Fnatic has issued an online abuse statement confirming it will take legal action and hand out permanent bans following a surge in harassment directed at its players. The UK based esports organisation says it has become aware of an increase in targeted abuse, including personal attacks and reported death threats, and is now escalating its response.

pic.twitter.com/MeQ9eKqrJv

— FNATIC (@FNATIC) February 19, 2026

The statement, published on February 19, makes it clear that while criticism of performance is part of competitive esports, threats of violence cross a legal line.

Fnatic Confirms Zero Tolerance Policy

In its official statement, Fnatic said the “wellbeing and safety of our players are our highest priorities,” before reiterating a zero tolerance stance on online abuse. The organisation acknowledged that passion from fans is part of professional competition, but drew a firm distinction between criticism and criminal harassment.

“Let us be clear. We have zero tolerance for this behaviour,” the statement reads. Fnatic added that crossing into threats of violence is not only unacceptable, it is illegal.

According to coverage by Jonno Nicholson, reviewed by Rabia Sayal, the organisation became aware of a rise in abuse ranging from personal attacks to death threats, prompting the formal response.

Law Enforcement And Permanent Bans

As part of what Fnatic describes as an immediate action plan, the organisation confirmed it is actively documenting threats and will be reporting them to the relevant law enforcement agencies.

Alongside legal escalation, platform bans are being introduced for anyone identified as harassing players. Those individuals will be permanently removed from Fnatic’s social media channels, its Discord servers, and any future physical events hosted by the organisation.

Fnatic made it clear threats of violence are not just empty words but criminal offences, and that law enforcement will be contacted where physical harm is implied.

This dual approach, legal reporting and permanent bans, signals a shift from reactive moderation to proactive enforcement.

Impact On Fnatic Players

The decision comes amid increased scrutiny of online toxicity across several competitive titles. Esports News UK highlighted that League of Legends players Vladimiros “Vladi” Kourtidis and Park “Lospa” Joon-hyeong reportedly stepped away from social media to protect their mental health after facing harassment.

VALORANT in game leader Jake “Boaster” Howlett has also previously been targeted by online hate, including reported death threats.

Fnatic competes across League of Legends, VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends and Rainbow Six Siege. With players already under pressure to perform at the highest level, the organisation stated that additional abuse places unnecessary mental strain on competitors.

There was also a noted increase in online abuse following Fnatic’s exit from the IEM Rio closed qualifier in January, further underlining how quickly frustration can spill over into targeted harassment.

Toxicity Remains A Broader Esports Issue

Fnatic’s statement arrives in the context of ongoing industry efforts to tackle toxic behaviour. In October 2025, French organisation Team Vitality published a report on online hate, revealing that over a two month period its players received more than 2,000 messages flagged as hateful by moderation technology solution Bodyguard.

Despite these measures, online abuse continues to surface across esports communities, especially following high profile losses or roster changes.

A Direct Message To The Community

Fnatic closed its online abuse statement with a message to supporters, urging fans to report harassment using official platform tools rather than engaging with trolls directly.

“To our players: We have your back,” the organisation said, emphasising its commitment to ensuring competitors feel safe both online and offline.

By combining legal escalation, permanent bans and a public stance, Fnatic is attempting to set a clearer boundary between passionate fandom and behaviour that crosses into criminal territory. Whether other organisations follow with similarly firm policies could shape how the wider esports ecosystem responds to abuse in the years ahead.

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The Saudi Esports Federation has signed two new partnerships with ROC Esports and Team Stallions, formalised through separate Memoranda of Understanding. The move is part of the federation’s wider plan to grow Saudi Arabia’s esports ecosystem and further position the Kingdom as a global hub under Vision 2030.

Announced on February 19, 2026, the agreements focus on talent development, structured training programmes, and long-term career pathways for Saudi esports professionals.

Agreements Focus On Talent Development And Academy Programmes

According to the official release, the MoUs aim to accelerate ecosystem development while strengthening national talent pathways. The Saudi Esports Federation, often abbreviated as SEF, will work alongside ROC Esports and Team Stallions to support Saudi professionals across the sector.

A central part of the collaboration involves the Saudi Esports Academy. Through the academy, employees and athletes will have access to specialised training programmes and joint initiatives designed to raise professional standards and improve competitive readiness.

