| Company Name | Public Investment Fund (PIF) |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1971 |
| Headquarters | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Chairman | Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | Yasir A. Al-Rumayyan |
| Industry | Investment, Gaming, Esports, Technology, Real Estate |
| Assets Under Management (2024) | Approx. $913 Billion |
| Subsidiaries and Investments | Savvy Games Group, Qiddiya, SNK, Scopely, Niantic, ESL FACEIT Group, Electronic Arts (EA) Acquisition |
| Vision 2030 Goal | To diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and achieve global leadership in gaming, tourism, and entertainment |
| Official Website | www.pif.gov.sa |
Why Is Saudi Arabia in the Games Business?
Saudi Arabia strategic push into the gaming, esports, and entertainment sectors has become one of the most talked-about shifts in global investment. The kingdom, led by its Public Investment Fund (PIF), is pouring billions into major game publishers, event organizers, and studios. The recent $55 billion takeover bid of Electronic Arts (EA) underscores just how serious Saudi Arabia is about being a power player in gaming.
Here’s how and why Saudi is doing it and what it could mean.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF): The Engine Behind Saudi’s Gaming Drive
What is PIF & Where It Operates
The Public Investment Fund is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, established in 1971. It is headquartered in Riyadh, with the PIF Tower among its notable properties.
PIF is directly overseen by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
Assets, Growth & Strategy
In 2024, PIF’s assets under management (AuM) grew by 19% to approximately $913 billion. Its goal is to elevate that scale; some forecasts aim for $2.67 trillion by 2030.
In 2024 PIF expanded capital deployment by $56.8 billion, and its portfolio includes both domestic and global investments.
PIF isn’t just sitting on wealth, it’s actively reshaping its portfolio to reduce Saudi reliance on oil, and gaming has become a signature part of that pivot.
Savvy Games Group & Qiddiya Investments
To channel its gaming ambitions, PIF set up Savvy Games Group (2021) as a specialized arm to manage its investments in video games and esports.
The stated mission is “long-term growth and innovation in games and esports.”
PIF also channels gaming into its Qiddiya entertainment & esports district, which is part of a broader Vision 2030 push to make Riyadh a cultural and tourism hub.
Saudi Arabia Gaming Investments - A Snapshot
Over the years, Saudi (via PIF and affiliated entities) has acquired or invested in stakes in:
• Electronic Arts (EA) - the $55B takeover is the crown jewel.
• Niantic / Scopely - via Savvy Games, its involvement in AR/mobile games.
• ESL FACEIT Group - esports event organizer merged under PIF umbrella.
• SNK - the fighting game developer, formerly independent.
Stakes in Activision Blizzard, Capcom, Embracer Group, Nexon, Nintendo, Take-Two Interactive have also been reported.
These investments reflect a broad strategy: control both game creation and the competitive / event infrastructure behind them.
EA Acquisition: What’s Happening
The Deal
On September 29, 2025, EA announced it will be taken private in a $55 billion leveraged buyout led by Silver Lake, PIF, and Affinity Partners (Jared Kushner's firm).
> PIF already holds 9.9% of EA; in the deal it will roll over its stake into the new structure.
> Investors will pay $210 per share, a 25% premium over pre-deal share price.
The deal anticipates $36B equity and $20B debt financing, largely from JPMorgan Chase.
It’s expected to close in Q1 2027.
Strategic Motives
For Saudi and PIF, it’s a high-profile play in media & culture, owning a top global publisher.
• Analysts see risks: heavy debt, needing operational returns, and managing gamer backlash.
Implications
EA’s structure may change, but CEO Andrew Wilson is expected to remain in place. Also, community concerns already appear: worries about franchise integrity (e.g. The Sims) and competitive fairness (EA owning part of esports infrastructure).
Net Worth 2025
Assets Under Management (2024) ≈ $913 billion. Net Profit Drop (2024) Profit fell 60% to 25.8 billion riyals ($6.9B) due to impairments and rising costs .
Ambition for 2030 Target AuM of $2.67 trillion
Why Saudi is Investing Heavily in Gaming
Most reason would be reducing reliance on oil revenues is a central goal of Saudi Vision 2030. Gaming is a fast-growing industry. Also, gaming serves as soft power, engaging youth audiences inside and outside Saudi. With gaming overlaps with emerging technologies, AR, cloud, AI - sectors Saudi wants influence over, this seems like a good move for Saudi Arabia.
By owning both game makers and esports infrastructure, Saudi can influence the full entertainment pipeline - build reputation & branding
FAQs
1. What is the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia?
- The PIF is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, managing hundreds of billions in assets and driving the kingdom’s shift beyond oil.
2. How much does PIF manage in 2024?
- As of 2024, PIF’s assets under management reached approximately $913 billion.
3. Why is Saudi Arabia investing in gaming?
- Saudi is investing in gaming to diversify its economy, gain cultural influence, and control key media/tech assets.
4. What is Savvy Games Group?
- Savvy Games is the PIF’s gaming investment arm, tasked with acquiring and managing game companies and esports networks.
5. What is the $55B EA deal?
- EA has agreed to be taken private in a $55 billion leveraged buyout involving PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners.
6. What will Saudi’s share be in the EA deal?
- Saudi’s PIF already holds 9.9% of EA and will roll over that stake into the new ownership structure.
7. Who remains CEO of EA after the acquisition?
- The announcement states that Andrew Wilson will remain CEO after the acquisition.
8. What are criticisms of Saudi’s gaming strategy?
- Critics point to human rights concerns, “sportswashing,” and the risk of creative control over cultural media.
9. Which game publishers has Saudi invested in?
- Saudi (via PIF) has stakes in or acquired companies like Niantic, ESL FACEIT, SNK, and taken positions in Activision Blizzard, Capcom, Take-Two, Nintendo, and Embracer.
10. When is the EA acquisition expected to close?
- The deal is projected to close in Q1 2027, pending regulatory and shareholder approval.
About the Author
Praise Graciebby is a content creator on The StarProfile, where she writes celebrity biographies, sports updates, gossip, and trending news. With a passion for entertainment and lifestyle journalism, Praise provides readers with simple, accurate, and up-to-date profiles of public figures worldwide.
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