Electronic Arts (EA), the California-based video game company known for popular games like “Battlefield” and “The Sims,” has been sold to new owners. The ownership transfer involves Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, investment firm Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners, led by U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. The deal, valued at $55 billion, is the largest of its kind funded by private equity.

EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson expressed the company’s aim to “invest boldly and accelerate innovation.” He emphasized the focus on creating the next generation of games to engage millions of players and fans. Turqi Alnowaiser, deputy governor of PIF, which had a minority stake in EA for five years, is committed to substantial investments in EA’s growth. This includes applying artificial intelligence to game development.

Going private might allow EA the flexibility in developing and distributing games without the constraints of public market expectations. However, the deal’s $20 billion debt financing could necessitate layoffs and cost-cutting measures.

The acquisition is under scrutiny. Critics are uneasy about Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Kushner’s role, fearing changes in EA’s game portfolio. A U.K.-based campaign, #BlockTheEADeal, voiced concerns about data misuse and international security risks in a petition. Organizations like Amnesty International have criticized Saudi Arabia’s investments in sports and esports, labeling them as “sportswashing” to divert attention from human rights issues.

The PIF’s gaming investments continue to grow. It has minority interests in Nintendo and a significant presence in esports, owning platforms like ESL FACEIT. With the acquisition finalized, EA shares will provide stockholders $210 in cash per share, and the company’s stock has ceased public trading.