A bold statement has been made by the employees of Electronic Arts (EA) and members of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), as they publicly voice their dissent against the impending sale of the company to Saudi Arabia and equity firms. This controversial move has sparked a heated debate within the gaming industry.
The $55 billion acquisition deal, which includes the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, has raised concerns among EA's workforce. They argue that this deal will further concentrate power and wealth among a select few, neglecting the interests of both players and employees.
"EA is a thriving company with annual revenues of $7.5 billion and annual profits of $1 billion. Its success is a testament to the hard work and creativity of its tens of thousands of employees, yet we were not represented during the negotiation of this buyout," the statement reads.
The group emphasizes that any potential layoffs or studio closures would be a choice made by the new owners, not a necessity. They believe that such moves would solely benefit investors, not strengthen the company.
In addition to their statement, the union has launched a petition, urging the United States Federal Trade Commission to investigate the deal further. They are calling for regulators and elected officials to scrutinize the acquisition and ensure that any future decisions protect jobs and preserve creative freedom.
"Private equity and billionaire investors taking studios private often result in a loss of visibility, transparency, and power for workers. Decisions that impact our jobs, our art, and our future are made behind closed doors by executives who have never contributed to the creative process," they assert.
The statement concludes with a powerful message: "The value of video games lies in its workers. We stand together, refusing to let corporate greed dictate the future of our industry."
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For more gaming news, read about the head of Assassin's Creed leaving Ubisoft after two decades with the company. Don't forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay updated with the latest gaming insights and exclusive leaks.
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