Slate Daily Feed ICYMI | Saudi Arabia Is Coming For The Sims
Oct 4, 2025
Tony Ho Tran, a senior business and tech editor at Slate, explores the implications of EA Games being acquired by Saudi Arabia. He reveals how this deal could threaten the creative freedom of beloved games like The Sims, particularly for LGBTQ+ representation. The discussion dives into fears of potential censorship under new ownership and how this reflects a broader trend of state influence in media. Tran also shares insights on community responses and the importance of preserving creative independence in gaming.
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EA Goes Private With Controversial Owners
- EA Games will be taken private by a group including Saudi PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners, removing public shareholder oversight.
- That shift gives new owners more control over business and cultural direction, raising stakes for content and policy.
A Personal Sims Obsession
- Tony Ho Tran describes getting The Sims as a kid and sinking thousands of hours into it across expansions and sequels.
- He still occasionally plays for a cozy gaming session, showing deep personal attachment.
Part Of A Larger Media Consolidation Trend
- The EA sale fits a broader trend of powerful, often right-leaning actors buying influential media to shape culture.
- Controlling platforms across games, film, and social media concentrates cultural influence with political consequences.