The publisher will no longer help independent developers release games

Apr 25, 2013 08:33 GMT  ·  By

Electronic Arts might soon shut down its Partners program, at least according to a new report that mentions the company wants to eliminate this side of its publishing business.

Unlike most publishers, EA offered through its Partners program aid for independent developers to distribute their games without having to sign over the franchises to EA.

The program was very successful, as it helped bring great games and franchises, like Crysis, Bulletstorm, or Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

Two other impressive titles are set to be released through it, in form of Fuse from Insomniac Games and the new project from Respawn Entertainment.

Sadly, according to several Game Informer sources, it seems that EA plans to shut down the Partners program soon.

No apparent reasoning was given, but it might have something to do with EA's efforts to cut costs and assure investors that things will go smoothly after John Riccitiello's departure from his position as CEO.

EA is expected to hold a financial earnings call on May 7, at which point the announcement could be made.