Despite failing to buyout Take-Two before mega-blockbuster Grand Theft Auto 4 was released, EA is still determined to assimilate the company. EA took out a loan; a big one. 1 billion U.S. dollars. They will have until August 9th of next year to repay the loan back plus interest, assuming they buy out the company in it’s entirety. The banks that lent the money are also on standby to provide further funding for EA’s conquest of Take-Two Interactive.
Source - Gamesindustry.biz
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Electronic Arts has announced that they are launching a new sub-brand to their Sports line. This brand is going to be featuring a casual emphasis on sports. The first title that will be released is Face Breakers. A copy of the press announcement follows.
UPDATE: Ars Technica adds that this new brand will also be the home of Wii-focused games;
These versions will go further than the “Family Mode” included in the Wii version of Madden, adding simpler graphics and motion controls to make the overall game easier and more fun.
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EA has announced that they are going to be releasing a new multiplayer Conquest mode that will be available for download when Battlefield: Bad Company releases. Perhaps EA is trying to let everyone know they are sorry for their previous attempts at going with the pay for upgrade route. Either way, free is good!
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Electronic Arts today announced that The Sims franchise has sold over 100 million units worldwide.
It has been an incredibly popular best-seller ever since the release of the first game in 2000, and has spawned a large amounts of sequels and spin-offs.
“The Sims has been an interactive experience for people around the globe to explore their passion for creativity and we’re thrilled to be a part of that.”
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Today EA and Epic announced that they are expanding their current Unreal Engine 3 license agreement, allowing EA to use it for 5+ more titles.
“With the largest and most talented studio operation in the world, it’s critical for us to give our studio teams the best tools they need to make great games,” said EA President, Frank Gibeau.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to Epic’s technology which, in combination with our own cutting-edge systems, allows us to create ground breaking hits.”
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Well, now the good news of the games release date is over, EA have now announced the pricing structure for Rock Band. Here is how it will work:
Rock Band Instrument Edition (Drum Kit, 1 x Guitar, Microphone, no game) - £129.99
Rock Band game - £49.99
Wireless guitar - £59.99
Drum Kit - £69.99
No news on whether you can buy a Microphone separate though. But that is ridiculous in order to get what the Americans have (Rock Band game, Drum Kit, 1 x Guitar and Microphone) we are expected to fork out £180 compared to their $169 (roughly £85)
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According to Eurogamer, EA’s Rock Band will be released on 23rd May on Xbox 360, with the PS3, PS2 and Wii versions to appear later in the summer due to a timed exclusivity deal with Microsoft.
Rock Band will have extra songs in Europe from the likes of Blur, Oasis and Die Toten Hosen, whilst all the DLC currently available in the US will also be available as of the 27th May.
Finally, the US and Europe will receive content updates at the same time from that date forward.
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John Riccitiello has responded to a Q&A request from Gamasutra regarding their recent offer to acquire Take Two for $26 per share (or $2 Billion). Apparently this news only became public after Take Two rebuffed the offer, with the deal evaporating EA’s pragmatic CEO decided to go public in an attempt to elicit shareholder pressure on Take Two’s Board of Directors.
Hit the link for more on the offer as well as EA’s opinions on Rockstar and the Take Two portfolio.
Via Gamasutra…
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Here’s some mighty interesting news - according to an Electronic Arts press release, the company recently proposed an acquisition of Take-Two for over $2 billion dollar (at $26 per share.)
Don’t get too excited now though, Take-Two’s executive chairman, Strauss Zelnick apparently refused the offer last Tuesday.
In an attempt to put pressure on Zelnick and get the Take-Two shareholders’ attention, EA CEO John Riccitiello went public with the proposal.
Hit the jump for the full press release.
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During a session yesterday at the Game Developers Conference, Steve Seabolt - EA’s vice president for global brand development of The Sims, revealed that the successful series has sold nearly 100 million copies since its birth back in 2000.
“The Sims is a highly successful entertainment brand,” Seabolt said. “In fact, we’re coming up next month on selling our 100 millionth unit of The Sims, so it’s mega mega. … We make so much money from The Sims–it is so profitable–that unlike other businesses, we don’t have to sell it out with advertising and sponsorship and flog the user with advertising to make money.”
Source - GameSpot
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