As can be seen from US media reports, EA is probably looking for a buyer. Electronic Arts, the publisher and developer of games like FIFA 22 and Apex Legends, would reportedly prefer to be bought by mega-corporations like Apple or Disney. MeinMMO tells you what’s behind it.
As the American website Puck reports, EA is in talks with several large corporations such as Disney, Apple and Amazon. The maker of FIFA, Battlefield and Apex Legends wants to be bought out or merged with companies like NBCUniversal.
Although no fixed agreement has been made at the moment, EA’s plans are probably very concrete – as is the desire to make a deal clear.
EA recognizes industry trend of large purchases and consolidations
What is reported? Puck’s Dylan Byers reports on the concrete plans of EA and its CEO, Andrew Wilson:
In recent years media companies have shown greater interest in the rapidly growing gaming industry [Andrew] Wilson and Electronic Arts held discussions with a variety of potential buyers, including Disney, Apple and Amazon.
Multiple sources familiar with these talks say EA has been dogged for a sale and has been encouraged by the Microsoft Activision deal. Others say EA is primarily interested in a merger agreement that would allow Wilson to remain as chief executive of the combined company.
Dylan Byers for Puck
So preferably, Andrew Wilson would remain in a leadership role. However, EA is to be integrated into an even larger group – through a sale or a merger.
EA spokesman John Reseburg said in a statement to Kotaku that they “do not comment on rumors and speculation surrounding mergers and acquisitions.”
What could be the reason? As Byers says, EA’s efforts are arguably in the light of a new trend in the gaming industry. More and more developers and publishers are being bought and merged.
Notable examples:
As recently as February, EA announced that it would rather buy than be bought. The plan has apparently changed since then. Beyers reports that Wilson approached Disney back in March to finalize a “bigger deal than licensing.”
This statement is particularly striking because EA has lost well-known licensing orders. While many EA Star Wars games are in development, Star Wars is now owned by Disney. But just a few days ago it was announced that EA will publish football games without the FIFA license in the future.
EA and FIFA part ways after 30 years – is it getting better now?
What does this mean for employees? Whatever the future of EA, a major concern surrounding the consolidation is how it will ultimately affect employees at those companies.
As Kotaku reports, an estimated 200 customer service representatives are to be laid off. “According to four of the affected employees, their work is being outsourced to cheaper third-party companies in Romania and India,” writes Kotaku.
This could also be a sign that EA wants to make itself more attractive to potential buyers.
The gaming industry is generally in a very turbulent phase. A new trend in which employees of gaming developers form unions also shows this:
First union of large video game companies founded in the USA – That’s behind it