14 DAY TRIAL // Older gamers and game journalists might know about a time when Origin walked the Earth, Westwood were proud creators of Red Alert and Bullfrog showcased brilliant titles like the Populous series. Where are they all today? Simple answer: Electronic Arts. Second, more elaborate answer: they don't exist anymore because EA bought them and closed them down.
And now, Electronic Arts seems to be at it again. Last year, they bought Bioware and now they have launched a bit to also buy Take Two, publisher of the popular GTA series. And of course, all of the gaming community has a question: will EA again dry these developers of talent and innovation and let their carcasses rot and disappear? Or, without the added drama: what is EA trying to do with all the acquisitions?
If we are to believe John Riccitiello, EA's top man, a desire for change is now driving Electronic Arts. He says: "I think that the idea that you're going to have a top-down process that uses a lot of centralized tools to try and build a common brand with a lot of centralized creative calls is just not a good idea". In other words, he admits that the way EA is currently working may not be the best business model. He also came very close to declaring he's sorry for all the studios closing on EA's watch, by admitting "you don't generally buy things in order to close them," in a meeting with financial analysts.
Pandemic boss Josh Resnick also believes that EA is trying to change. He says an internal company memo (Pandemic was bought as the same time as Bioware) from Riccitiello declared that: "I'm serious about this path I'm putting the company on, and I'm creating a company where the BioWares and Pandemics will want to be a part of it".
The statements about change at EA sure do look interesting and they paint a rosy picture of tomorrow. But I guess jaded gamers need a little more proof of good intention. A good game developed by Bioware or Pandemic under EA's supervision will surely be proof enough. So, I guess we have to wait and see.