The agreements also explore career pathways for academy graduates, signalling a more structured pipeline from grassroots development through to professional competition.

Rawan Al Butairi, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said the partnerships align with the organisation’s long-term strategy.

“We are thrilled to partner with ROC Esports and Team Stallions, two clubs that contribute to the sustainable development of the Kingdom’s esports ecosystem and the advancement of national talent,” she said.

She added that the collaborations will help deliver structured programmes and strategic initiatives that strengthen the sector’s foundations and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global hub for esports in line with Vision 2030.

ROC Esports And Team Stallions Competitive Background

Both organisations bring competitive credibility to the table.

ROC Esports is a multi-title Saudi Arabian organisation founded in 2023. It is primarily known for its presence in Apex Legends, where it secured a second-place finish at the 2025 Esports World Cup Apex Legends tournament. That result contributed to a top 24 finish in the 2025 Esports World Cup Club Championship. Beyond Apex, the organisation has fielded rosters in CrossFire, Call of Duty Warzone, PUBG, Teamfight Tactics, and Overwatch 2.

Team Stallions has built its reputation largely within the CrossFire circuit. Its Philippines roster finished in the top four at the 2025 CrossFire Esports World Cup tournament and reached the finals at CrossFire Stars 2025, the game’s world championship. The organisation also operates a VALORANT roster, which recently placed second in the Saudi eLeague Championship behind Twisted Minds.

By partnering with organisations that are already competitive across multiple titles, the federation strengthens its ability to connect structured training with real tournament experience.

Part Of A Broader National Esports Strategy

Saudi Esports Federation has been active since late 2017 and acts as the Kingdom’s regulatory body for competitive gaming. Its activities are split into two complementary streams.

The first stream focuses on developing competitive gamers at every level, starting from grassroots communities and progressing towards elite professional athletes capable of achieving global results. The second stream looks at the broader gaming and esports value chain, catalysing industry growth and enabling talent across operational, managerial, and commercial roles.

The new agreements with ROC Esports and Team Stallions sit squarely within that framework. They are designed not just to support top-tier teams, but to build a more sustainable structure underneath them.

In recent years, the federation has organised major national and international tournaments, attracted private sector investment, and worked alongside international developers to expand opportunities within the Saudi market. These latest partnerships continue that trajectory, with a clear emphasis on structured development rather than one-off competitive wins.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in gaming and esports, moves like this suggest the focus is shifting towards long-term talent pipelines and professionalisation, rather than simply hosting large-scale events. If the academy-driven model delivers, it could further solidify the Kingdom’s ambitions to remain at the centre of global esports conversations.

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Apex Legends has permanently banned more than 2,000 accounts after enabling a new detection system targeting XIM cheating devices. The latest Apex Legends ban wave was confirmed by the game’s official competitive communications account, which stated that third party cheating peripherals are not tolerated in the battle royale.

The move follows an earlier January crackdown on Titan cheat devices, which resulted in over 1,000 permanent bans. Combined, Respawn Entertainment says more than 3,000 accounts have been banned in 2026 alone for using hardware designed to bypass anti cheat systems.

New XIM Detection Enabled In February

On February 19, a new detection specifically targeting XIM devices had gone live, immediately leading to over 2,000 permanent bans.

🔨 BANWAVE
A new detection targeting XIM cheating devices was enabled today that resulted in over 2,000 accounts being permanently banned. This follows a detection we enabled in January which targeted Titan cheat devices and resulted in over 1,000 accounts being banned.
Use of…

— ApexLiveComms (@ApexLiveComms) February 18, 2026

XIM adapters are external peripherals that allow players to use mouse and keyboard on consoles while appearing as a controller input. In some cases, they can also manipulate aim assist behaviour, giving players an advantage in gunfights.

Respawn previously introduced a separate detection in January focused on Titan cheat devices. That earlier action resulted in more than 1,000 accounts being removed from the game. According to reporting from Esports Insider, the combined total of hardware related bans since the start of 2026 now exceeds 3,000 accounts.

Ongoing Anti Cheat Efforts Since Season 23

This latest Apex Legends ban wave builds on broader anti cheat updates rolled out in September 2025. At that time, Respawn strengthened its detection systems in an effort to limit anti recoil exploits and automated bot activity.

