List of acquisitions by Electronic Arts

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
EA headquarters in Redwood Shores, California

Electronic Arts is a company that is an American developer, marketer, publisher, and distributor of computer and video games, that was founded in 1982. Products of the company include EA Sports franchises, Sims, and other titles on both handheld and home gaming consoles.[1]

Electronic Arts often acquires new companies to expand or add to new product lines. For instance, EA chairman and chief executive officer Larry Probst said after the acquisition of JAMDAT Mobile that "we intend to build a leading global position in the [...] business of providing games on mobile phones".[2] EA followed through with this later, making the company into EA Mobile, and allowing people to purchase and download content produced by them directly onto their phones.[1] After the acquisition of Origin Systems, some staff in that company claimed that Electronic Arts initially gave them more resources, but allowed little latitude if employees made a mistake, and in some cases no longer trusted them, and even worked against them.[3][4] EA has shut down entire companies or the studios thereof after acquiring them, including the studio DICE Canada, Origin Systems, EA Chicago (NuFX), and Pandemic Studios.[5][6][7][8] Gaming blogger Brian Crecente has said that fears that EA doesn't care about the quality of their products after they are acquired are debatable.[9]

As of July 2011, Electronic Arts' largest acquisition is the purchase of VG Holding Corp., the then-owner of video game developers Bioware and Pandemic Studios, for $775 million. Of the 37 companies acquired by EA, 19 are based in the U.S., five in the United Kingdom, five in Continental Europe, and eight elsewhere. Some of these companies or their respective studios, however, are now defunct. Of the six companies which EA purchased a stake in, two remaining companies are based in the U.S., while three other U.S. companies are defunct. After acquiring a 19.9% stake in France-based Ubisoft in 2004, EA sold a remaining 14.8% stake in it in 2010.[10][11]

Each acquisition listed is for the entire company, unless otherwise noted. The acquisition date listed is the date of the agreement between Electronic Arts (EA) and the subject of the acquisition. Unless otherwise noted, the value of each acquisition is listed in U.S. dollars, because EA is headquartered in the U.S. If the value of the acquisition is not listed, then it is undisclosed. If the EA service that is derived from the acquired company is known, then it is also listed.

Contents

Key [edit]

General
† Defunct
* Electronic Arts sold stake

Acquisitions [edit]

