On Friday, May 20, the gaming world was in a frenzy when a report surfaced from Puck stating that Electronic Arts (EA) was seeking a sale or merger. That same report states that the company has had talks with the likes of NBCUniversal, Disney, and more.
But how serious is this? Could one of the largest gaming companies in the world really be sold? After all, if Activision-Blizzard did it, why not EA?
After speaking with multiple sources, SGO has learned that while EA is open to the idea of a sale, it’s much more keen on a merger than a straight up sale. And not just any merger. This would be one where the EA name remains and the larger company still sees current EA executives such as CEO Andrew Wilson remain in control.
“EA isn’t just looking to sell and get out,” a source said. “The company knows its value in the market, and will make sure the EA name carries on for decades.
“If it’s a sale, it’s only a sale in transaction type designation in order to bring in the most money.”
When asked about the idea that EA has been pushing “been persistent in pursuing a sale, and has only grown more emboldened in the wake of the Microsoft-Activision deal”, sources tell SGO that persistent isn’t the right way to put it. Instead, the company is just more open to seeing and has taken more meetings. But they aren’t the ones making initial contact.
“There’s a shift in the gaming industry, and EA knows it,” one person said regarding studio acquisitions.
As to why EA would purchase a number of studios to bring into the fold if they were looking to sell, the same person had a pretty obvious answer, “value”.
SGO did reach out to EA, but a spokesperson said that the company won’t comment on any rumors or speculation.
What do you think of all the rumors surround EA and a potential sale? Let us know in the comment section below, and take the discussion further at the official SGO Discord server.