Since the launch of Season 23, over 400,000 accounts have been permanently banned, largely due to improved bot detection and enforcement against exploit usage.

The new wave also comes shortly after the launch of Season 28 on February 10. The current season introduced Hardlight Meshes, along with a rework to Fuse’s ultimate ability, changes aimed at shifting the competitive meta while anti cheat measures continue to operate in the background.

Community Reaction And Console Debate

As expected, the announcement sparked debate across social media.

Some players questioned whether the bans were limited to PC. One user claimed they had heard nobody on console had been banned, suggesting the action may have focused primarily on PC accounts. Others argued that XIM usage is more closely associated with console environments, which added to the confusion.

Another player called for console level hardware bans, referencing how Bungie previously implemented console bans in Destiny. The suggestion was that platform level enforcement, potentially involving PlayStation and Xbox, could prevent cheaters from simply creating alternate accounts.

At this stage, Respawn has not publicly clarified whether the 2,000 bans were spread across PC and console or concentrated on one platform.

Impact Ahead Of ALGS Season Six

The timing of the crackdown is notable. The sixth season of the Apex Legends Global Series begins on February 28 with regional Online Open tournaments, which determine eight teams qualifying for the first Pro League split in April.

With competitive play ramping up, hardware cheat detection becomes increasingly important. Removing players who rely on third party peripherals helps protect the integrity of ranked play and the wider esports ecosystem.

Apex Legends is not alone in tightening enforcement. Earlier this month, the Call of Duty franchise announced new measures to target hardware devices that enhance reaction times or manipulate aim assist in Ranked Play across Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone.

For now, Respawn’s latest Apex Legends ban wave signals that hardware based cheating remains firmly in its sights. Whether this significantly reduces XIM usage long term, or simply pushes cheaters to create alternate accounts, will likely become clearer over the coming weeks as Season 28 continues.

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The video game industry is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures. Vince Zampella, the co-creator of Call of Duty and a founding force behind Respawn Entertainment, has died following a car crash in Southern California. He was 55.

The news was confirmed on 23 December, sending shockwaves through the global gaming community, where Zampella was widely regarded as a visionary leader who helped shape modern shooters.

A Fatal Crash in the San Gabriel Mountains

According to the California Highway Patrol, Zampella was involved in a single-vehicle accident at around 12.45 pm on Sunday along Angeles Crest Highway, a winding scenic road north of Los Angeles.

Authorities say the southbound Ferrari veered off the road and struck a concrete barrier. The vehicle caught fire, trapping the driver inside. Zampella died at the scene, while a passenger who was ejected from the car later died in hospital. Investigators have not yet released details on what caused the crash.

Witnesses reportedly provided video of the incident, which involved a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, a high-performance hybrid sports car.

Geoff Keighley Pays Emotional Tribute

Zampella’s longtime friend and industry figure Geoff Keighley shared a heartfelt message on social media.

Vince was an extraordinary person — a gamer at heart, but also a visionary executive with a rare ability to recognize talent and give people the freedom and confidence to create something truly great.

I saw that up close while writing The Final Hours of Titanfall. I’ll always be…

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 22, 2025

“I cannot believe I am writing this,” Keighley said, describing Zampella as “a titan of the video game industry” and “a dear friend”.

Keighley reflected on working closely with Zampella while writing The Final Hours of Titanfall, praising his honesty, transparency, and unwavering commitment to putting players first. He added that despite Zampella’s legendary body of work, it always felt like his greatest game was still ahead of him.

From Infinity Ward to Respawn Entertainment

Zampella began his career in the mid-1990s before co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier. There, he helped create Call of Duty, a series that would go on to sell more than 500 million copies worldwide.

Under his leadership, Infinity Ward produced some of the franchise’s most celebrated titles, including Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2, helping redefine the first-person shooter genre.

After departing Activision in 2010, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment, which was later acquired by Electronic Arts. At Respawn, he oversaw the creation of critically acclaimed games such as Titanfall and the global hit Apex Legends.

Leading Battlefield and a Last Public Appearance

In recent years, Zampella also took on a senior leadership role overseeing EA’s Battlefield franchise. Just 10 days before his death, he appeared at The Game Awards 2025, where Battlefield 6 won Best Audio Design.

