Electronic Arts misses quarterly bookings estimates ahead of Saudi-backed buyout

Electronic Arts

04/08/2026 24:13

Aug 3 (Reuters) - Videogame publisher Electronic Arts EA.O missed expectations for first-quarter bookings on Monday, hit by a post-launch decline in engagement for its "Battlefield" franchise ahead of its Saudi-backed acquisition.
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Despite having a strong launch last year, "Battlefield 6" has struggled to maintain player engagement, raising concerns about its long-term live-service revenue potential.
The Redwood City, California-based company relies heavily on in-game spending to extend the life cycles of its titles and derive consistent revenue.
Electronic Arts is likely to feel the heat from Take-Two Interactive's TTWO.O upcoming blockbuster release of "Grand Theft Auto VI", which is expected to command player attention and funnel discretionary spending away from rivals.
The gaming company reported first-quarter bookings of $1.35 billion, missing analysts' average estimate of $1.48 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Profit rose to $397 million for the quarter ended June 30, from $201 million in the year-ago period.
Last week, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and a group of investors gained EU approval for their $55 billion deal to take Electronics Arts private.

 (Reporting by Anhata Rooprai and Arunesh Sinha in Bengaluru)
 ((Anhata.Rooprai@thomsonreuters.com))