Updated: 4:14PM PST
Update: It doesn't get more official than this: Microsoft spokesman David Dennis told us, "We have no plans to purchase EA."
Ok. So this is what we in the business call “big news.” And even though it’s still just speculation at this point, it’s still rather stunning. The word floating around New York is that Microsoft is apparently interested in buying mega game publisher Electronic Arts, Reuters reports.
Now, this “unsubstantiated claim” will most likely remain so until for the time being, however EA’s stock saw a 4 percent boost today when word of this potentially industry-shattering deal started to spread; and rightfully so. This deal would be so insanely massive and wide-reaching that I really can’t even begin to wrap my head around it. I mean, EA games as Xbox exclusives? How crazy is that?!
Actually, until these unconfirmed claims get some official support, it’s not worth getting too worked up over. There will be plenty of time for that if this thing actually ends up happening. And given the relationship between Microsoft and EA, specifically on the corporate side (John Schappert, Don Mattrick, Peter Moore), it might not be as unlikely as some might think. I'm currently waiting to hear back from Microsoft and EA, so I'll update if/when I hear anything.
What do you think the implications would be of a Microsoft/EA merger?
Update: An Electronic Arts representative was not available for a comment. A Microsoft representative declined to comment.
Update: We spoke with an Electronic Arts representative who told us, "We do not comment on speculation about our business."
Comments
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Taboo5289
That would suck, Some of the best cross console games come from EA. And knowing M$ EA would make games only for the 360. And that's just shunning the entire gaming community who don't own a 360.
LJbloaded
Wow....Just wow. I actually thought this might float up but not this year at least.
Polynomial ShowHide(4 Replies)
Bye bye Sony.
xeionp
Sony would have to buy Activision to have a chance to survive.
lucidity
Ea the largest publisher.
Do you smell that?
That's the smell of every executive and share holder of sony wetting their pants
venromero
wouldnt that create a monopoly over the industry?
Shockwave562
holy crap... I'm not going to begin to speculate about this yet
neosk
NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO that would suck
Dregg
Microsoft needs more exclusives. This would do the trick :P
lucidity ShowHide(6 Replies)
If anyone recently bought a ps3, they might want to consider returning it.
patinahelix
Really, has this rumor reared it's ugly head once again?
Stukes
so google is the skynet of the internet and soon microsoft will be skynet of video games.
PushStart
WOW. That would indeed be really crazy. PS3 owners will not be happy if there's anything to those claims.
Shockwave562
well, people have been asking for more 360 exclusives lately....
philgoodz
wooow!! This is insane. Money talks. Imagine how much money Microsoft will put up for EA. Sony can't come close to bill gates pockets!!. Just like EA bought nfl license which F'D up the NFL competition for games this is going to F up cross platforming because EA is one of the main contributors!!
Robt. Juster
If this was true, i don't know that Microsoft would make all EA games Xbox Exclusives... they can probably make more money by still supporting the PS3 (in addition to Xbox, PC, Wii and handhelds). Keep in mind... its ALWAYS about the money.
PiMD360
They would still allow games to go to Nintendo.
askanison
Speculating about which console is going to destroy the other is so played out. On personal level as a PS3 owner, I'd be disappointed to see this happen because rumors of a new SSX are going around and SSX Tricky & SSX 3 are two of my favorite games. I don't own any EA games for PS3 at the moment (traded em in), but I've played like half of Dead Space and like it, and the Burnout series is fun. Ooh, and Army Of Two, that's a big one for me, I loved the first one and am looking forward to 40th Day, so it'd suck to lose future installments of that series. Either way though, there will still be plenty of great games to play on PS3. EA denied support to the Dreamcast and many consider that to have one of the greatest gaming libraries of all time. I won't discuss the business side of the possible buy-out, because that just doesn't interest me.
Admiral_Ausome17
wow practicaly all non racing sports games xbox 360 exclussives? Sweet....
Nightshade386
While I think in the sort term this would be absolutely devastating for Sony, I think this signals the long term move towards a single gaming console, or the need for no console at all due to digital distribution coming strait to your cable box/gaming console.
(No gaming consoles!?! What would the world do without fanboys?!? Oh Noes!!!!)
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