EA described his passing as “an unimaginable loss”, calling Zampella a friend, leader, and visionary whose influence would be felt for generations.

A Legacy That Shaped Modern Gaming

Beyond sales figures and awards, Zampella was known for empowering creative teams and prioritising craftsmanship over trends. Colleagues frequently credited him with recognising talent early and giving developers the freedom to take bold risks.

From Medal of Honor to Call of Duty, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Battlefield, his fingerprints are on some of the most important games of the past two decades.

As tributes continue to pour in, one sentiment is shared across the industry. Vince Zampella didn’t just make successful games, he changed how they were made, and how millions of players experienced them.

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Rex Regum Qeon is officially back in Apex Legends, marking its return to the battle royale esport for the first time in six years. The Indonesian esports organisation has announced a brand new Apex Legends division, set to compete on the world stage at the Apex Legends Global Series Year 5 Championship in Sapporo, Japan.

🚨Introducing Our New Apex Legends Division!🚨

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest Apex Legends team!

Please join us in welcoming three talented players: sato_kohai, mosu, and Noelsang, formerly from team LVI/Outside. They will be representing RRQ at the Apex… pic.twitter.com/bwZWQ82TrM

— Team RRQ (@teamrrqofficial) December 17, 2025

The announcement confirms RRQ’s intent to re establish itself among the elite, with a proven roster, experienced coaching staff, and a clear target in sight as ALGS 2026 approaches.

RRQ Announces New Apex Legends Division

RRQ revealed its new Apex Legends lineup through an official social media post, welcoming three players formerly competing under the LVI and Outside banners. The trio will represent RRQ at the ALGS Year 5 Championship, which runs from January 15 to January 18, 2026.

The organisation has also confirmed that the squad will be guided by an experienced coaching and analytics team, as RRQ looks to make an immediate impact in its long awaited return to the scene.

RRQ last competed in Apex Legends back in 2019, after signing a roster in March of that year. However, the organisation exited the scene just six months later. Since then, the competitive landscape has changed significantly, making this comeback one of RRQ’s most ambitious projects in recent years.

Full RRQ Apex Legends Roster

RRQ’s Apex Legends roster features a mix of leadership and firepower, led by a familiar core from the APAC South region.

Players

• Panupong “sato_kohai” Prasertphongkun, IGL and Captain
• Komkrit “Noelsang” Malaihom
• Supakorn “mosu” Kaewpang

Staff

• Jasper “yanlys” Xiang, Coach
• Alexis “zona”, Analyst

The roster was previously known as Las Vegas Inferno, a team that finished as runner up at the ALGS 2025 Last Chance Qualifier for APAC South. Their strong performance there earned them a spot at the Year 5 Championship, making them a ready made contender for RRQ’s return.

Yanlys brings valuable experience to the squad, having worked with teams such as JD Gaming and XNY in the ALGS APAC South scene, while Zona joins as the team’s dedicated analyst.

RRQ’s Road to the ALGS Year 5 Championship

The ALGS Year 5 Championship serves as the final and most prestigious event of the Apex Legends esports calendar. The 2026 edition marks the conclusion of Year 5, following months of qualifiers, Challenger Series events, and Pro League competition across all regions.

A total of 40 teams from around the world will compete in Sapporo, Japan, fighting for a share of the $2 million prize pool. Teams from every major region will be in attendance, from Alliance in EMEA to Shopify Rebellion in the Americas.

The offline event will unfold across three stages, starting with the Group Stage. Four groups of ten teams will each play a six match series, with results determining placement into the Winners and Losers Brackets.

From there, the top 20 teams will advance to the Finals on January 18, 2026. The championship will conclude with a Match Point format, where squads must reach 50 points and secure a match victory to claim the ALGS Year 5 title.

A New Era for RRQ in Apex Legends

With a competitive roster, experienced leadership, and momentum heading into the biggest event of the season, RRQ’s return to Apex Legends is one of the most notable storylines heading into ALGS 2026.

The organisation now faces 39 of the world’s best teams in a scene that has evolved dramatically since its last appearance. Whether RRQ can complete its comeback with a deep championship run remains to be seen, but expectations are already building among fans across the region.

As the countdown to Sapporo begins, all eyes will be on RRQ as it steps back onto the global Apex Legends stage.

