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The news that a group of investors that includes the Saudi Arabian government and President Trump’s son-in-law is purchasing Electronic Arts was a shock to the entire gaming industry, but it certainly raised some questions for EA’s staff. Several EA-owned studios are known for their progressive, inclusive games, which could put them at odds with their new owners, but EA has said that the studios will retain “creative control” of their games even once Saudi Arabia closes the deal.

After the news of the purchase broke last month, players and gaming journalists were quick to note that there were several games and franchises made by EA-owned studios that could be at risk once the publisher was owned by Saudi Arabia. Notably, BioWare’s Mass Effect series, which is about toppling oppressive regimes and banging hot people in space, and EA’s The Sims, which allows players to live out their fantasies of having a functioning home and work life… while banging any number of sexy people from any gender.

These games' inclusive messaging could be seen as at odds with Saudi Arabia’s questionable track record with human rights, particularly around LGBTQ+ people. EA has sought to quiet those fears with an internal FAQ that has recently been published, which states, “EA will maintain creative control and our track record of creative freedom and player-first values will remain intact.”

The document also explains that EA leadership expects the deal to close within the next six to nine months and believes that being saddled with $20 billion won’t impact their operations, so maybe they’re a little optimistic about how they will function after the purchase by Saudi Arabia goes through.

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