Date Company Business Country Value (USD) Derived Brands References
01987-01-011987 Batteries Included† hardware and software developer  CAN — [12][13]
01991-07-01July 1, 1991 Distinctive Software Inc. Video game developer  CAN — EA Canada [14]
01992-09-21September 21, 1992 Origin Systems† Science fiction space sim & Fantasy role-playing game developer  USA $700735000000000000035,000,000 — [15]
01994-11-14November 14, 1994 DROsoft Software distributor  ESP — DROsoft [16]
01995-02-06February 6, 1995 Bullfrog Productions† Video game developer  UK — EA UK [17][18]
01995-03-08March 8, 1995 Kingsoft GmbH Software distributor  GER — Kingsoft GmbH [19]
01996-01-29January 29, 1996 Manley & Associates Video game developer  USA — EA Seattle [20]
01997-06-04June 4, 1997 Maxis Video game developer  USA $7008125000000000000125,000,000 Maxis [21]
01998-04-02April 2, 1998 Tiburon Entertainment Video game developer  USA — EA Tiburon [22]
01998-04-08April 8, 1998 Vision Software Software distributor  RSA — Vision Software [23]
01998-07-28July 28, 1998 ABC Software Software distributor  CH — ABC Software [24]
01998-08-17August 17, 1998 Westwood Studios; other studios of Virgin Interactive Entertainment Computer and video game developers  USA $7008122500000000000122,500,000 EA Pacific†[note 1] [25][26]
01999-09-08September 8, 1999 PlayNation Developer of online entertainment  USA — PlayNation [27]
01999-11-22November 22, 1999 Kesmai Video game developer and online game publisher  USA — Kesmai [28]
02000-02-24February 24, 2000 DreamWorks Interactive Video game developer  USA — EA Los Angeles [29]
02001-02-28February 28, 2001 pogo.com Family games website  USA — pogo.com [30]
02002-06-11June 11, 2002 Black Box Games Sports and racing video game developer  CAN — EA Black Box [31]
02003-10-16October 16, 2003 Studio 33 Racing video game developer  UK — EA Northwest [32]
02004-02-13February 13, 2004 NuFX Sports video game developer  USA — EA Chicago† [33][8]
02004-07-28July 28, 2004 Criterion Software Video game developer  UK — Criterion Software [34]
02005-07-27July 27, 2005 Hypnotix Video game developer  USA — — [35]
02005-12-08December 8, 2005 JAMDAT Mobile Mobile entertainment developer  USA $7008680000000000000680,000,000 EA Mobile [2]
02006-07-20July 20, 2006 Mythic Entertainment Computer game developer  USA — EA Mythic [36]
02006-08-23August 23, 2006 Phenomic Game Development Real-time strategy game developer  GER — EA Phenomic [37]
02006-10-02October 2, 2006 Digital Illusions CE (DICE) Video game developer  SWE — EA Digital Illusions CE [38]
02006-11-30November 30, 2006 Headgate Studios Video game developer  USA — EA Salt Lake [39]
02007-02-12February 12, 2007 SingShot Media Social network service  USA — Sims on Stage [40][41]
02007-10-05October 5, 2007 Super Computer International Computer software developer  USA — — [42]
02007-10-11October 11, 2007 VG Holding Corp. Owner of video game developers  USA $7008775000000000000775,000,000 BioWare & Pandemic Studios† [43]
02008-05-21May 21, 2008 Hands-On Mobile Mobile video game developer and publisher  ROK — EA Mobile Korea [44]
02008-06-03June 3, 2008 ThreeSF Social network service  USA — — [45]
02008-12-02December 2, 2008 J2MSoft Computer game developer  ROK — — [46]
Q1 Fiscal 2010 J2Play Social network service  CAN — — [47]
02009-11-09November 9, 2009 Playfish Social network game developer  UK $400,000,000 — [48][49]
02010-10-20October 20, 2010 Chillingo Mobile video game publisher  UK < $20,000,000 — [50]
02011-05-03May 3, 2011 Mobile Post Production Mobile video game developer and publisher  USA — — [51]
02011-05-04May 4, 2011 Firemint Mobile video game developer and publisher  AUS — — [52]
02011-07-12July 12, 2011 PopCap Games Mobile video game developer and publisher  USA $750,000,000[note 2] — [53]
02012-06-01June 1, 2012 ESN Social gaming product developers  SWE — — [54]

Stakes [edit]

Date Company Business Country Value References
01995-01-25January 25, 1995 Visual Concepts Entertainment[note 3] Video game developer  USA — [55]
01995-05-09May 9, 1995 NovaLogic[note 4] Video game developer and publisher  USA — [56]
01997-03-11March 11, 1997 Accolade†[note 5] Video game developer and publisher  USA — [57][58]
01997-04-03April 3, 1997 Mpath Interactive†[note 6] Computer game and online company  USA — [59][60]
01998-08-04August 4, 1998 Kodiak Interactive Software Studios, Inc.†[note 7] Video game developer  USA — [61][62]
02004-12-24December 24, 2004 Ubisoft Entertainment*[note 8] Video game developer and publisher  FRA 68.9 million euros [10][11][63]

Notes [edit]

  1. ^ Staff who choose to remain were absorbed into EA Los Angeles.
  2. ^ Includes $650 million in cash and the issuing of $100 million in EA common stock to certain shareholders of PopCap Games. Does not include additional cash possibly received based on earnings before interest and taxes milestones through December 2013.
  3. ^ EA purchased a minority stake.
  4. ^ EA purchased a minority stake.
  5. ^ EA purchased a minority stake. Later purchased by Infogrames.
  6. ^ EA purchased a minority stake. On June 18, 2001, it was acquired by GameSpy and MPlayer.com was merged with GameSpy Arcade.
  7. ^ EA purchased a minority stake, but it later merged with Acclaim Entertainment.
  8. ^ EA initially purchased a 19.9% stake then-valued at 68.9 million euros, but then sold its remaining 14.8% stake in July 2010 for 122 million U.S. dollars (94 million euros).

