Saudi Arabia Expands Its Video Game Ambitions with Major Investment

September 29, 2025 - 19:56

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in its pursuit of becoming a global video game hub, highlighted by a substantial $55 billion deal involving Electronic Arts. The kingdom's Public Investment Fund (PIF) is not only rolling over a previous $5 billion equity stake into this new venture but is also injecting more fresh capital than its partners, Silver Lake Management and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. This financial maneuver aims to buy out other public investors, marking a pivotal moment in the kingdom's gaming ambitions.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, an avid video game enthusiast, is spearheading this initiative as part of a broader strategy to create tens of thousands of new jobs and diversify the Saudi economy away from its traditional reliance on oil. The focus on gaming reflects a commitment to modernize the kingdom's economic landscape, positioning it as a competitive player in the global entertainment market. This move underscores Saudi Arabia's determination to invest heavily in sectors that promise growth and innovation.