Now Electronic Arts Can Take Risks, Says Glu Mobile CEO

Nick Earl, head of Glu Mobile — whose studio EA acquired in 2021 for $2.1 billion — says the publisher’s recent $55 billion take-private will give teams more latitude and time to experiment.

Financial analysts have called the transaction “questionable,” but inside the company it’s viewed as an opportunity to escape the pressure of quarterly investor expectations. Following the deal, EA assumed $20 billion in debt, yet Earl says shedding public-company obligations removes “immense tension.”

“Public companies face relentless pressure — you must produce results every quarter. Being able to plan on a ten-year horizon opens the door to more measured creative choices,” Earl told CBS News.

He added that EA will now be positioned to take bolder risks and test new formats and platforms — from mobile games and free-to-play models to streaming on smart devices.

Earl described it as “a starting point for a new phase of growth for EA as a private company.” However, analysts warn that $20 billion of debt could force layoffs and the suspension of some projects, despite the potential opportunities.

Source: iXBT.games