Why did Saudi Arabia just spend billions on a video games company?

In this episode of The Guardian podcast, the focus is on Saudi Arabia's significant investment in Electronic Arts (EA), one of the world's leading video game companies. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known for his controversial regime, has a passion for video games, reportedly showcasing his favorites as League of Legends and Age of Empires. This passion translated into a massive $55 billion leveraged buyout of EA through Saudi Arabia's public investment fund alongside others, signaling a shift in influence within the gaming industry. The gaming sector globally generates between $200 to $350 billion annually, making it a valuable investment area.

The conversation expands on the implications of this acquisition for both the gaming landscape and Saudi Arabia's international image, often described as efforts toward 'sports washing.' Keith Stewart, a journalist specializing in the gaming industry, discusses the cultural significance of video games and how the acquisition allows Saudi Arabia to control a large cultural asset, potentially shaping narratives around sports and gaming. Stewart raises concerns over the future of EA's games and the cultural sensitivities tied to them, especially regarding LGBTQ+ representation, given Saudi Arabia's repressive laws.

The episode also features George Osborne, who highlights how various countries are using video games as a form of soft power to influence public opinion and reshape international narratives. He warns that while authoritarian regimes view gaming as a tool for positive influence, liberal democracies have largely underappreciated its significance. This reflects a broader concern about how games could be leveraged to promote political agendas while stifling alternative voices within the vast community of gamers.