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Aurora Gaming is officially back in Apex Legends esports, and it is doing so with a roster that already knows how to win. After a six month absence from the scene, the Serbian organisation has confirmed its return with the signing of the former NAVI lineup, setting its sights firmly on the ALGS Championship.

WE ARE SO BACK 🔥

Welcome our new roster:@UxakoTTV @HiarkaYeahh @slab_apex @Esteves331 (с)

Time to cook 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/rCin2Hlrtn

— Aurora Apex (@AuroraApex_GG) December 15, 2025

The announcement was revealed across social media with a confident message, signalling that Aurora is ready to compete at the highest level once again.

A Familiar Core Joins Aurora Gaming

Aurora Gaming’s new Apex Legends roster features three well known names from the EMEA region. Jose Uxako Llosa, Filipe Hiarka Morgado, and Anton Slab Eklundh will represent the organisation in upcoming Apex Legends Global Series competitions.

The trio previously competed under the NAVI banner and have already proven themselves against top tier opposition. Their addition brings Aurora Gaming’s break from competitive Apex Legends to an end, following the organisation’s decision in June to step away from the scene after finishing 14th in the first EMEA split of the ALGS Pro League with its former roster.

Strong Results Under the NAVI Banner

The newly signed squad arrives with solid recent results. In May, the team finished second in Split 1 of the EMEA ALGS Pro League, before placing 11th in Split 2. While the second split finish was just outside the top ten, the points earned across both splits were enough to secure qualification for the season ending championship.

Uxako and Hiarka also bring championship pedigree to the roster. Earlier this year, the duo claimed victory at the ALGS 2024 Championship while competing for GoNext Esports, underlining their ability to perform on the biggest stages in Apex Legends esports.

Aurora Gaming’s Return on the Biggest Stage

Aurora Gaming’s return to Apex Legends will take place at the ALGS 2026 Championship, scheduled to run from January 15 to January 18. The event will feature 40 of the best teams from around the world, all battling for the world championship title.

Based on championship points, Aurora Gaming enters the tournament as the 21st seed and will begin its campaign in Group D. The group includes strong competition such as VK Gaming and Ninjas in Pyjamas, who finished the regular season with the fourth and fifth seeds respectively.

How the ALGS Championship Format Works

The ALGS Championship format leaves little room for error. The top 20 teams from each group advance to the winners’ bracket, while the remaining teams drop into the losers’ bracket. From there, ten teams from the winners’ bracket secure direct qualification to the Finals.

The rest must fight through the losers’ bracket for one of the remaining spots, making consistency across matches crucial for any team with title ambitions.

Eyes on a Deeper Championship Run

With a roster that has already tasted international success, Aurora Gaming will be aiming to go further than ever before at the ALGS Championship. The organisation has enjoyed strong showings in the ALGS Pro League in the past, and this new lineup gives it a genuine chance to make an impact on the global stage.

As Apex Legends esports heads into its most important event of the season, Aurora Gaming’s return adds another storyline for fans to follow closely.

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Team Liquid has officially rejoined the Apex Legends competitive scene, unveiling its brand-new roster in partnership with gaming hardware powerhouse Alienware. The announcement marks the organisation’s return to the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) and sets the stage for an exciting 2026 Championship campaign.

You thought we were leaving? Sikezz! There’s Zer0 chance this won’t be Fuhhnq.
And what’s a horse without its Winnie?🐴

Welcome To Team Liquid Alienware💙@Alienware | #LETSGOLIQUID | #TLWIN pic.twitter.com/agQdnFJavQ

— Team Liquid Apex Legends (@TeamLiquid_APEX) November 5, 2025

A Triumphant Return to the Arena

After stepping back from Apex Legends competition, Team Liquid is back in full force. Their new lineup comes from the rising team ZZ, which made waves in the 2025 Split 2 Pro League Americas by finishing as runners-up among 30 top-tier rosters.

The new Team Liquid Alienware Apex Legends roster features:

• Rhys “Zer0” Perry
• Nochilas “Sikezz” Odom
• Nicholas “Fuhhnq” Wall
• Winnie “tiltedwinnie” Long (Coach)

Winnie joins as the team’s coach after previous stints with notable organisations like NRG, bringing valuable experience to guide Liquid’s new Apex division.

