance for new intellectual properties. Industry observers will watch closely to see whether EA maintains portfolio diversity or consolidates toward blockbuster-focused operations.