We're accustomed to seeing Electronic Arts
purchase studios at the drop of a money hat, but not so much the other way around. Don't tell that to the
Wall Street Journal, however, as the financial site suggests that Walt Disney (the company, not the frozen corpse) should add EA to its animated empire. With EA shares
dipping more than 17 percent last week -- not to mention the sluggish economy overall -- the WSJ claims that "Disney would be gutsy to step up during the current economic uncertainty," adding however that "it might be better than waiting for better times and paying top dollar."
Of course, EA has yet to give any indication that it plans to step up on the auction block any time soon, though we can't help but wonder how it would feel about another media giant trying to step in and
do it a favor.
[Via
Edge Online]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Magetto @ Nov 4th 2008 3:55PM
Poetic Justice, amirite?
KarlW @ Nov 5th 2008 7:24AM
You're right.
Also, Steve Jobs is the single largest shareholder in Disney. Hopefully he'll nipple-cripple them for releasing rubbish Mac ports.
Rollins @ Nov 4th 2008 3:55PM
A few years ago, I would've said that it was a match made in heaven. Two companies, together in depending on endless sequels.
But with EA coming out with good original IPs, I wouldn't want to see them ruined by Disney.
time @ Nov 4th 2008 9:30PM
The old Disney of Eisner is gone. You gotta allow them some recovery time, but Disney is turning a new leaf, similar to EA.
Plus, EA would probably be left alone, similar to Pixar.
sk8monroe81 @ Nov 4th 2008 3:56PM
this would be horrible.
all the great titles and IP's that EA owns would only get worse...
disney would cut losses and cut jobs and have cheaper companies complete games to make shareholders happy.
i thought EA was bad... this would be worse.
how would dead space 2 turn out with disney in control??
lol...
tmmoore_nc @ Nov 4th 2008 4:00PM
Wouldn't that mean...EA and Disney...meaning...Disney and Square...meaning...EA publishes the next Kingdom Hearts game?
Blank-Mage @ Nov 4th 2008 8:14PM
...Oh dear, I've gone cross-eyed.
BananaBoat @ Nov 4th 2008 4:03PM
Meh, why waste the money when EA (and Activision, and everyone else) is willing to make shovelware based on Disney's properties for very little cost. I'd say Disney is more than capable of publishing their own games, so it doesn't make much sense there either. As for picking up EA's licenses, I don't think Disney needs any more licenses at this point (they only have a million of them).
Oh, and I just voted. The line? Non-existant. It's a good thing that election day is on a work day. It was me, a few elderly people, and a few house wives at the check in booth (no line for that even). I got up this morning, having steeled myself for a multi-hour fustercluck, and I was greatly surprised. Then again, I live in the suburbs, so the amount of people per machine is much lower than in the city. Moral of the story? VOTE!!!!
Mr Khan @ Nov 4th 2008 4:54PM
Where do you live? I voted absentee a while ago, but i've spoken to people who have waited in hour long lines here on the Philly city limits
BananaBoat @ Nov 4th 2008 5:16PM
The suburbs of Kansas City (Missouri). Yes, I know, it's hell. Will be transferring to a University in a much nicer place, very, very soon.
BananaBoat @ Nov 4th 2008 5:29PM
(The post above was maybe a tad over dramatic. I live in a nice suburb with multiple malls, great schools, lots of forests etc. Kansas City is a gigantic hell hole though. I suggest everyone keep their distance. Seriously. Oh and Missouri is a battleground state, so if you are in Missouri and are reading this, you better get your ass out there!)
Blank-Mage @ Nov 4th 2008 8:16PM
You have to move to a squiggly area. If you're living in a basic polygon, get the hell out of there! Culture is attracted to squiggles.
Wonderous @ Nov 4th 2008 4:05PM
that means the EA sports games that have ESPN incorporated into them will be the full Disney pipeline.
Disney > ABC > ESPN > typical EA sports game > Commercial for Desperate Housewives or Dancing with the stars during a timeout on your system.
Brillant
eubep @ Nov 4th 2008 4:18PM
If this does happen EA will have tough time trying to get gaming license for non-Disney owned movies and TV shows.
ogvor @ Nov 4th 2008 4:20PM
Just when it seemed like a big mega corporation was actually doing some pretty cool stuff (Mirror's Edge, Deadspace) they might get bought off by someone who probably won't. Its possible they could keep all the execs who are actually making EA awesome again, but its likely they would change how the business is run.
Negativecool @ Nov 4th 2008 4:31PM
Thought the WSJ was having financial difficulties of its own...maybe Disney should buy them too.
But on topic. I say nay to this acquisition and suggest Disney buy Rockstar instead. Then Disney could send EA an email containing only this:
Neener neener neener!
:P
j @ Nov 4th 2008 4:44PM
Fantastic, now I can target my hatred to a single entity!
Blank-Mage @ Nov 4th 2008 8:18PM
I think the resultant abomination would proceed to acquire yet more companies, buying all that stand before them until we're communist Disney America.
....And there's Red Alert 4 right there.
Lekko @ Nov 5th 2008 5:29AM
oh god no...
"only 10 days left to buy Mirror's Edge before it goes into the disney vault!"