Star Power and a Fresh Start

Perhaps the biggest headline is the signing of Zer0, a proven champion who previously played for Team Falcons alongside ImperialHal. During his tenure there, Zer0 lifted the 2025 Split 1 Pro League Americas trophy, claimed victory in the 2025 Open, and secured a third-place finish at the Year 4 Championship.

Now wearing Liquid blue, Zer0 expressed his excitement online:

“Finally get to be with an organisation I grew up watching. Couldn’t be happier with how everything’s turned out. Time for Liquid Apex to actually win something.”

His enthusiasm mirrors that of the Liquid faithful, who have been eagerly awaiting the team’s return to the Apex Legends Global Series stage.

The Road to Sapporo

Fans won’t have to wait long to see Team Liquid Alienware in action. The roster will debut at the ALGS 2026 Championship, set for January 15–18, 2026, in Sapporo, Japan.

The event will feature 40 of the world’s best teams from regions including Europe, the Americas, APAC North, and APAC South, all battling for their share of a $2 million USD prize pool.

Team Liquid will go head-to-head with Apex Legends powerhouses such as Team Falcons, TSM, Alliance, and Gen.G Esports. With its new roster, the organisation aims to reclaim its spot among the world’s elite and capture its first ALGS title.

A New Chapter for Team Liquid Apex Legends

Team Liquid’s re-entry into Apex Legends, coupled with its long-time partnership with Alienware, signals renewed ambitions for one of esports’ most recognisable names. With a strong mix of experience, chemistry, and hunger to win, Team Liquid Alienware looks poised to make a major impact heading into the 2026 season.

As Zer0 put it, it’s time for Liquid to finally take the crown.

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After ten years of building a thriving creator community, North American esports organisation Complexity has officially announced the closure of its long-running content creator programme.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with some incredibly passionate talent. Complexity’s content creators have consistently delivered both on-stream and irl, entertaining and inspiring countless viewers across the world.

These ambassadors have successfully united… pic.twitter.com/39jfYAZT33

— Complexity (@Complexity) October 8, 2025

The programme, which served as a platform for streamers and influencers representing Complexity across multiple games and events, has been an integral part of the organisation’s identity. Its creators not only entertained fans on stream but also worked with charitable initiatives such as Extra Life, helping to raise awareness and funds for good causes.

In an announcement shared on October 8, 2025, Complexity said it was “sadly announcing the end” of its content creator programme, marking the conclusion of a key chapter in the organisation’s history. The decision follows a period of downscaling, as Complexity continues to restructure amid broader financial pressures within the esports industry.

Sad to be closing down our creator program after 10 years and working with dozens of not hundreds of the industry’s best. So thankful to each and every person that made this program so successful and wishing the best to those who are departing. <3 https://t.co/6uFo52M5s9

— Kyle Bautista (@coL_Beef) October 8, 2025

The shutdown comes on the heels of several major exits for Complexity this year. In June, the organisation announced its departure from Apex Legends esports, ending a six-year run in the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS). Then, in August, Complexity stepped away from Counter-Strike 2, citing economic challenges as the driving factor.

Despite the cutbacks, Complexity isn’t entirely leaving the competitive scene. The organisation continues to field teams in Rocket League and Halo, with the latter set to appear at the Halo World Championship 2025, the final major event for Halo Infinite before the title’s official retirement from the Halo Championship Series later this year.

Founded in 2003, Complexity stands as one of esports’ most enduring organisations, with a legacy that spans multiple eras of competitive gaming. Its decision to shutter the creator programme represents not just a loss for the team, but a reflection of the wider tightening across the esports landscape.

As the industry continues to evolve, many will be watching closely to see how Complexity adapts to its next phase, and whether this is a temporary retreat or the start of a new direction.

The post Complexity Shuts Down Content Creator Programme After a Decade appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Electronic Arts, the publisher of Apex Legends, EA Sports FC and The Sims, has agreed to a $55 billion all-cash sale to a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners. The deal, which would be the largest all-cash take-private in history, is expected to close in early 2027 pending approvals.

EA Announces Agreement to be Acquired by PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners for $55 Billion

“Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: $EA) (“EA” or the “Company”), a global leader in interactive entertainment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be… pic.twitter.com/rYZ56bkyT4

— AlphaSense (@AlphaSenseInc) September 29, 2025

EA will remain based in Redwood City, California, with Andrew Wilson staying on as CEO. The company says the move won’t change its mission of creating blockbuster games and live services for millions of players worldwide.

