Frequently asked questions about the EA buyout have surfaced online.
We’re getting a bit more clarification about the recent EA buyout from the official EA FAQ thread shared internally to its employees.
In case you missed out on the news, Electronic Arts announced on Monday that they’ll be going from a public company to a private invested one. After receiving a $55 billion dollar investment from private investment firms like Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners and Silver Lake.
A new Frequently Asked Questions thread, shared internally to its employees, has been shared by gaming journalist Stephen Totilo. The thread sheds some light about the future of internal structuring, including answered questions about layoffs, changes in internal culture and values and more.
It’s worth noting that this thread could be painted with more optimism for PR value. Insider Gaming reports that employees at Bioware are already expecting the worst, with some already preparing their portfolios in case the entire studio gets the cut.
We’ve gathered all the important information from the internal Frequently Asked Questions thready by EA down below. Check it out:
Why did the Board accept this offer to take EA private? What is their responsibility to stockholders?
- EA is a public company, which means anyone can invest in us, decrease or increase their stake, or make an offer at any time.
- The Board is elected by our stockholders and it is the Board’s fiduciary responsibility to act in stockholders’ best interest.
- This includes reviewing any credible offer and accepting it if they believe it’s in the best interests of our stockholders.
- The Board carefully evaluated this opportunity and concluded it delivers compelling value for stockholders and is in the best interests of all EA stakeholders.
Why is this Consortium interested in acquiring EA?
- PIF has been a significant stockholder in EA, and the broader gaming industry, for many years.
- This Consortium understands that EA is uniquely positioned to lead the next era of entertainment.
- The Consarium shares our vision, and is decision to make this historic investment reflects conviction in our strategy.
What are the differences between being private vs. public?
- As a public company, EA operates within the framework of public market expectations.
- Being a private company allows EA to adopt a longer-term investment horizon, with greater latitude to pursue bold strategies without quarterly public market response.
What are the implications of this possible transaction?
- This partnership gives us the ability to move faster and unlock new opportunities on a global stage.
- With a longer investment horizon – and the same discipline, focus, and operational excellence that has fueled our success – we’ll have greater creative and operational flexibility to drive innovation and build the next generation of entertainment experiences.
- We will continue to take bold creative bets and invest in our largest growth opporunities in service of our global e ommunies of fans and players.
Does this mean EA is in financial trouble?
- EA is in a strong financial position.
- This partnership gives us the ability to move faster and unlock new opportunities on a global stage.
How will I be kept informed about the status of the process?
- We are committed to keeping you informed during this process and will provide regular updates through emails, EA World, and other employee channels.
When is the transaction slated to close?
- We expect the transaction to close in the next six to nine months.
Will there be any changes to management?
- Andrew will remain CEO, and there are no changes to the executive team as a result of this transaction.
Will EA move its HQ?
- EA will remain hedquartered in Redwood City.
Will our culture change as a result of this deal?
- Our mission, values, and commitment to players and fans around the world remain unchanged.
- We will continue to be guided by our cultural values of creativity, pioneering, passion, determination, learning, and teamwork.
- The Consortium is supportive of and committed to investing in our exceptional employees and our strong culture.
Will private ownership lead to layoffs?
- There will be no immediate changes to your job, team, or daily work, as a result of this transaction.
- Our focus is on driving innovation, and expanding our global reach, all of which require world class teams, who are excited to shape the future of entertainment.
Two anonymous employees at Electronic Arts already shared their sentiment about this buyout. One stating that this feels like “a big f you” from Andrew Wilson to all women and LGBTQ+ employees at EA. With another being worried about what this could mean for potential future layoffs at the company.
Stay tuned for more EA News as they surface right here on Sims Community.
“will our culture change”
the culture and direction of the gameplay itself will change, that is without doubt. with new leadership i’m willing to bet the number of in-game ads, microtransactions, data tracking and new counter-cultural measures to condemn etc will be fully censored. LGBTQ and depictions of women in leadership will be censored.
vote with your $. i will not buy.
I want the people who read this to understand that these reassuring answers are the only ones they would ever possibly be willing to give. This is not about telling the truth, it’s about reducing the risks of completely disrupting the company with mass resignations, which in turn could possibly lead to consumer boycott, which in turn could lead to rumors of the buyers reconsidering, which might then trigger their stock value going down and further ensuring the deal is at the very least renegociated… They’re just trying to reassure everyone in order to sail as smoothly as they can to the transaction close.
I’ve been a part of acquisitions and mergers before. This comment is exactly what is going on. EA is hoping these answers soothe emotions so they can buy time to ensure the ship runs smoothly while they make strategic, negative business moves against their consumer base and employees on THEIR terms. The two bullet points under the layoffs question were complete non-answers which tells you the real answer is yes. Don’t be fooled. It’s time to abandon ship ASAP if you work for this company in any way.
Turn off auto updates for your game.
Sounds like AI. A person couldn’t even be bothered to assure employees. Probably cause there isn’t any real assurance
I won’t be buying any more Sims expansions as long as Kushner and Trump money is involved. End of story. I’ve been playing since the original Sims, and it is sad to see the game so threatened by politics.
There goes ALL representation of lgbtq and women. Especially when owned by Saudis and Jared kushner. This is bad. More bad than people can actually think. Those two making a combo for a company that frequently puts out lgbtq in their games is bad because that’s one of the first things they are going to stop. Time to stop buying ea everything.
I’ve seen EA say they’ll “keep the community safe,” but how can we trust that when the new owners include Saudi Arabia’s investment fund, a country known for censorship, human rights abuse, and persecution of women and LGBTQ+ people? That doesn’t sound like a place that values inclusivity or creative freedom.
The Sims has always been about diversity and self-expression, and this deal feels like the complete opposite of that. I’ve started a petition to protect The Sims from censorship and political influence. Please sign and share it if you care about keeping this game free and equal for everyone: https://chng.it/mVrJMwjGQ9