New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- Video game maker Electronic Arts (EA), the company behind popular franchises including The Sims, Madden NFL and Battlefield, has been acquired by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and a consortium of investors in a deal valued at $55 billion (£41 billion).

The transaction was completed on Tuesday, shortly after the company received final regulatory approval from the European Union, clearing the last major hurdle for the acquisition.

Electronic Arts, widely recognised for its hit sports titles such as EA Sports FC, formerly known as FIFA, will become a privately held company, ending its 36-year run as a publicly listed firm. The acquisition ranks among the largest buyouts ever completed in the gaming i...