What this means for EA fans

The acquisition puts the spotlight on EA’s most important titles. Apex Legends continues to be one of the most popular battle royales, while EA Sports FC has quickly cemented itself as the top football franchise following the FIFA split. The Sims is still a household name in gaming, and future releases like Dragon Age: Dreadwolf and the next Battlefield entry are now under the microscope as fans wonder if private ownership will fuel faster development and more daring projects.

Wilson described the agreement as a chance to “push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and technology” and promised that EA will continue building transformative experiences across its portfolio.

Who’s behind the deal

PIF has become a heavyweight in gaming, funnelling investments through its Savvy Games Group, which owns ESL FACEIT and Scopely and holds a significant stake in Nintendo. Silver Lake has a track record in tech with companies like Unity, while Affinity Partners, led by Jared Kushner, is making its first major gaming move with EA.

Turqi Alnowaiser of PIF said the partnership will “help further drive EA’s long-term growth, while fuelling innovation within the industry on a global scale.”

What’s next

If the deal goes through, EA’s stock will be delisted and the company will go private. For players, the question is less about finance and more about what this means for the games they love. EA has stressed that Apex Legends, EA Sports FC, The Sims, Battlefield, Madden and Dragon Age are still its core focus, and that going private could give its teams more freedom to innovate without the pressure of quarterly earnings.

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Saudi Arabian esports organisation Twisted Minds has officially exited the Apex Legends competitive scene, parting ways with its North American roster just four months after signing them.

The news was confirmed on 30 August through the team’s social channels, where Twisted Minds thanked Mac Kenzie “Albralelie” Beckwith, Kyle “Crook” Hughes, Alexander “Enemy” Rodriguez, and coach Haris “Hodsic” Hodzic for representing the organisation.

Today we bid farewell to our Apex Legends roster.

Thank you @AlbralelieVT, @crooklul, @Enemy_APEX and @hodsic for representing Twisted Minds 🧠

Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. 🩷#TwistTheGame pic.twitter.com/rrN3bot8V2

— Twisted Minds 🧠 (@TwisMinds) August 30, 2025

From Stallions to Twisted Minds and Back Again

The roster originally competed as Stallions before being picked up for the ALGS Midseason Playoffs, which were part of the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh. Their time under Twisted Minds was short but not without highlights. At the ALGS Open 2025, the team managed a top-six finish on the international stage.

However, their run at the Midseason Playoffs ended in disappointment with a 22nd-place finish. Missing out on crucial Championship Points left Twisted Minds outside contention for the bigger Apex Legends Club Championship prize.

Despite the setback, Twisted Minds as an organisation still secured a strong showing in the wider Club Championship, finishing fourth overall and pocketing $2.25 million USD in prize money.

Now, with the partnership ended, the trio and coach have returned to competing under the Stallions banner, resuming their journey in the ALGS Pro League Split 2 for the Americas. Running until mid-October, the split has 30 teams from North and South America battling it out for a share of the $125,000 USD prize pool and valuable Championship Points.

Community Reactions

The departure has sparked mixed reactions across the competitive Apex community. On Reddit, some fans noted that the pattern of teams signing rosters for the Esports World Cup and then dropping them afterwards has become all too familiar.

“If something doesn’t change in the next year there’s not gonna be any orgs left in the scene,” one fan commented. Others pointed to EA’s lack of consistent tournament support and the heavy reliance on EWC partnerships as the main reasons why major organisations are struggling to commit long-term.

Still, for players like Albralelie and his teammates, the focus remains on climbing the standings. Stallions currently sit in 16th place with 3,072 points, putting them within the top 24 cutoff that could secure them a spot at the ALGS 2026 Championship in Sapporo, Japan.

What It Means for Apex Esports

Twisted Minds leaving Apex Legends may not come as a total shock, but it highlights the fragile state of the esport. Many top teams only seem to join the competitive scene when Esports World Cup opportunities are on the table, and leave once the event is over.

As the competitive year pushes forward, all eyes will be on Stallions to see if they can make a strong comeback and qualify for the season-ending Championship. For Apex fans, the hope remains that the scene finds more stability before more organisations follow suit.

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