Electronic Arts is actively seeking a sale or merger. The company has discussed the possibility with Disney, Apple, Amazon and Comcast-NBCUniversal, according to a report by news site Puck.
Microsoft’s recent acquisitions of video game studios like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard have sent the entire industry into a frenzy. Sony also pulled out its portfolio, to acquire the developer of Halo and Destiny Bungie.
Relayed by Kotaku on May 20, 2022, a report from the Puck news site reveals that EA is actively interested in being sold or merged with certain large companies. According to the same report, the creator of Battlefield and Fifa reportedly already had talks with companies like Disney, Apple and Amazon.
After the announcement of the end of the partnership between Electronic Arts and FIFA for its famous football simulation, the publisher is once again in the spotlight with this new report provided by Puck and supported by Kotaku. According to both sources, EA is looking for a way to get bought out after missing out on a merger opportunity with NBCUniversal.
In any case, this is what Dylan Beyers, journalist at Puck reports: In recent years, as media companies have taken more interest in the growing gaming industry, Wilson and Electronic Arts have held talks with a number of potential suitors, including Disney, Apple and Amazon. (…) Several sources with knowledge of these conversations say that Electronic Arts has been aggressively seeking a takeover, and has only been more convinced by its move following Microsoft’s deal with Activision. Other sources claim that EA would be primarily interested in a merger that would allow Wilson to retain his position as CEO at this new company. »
Why is EA targeting Disney, Apple or Amazon?
This is the question that many people are probably asking. You should know that these three companies are already worth billions, they are considered the elite in their respective fields, and have great influence. Nevertheless, and except perhaps for Disney, none of them specializes in the development or publishing of video games. What would be the interest for them to invest billions in the acquisition of this studio? Maybe for diversification.
In recent years, Disney, Apple and Amazon have more or less widened their area of activity, these giants investing in sectors that were not initially very close to them. Amazon opened its own game studio in 2014, although most of the projects initiated never saw the light of day. Disney has meanwhile launched its Disney+ streaming service, which is beginning to compete with other industry giants, especially with Netflix losing subscribers. As for Apple, the company dabbles in everything it can in relation to technology.
A merger with NBCUniversal?
It also appears that Electronic Arts has been in talks with NBCUniversal about a possible merger. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has reportedly proposed a merger with the US giant. If this had happened, Brian Roberts would have remained in control, with current EA CEO Andrew Wilson at the helm of the new mega-corporation. However, the two parties did not reach an agreement. Electronics Arts and NBCUniversal declined to comment on the matter, according to Kotaku.
What is certain is that the video game sector should continue to evolve rapidly and strongly in the months and years to come. The takeovers of certain large studios are not over. Microsoft stands ready to act.