Major Video Game Union Comes Out Against EA Saudi Buyout

The Communication Workers of America's United Video Games union has expressed opposition to the proposed $55 billion deal to purchase Electronic Arts (EA) by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, and the private equity firm Silver Lake. The union has approached the US Federal Trade Commission, arguing that the deal would lead to job cuts at EA, which is not a struggling company. The union has asked the FTC to scrutinize the deal and ensure that it protects jobs and preserves creative freedom. However, with Jared Kushner's close ties to the Trump administration, it is unlikely that the government will take action to stop the deal. Senators have voiced concerns about "foreign influence" on EA, but they have no direct say in the approval process, which will be decided by the FTC and its largely Trump-appointed board. The deal has also raised concerns about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and the creative team behind The Sims franchise has stated that their values of inclusion have not changed, though the final approval may still give Saudi Arabia total control over the company.