EA employees brace for the worst under Saudi ownership: 'Hard to feel good about being bought out by a regime that's very much at odds with progressive society'
Despite assurances from management, some workers believe the company will be subject to censorship by its new owners.
Electronic Arts (EA) announced it was bought out by Saudi Arabia, the biggest leveraged buyout in private equity history. This has left many employees worried about potential control over game creation. Former BioWare lead writer Trick Weekes said "guns and football" are fine, but "gay stuff" will likely be out. One current employee believes the purchase is a way to distract from Saudi Arabia's regressive human rights record.
Another employee predicted projects may not get signed or pitched due to Saudi government alignment issues. The deal includes a premium buyout offer for employees with vested shares, but those without shares won't even get that. Employees feel morally conflicted about the buyout, but practical survival issues may take precedence.
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