Electronic Arts
Video game giant Electronic Arts announced it would buy Britain's Codemasters, known for its F1 and Dirt racing game franchises., in a deal worth $1.2 billion. EA's move has come as a surprise - most people thought Take-Two's proposal last month (had offered a package worth $973m) was pretty much a done deal, and Codemasters itself had supported the earlier buy-out plan.
There is still a chance that Take-Two could respond with a better offer, and spark a bidding war between the two US gaming giants. This particular race is not won quite yet.
"We believe there is a deeply compelling opportunity in bringing together Codemasters and Electronic Arts to create amazing and innovative new racing games for fans," said EA's CEO Andrew Wilson.
Following the news that AT&T is considering parting ways with Warner Bros., Microsoft is considering acquiring the game division.
The Information reported that Microsoft is not the only one interested in the company; EA, Take-Two and Activision Blizzard are also considering buying WB Interactive and its several development studios (Avalanche Software, Monolith Productions, NetherRealm Studios, Rocksteady Studios, TT Games, and many others).
La Liga will be exclusive to the FIFA game franchise until 2030, Electronic Arts announced it today. The new 10-year agreement is the longest renewal in the partnership between Electronica Arts and La Liga.
The announcement also includes a commitment to grow fandom and esports participation through LaLiga’s official esports competition, eLaLiga Santander.
Electronic Arts delivered financial results today above investor expectations. The game publisher generated $1.39 billion in revenues for Q4 -- against the $1.19 billion predicted by analysts.
The company credits its digital sales and strong franchises for its growth. That includes $4.05 billion in digital net bookings for fiscal 2020. That’s up 9% year-over-year, and EA says it accounts for 78% of its total net bookings.
“We’re humbled to see people around the world connecting through our games during this unprecedented period,” EA CEO Andrew Wilson said.