The United Video Games union, backed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), has written a compelling letter to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to express their strong opposition to the proposed acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) by a group of private investors, including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and various investment firms. This letter, published on Action Network, highlights the union's concerns and calls for public action.
The union argues that EA is not a struggling company and that the potential job losses resulting from the sale are not inevitable. They emphasize that the decision to sell EA is a choice made to enrich investors, rather than a necessary step to strengthen the company. The letter concludes with a powerful call to action, urging members of the US public to sign an accompanying petition and to pressure the FTC to halt the deal.
This petition is a crucial step in the union's efforts to protect jobs and creative freedom within the gaming industry. The union believes that the deal, if approved, would result in EA being almost entirely owned by the Saudi government wealth fund, a country with a history of human rights violations. This raises significant ethical concerns and questions about the potential impact on the company's operations and employees.
Despite some government criticism, the deal is expected to proceed smoothly due to the involvement of Jared Kushner, the President's son-in-law. The Financial Times reported that the deal will likely face little resistance, which has sparked debates about the influence of political connections on regulatory decisions. The acquisition, valued at a record-breaking $55 billion, has led EA's senior leadership to believe that embracing AI will be the key to recouping the investment.
The union's letter and petition serve as a reminder of the importance of public scrutiny and regulatory oversight in protecting the interests of workers and consumers in the gaming industry. As the deal progresses, the union continues to advocate for a fair and transparent process, ensuring that the gaming industry's future remains in the hands of its creators and employees.