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b "Electronic Arts, Inc.: Full Description". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  2. ^ a b "EA to Acquire JAMDAT Mobile Inc. -- the Leader in North American Mobile Interactive Entertainment; Accelerates EA's Objective of Global Expansion in Mobile". Jamdat Mobile Inc. 2005-12-08. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  3. ^ "The Conquest of Origin pg. 2". Escapist. 2005-10-11. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  4. ^ "The Conquest of Origin pg. 3". Escapist. 2005-10-11. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  5. ^ Brendan Sinclair (2006-10-06). "EA shuts down DICE Canada". Gamespot. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  6. ^ "EA to Shut Down Origin Systems". Gamepro. 2004-02-25. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  7. ^ "EA closes Pandemic Studios unit". CNET. 2009-11-18. Retrieved 2010-08-05. 
  8. ^ a b "EA Confirms EA Chicago is Closing". Kotaku. 2007-11-06. Archived from the original on 2008-03-04. Retrieved 2010-08-20. 
  9. ^ Caroline McCarthy (2007-10-11). "Electronic Arts pays $860 million for BioWare, Pandemic Studios". CNET. Retrieved 2008-05-03. 
  10. ^ a b Business Wire (2004-12-24). "EA Invests in UbiSoft Entertainment; Acquires Approximately 19.9 Percent Equity in Global Game Company.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
  11. ^ a b Ecorcheville, Ambroise; Angeline Benoit. "UPDATE: Electronic Arts Sells Ubisoft Shares, Ends 6-Year Link". Automated Trader. Dow Jones Newswires. Retrieved 2010-08-05. 
  12. ^ Ian Chadwick (1988). "Ian's Quest". ST-Log (20): 47. 
  13. ^ James Morrissey (2005-03-14). "Artist Showcase: Michael Reichmann". The Nature, Wildlife and Pet Photography Forum. Retrieved 2011-05-30. 
  14. ^ Software Industry Report (1997-06-04). "Electronic Arts; Distinctive Software Inc.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  15. ^ Business Wire (1992-09-21). "Electronic Arts to acquire leading European software developer, Bullfrog Productions Ltd.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  16. ^ Business Wire (1995-03-08). "Electronic Arts acquires distributor in Spain; forms third subsidiary in continental Europe.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  17. ^ Business Wire (1995-02-06). "Electronic Arts to acquire leading European software developer, Bullfrog Productions Ltd.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  18. ^ "Bullfrog Productions". IGN. Retrieved 2010-08-20. 
  19. ^ Business Wire (1995-03-08). "Electronic Arts acquires distributor in Germany, Kingsoft GmbH.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  20. ^ Business Wire (1996-01-29). "Electronic Arts Acquires Software Developer Manley & Associates.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  21. ^ Software Industry Report (1997-06-04). "Electronic Arts and Maxis Inc. announce definitiveagreement to merge; transaction valued at approximately $125million.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  22. ^ Business Wire (1998-04-02). "Electronic Arts Acquires Software Developer TiburonEntertainment; Leading Sports Game Developer Becomes Wholly-OwnedSubsidiary.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  23. ^ Business Wire (1998-04-08). "Electronic Arts Acquires Vision Software PTY Ltd.; EA Moves Into Continent of Africa.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  24. ^ Business Wire (1997-06-04). "Electronic Arts Acquires ABC Software to EstablishDirect Sales Organizations in Switzerland andAustria.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  25. ^ Business Wire (1998-08-17). "Electronic Arts to Buy Westwood Studios From VirginInteractive Entertainment; EA to Acquire Creators of Command &Conquer in a Cash...". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  26. ^ "Westwood Studios, Inc.". MobyGames. Retrieved 2010-08-20. 
  27. ^ "Electronic Arts Announces Acquistion Of Playnation" (.doc). Electronic Arts. 1999-09-08. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  28. ^ "Electronic Arts Announces Agreement to acquire News Corp. Online Game Unit, Kesmai" (.doc). Electronic Arts. 1999-11-22. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  29. ^ Business Wire (2000-02-24). "Electronic Arts Acquires Dreamworks Interactive From Microsoft and Dreamworks SKG" (.doc). Electronic Arts. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  30. ^ Business Wire (2001-02-28). "EA.com Acquires Leading Games Destination pogo.com; pogo.com's Popular Family Games Site Complements EA.com's Rich Content Games.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  31. ^ "EA to Acquire Black Box Games Development Studio" (.doc). Electronic Arts. 2002-06-11. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  32. ^ "UK Developer Studio 33 Joins EA Worldwide Studios" (.doc). Electronic Arts. 2003-10-16. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  33. ^ "NuFX joins EA Worldwide Studios". Electronic Arts. 2004-02-13. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  34. ^ Business Wire (2004-07-28). "EA to Acquire Criterion Software Group from CANON EUROPE; EA Acquires UK Creator of Burnout 3 and RenderWare.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-14. 
  35. ^ Gamespot (2009-07-27). "Electronic Arts acquires Hypnotix.". Gamespot. Retrieved 2009-05-01. 
  36. ^ "EA to Acquire Mythic Entertainment". Mythic Entertainment. 2006-06-20. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  37. ^ "EA Acquires Phenomic Game Development; Acclaimed Creators of Real Time Strategy Franchises Become EA's Newest Studio in...". AllBusiness. 2006-08-23. Retrieved 2008-04-14. 
  38. ^ "Digital Illusions CE". TeamXbox. 2006-10-02. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  39. ^ Business Wire (2006-11-30). "Headgate Studios Team Joins EA.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  40. ^ "EA Acquires Singshot Media" (PDF). Electronic Arts. 2007-02-12. Retrieved 2008-04-13. [dead link]
  41. ^ "Press Releases". Electronic Arts. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  42. ^ "EA Acquires Super Computer International". Electronic Arts. 2007-10-05. Retrieved 2009-08-04. 
  43. ^ Letzing, John (2007-10-11). "Electronic Arts to buy game maker VG Holding". MarketWatch. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  44. ^ "EA to Acquire Assets of Hands-On Mobile Korea". Electronic Arts. 2008-05-21. Retrieved 2009-08-04. 
  45. ^ "EA Acquires ThreeSF". Electronic Arts. 2008-06-03. Retrieved 2009-08-04. 
  46. ^ "EA Acquires Korean Online Game Developer J2M". Electronic Arts. 2008-12-02. Retrieved 2009-08-04. 
  47. ^ "EA Reports First Quarter Fiscal Year 2010 Results". Electronic Arts. 2009-08-04. Retrieved 2009-08-04. 
  48. ^ "Q2 Fiscal Year 2010 Results". 
  49. ^ Johnson, Bobbie (2009-11-09). "Playfish sells to Electronic Arts in deal worth up to $400m". The Guardian. Retrieved 2010-08-30. 
  50. ^ "EA buys Angry Birds publisher Chillingo". Los Angeles Times. 2010-10-20. Retrieved 2010-11-01. 
  51. ^ "Electronic Arts Purchases MPP developer and Firemint". Game Beats. 2011-05-03. Retrieved 2011-05-11. 
  52. ^ "Electronic Arts buys Aussie game maker Firemint". New Zealand Herald. 2011-05-04. Retrieved 2011-07-12. 
  53. ^ "EA to Acquire PopCap Games". Business Wire. 2011-07-12. Retrieved 2011-07-12. 
  54. ^ "Electronic Arts Buys Online Gaming Studio ESN, The Developers Behind Battlefield’s Battlelog Online Social Network". TechCrunch. 2012-09-16. Retrieved 2012-09-26. 
  55. ^ Business Wire (1995-01-25). "Electronic Arts takes equity stake in leading software developer, Visual Concepts Entertainment.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
  56. ^ Business Wire (1995-05-09). "Electronic Arts invests in software publisher, NovaLogic; companies ink four-year distribution deal.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
  57. ^ Business Wire (1997-03-11). "Electronic Arts invests in Accolade; companies inkmultiyear distribution deal.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
  58. ^ "Accolade". IGN. Retrieved 2010-08-30. 
  59. ^ Business Wire (1997-04-03). "Electronic Arts, Mpath announce online game agreement and investment.". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
  60. ^ "GameSpy Industries Completes Acquisition of Mplayer". GameSpy Press Release. GameZone. 2001-06-18. Retrieved 2010-08-30. 
  61. ^ Business Wire (1998-08-04). "Electronic Arts Enters Into Long Term DevelopmentAgreement and Makes Investment in Software Developer Kodiak Interactive;Salt Lake". AllBusiness. Retrieved 2008-07-21. 
  62. ^ "Kodiak Interactive". IGN. Retrieved 2008-08-30. 
  63. ^ Bloomberg (2010-07-16). "Electronic Arts Sells 15% Stake in France’s Ubisoft". Bloomeberg Business Week. Retrieved 2010-08-05. 

External links [edit]

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_acquisitions_by_Electronic_Arts&oldid=527927107"