Apple Looking to Takeover Electronic Arts?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/05/apple-looking-to-takeover-electronic-arts/)

TheStreet's David Tong (http://www.thestreet.com/story/10495815/3/fast-money-recap-does-the-rally-have-legs.html) relays that FastMoney's Guy Adami claims that there is "chatter" that Apple is eyeing an Electronic Arts takeover. Adami noted that there is chatter that Apple (AAPL Quote) is eyeing Electronic Arts(ERTS Quote) as a takeover target.
Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5240074/apple-eyeing-electronic-arts-takeover) describes Adami's predictions as "sketchy, at best", so it seems quite unlikely there's any truth to it -- but we report it here for interest and discussion.

Article Link: Apple Looking to Takeover Electronic Arts? (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/05/apple-looking-to-takeover-electronic-arts/)

[Brien]

It'd certainly solve the lack of games for OS X.

[TwinCities Dan]

Yea right! That would be awesome! ;) :)

[blurredline]

This looks as likely and legitimate as this (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/05/photo-of-9-5-mac-netbook/).

[Silencio]

In my best Bill Cosby voice:

"Riiiiiiiiight."

[DMann]

This would be insanely great!


In my best Bill Cosby voice:

"Riiiiiiiiight."HAHAHAHA

(or as BC would proceed): HA ---- HA ---- HA ----

[Luke1robb]

This would kind of shine some light on the fact that EA is ALWAYS one of the demos at SDK events. And I mean ALWAYS at demo events, ALWAYS in the featured games, ALWAYS in commercials... you see where I'm going here.

All in all, I don't believe it will happen though.

[Beric]

This looks as likely and legitimate as this (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/05/photo-of-9-5-mac-netbook/).

You got that right.

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

This would kind of shine some light on the fact that EA is ALWAYS one of the demos at SDK events. And I mean ALWAYS at demo events, ALWAYS in the featured games, ALWAYS in commercials... you see where I'm going here.
Probably because they are making million of games, and at least one of them are always an AAA title.

EA certainly doesnt have a reputation for making quality games though. it doesn't make sense for Apple to take them over.

[addicted44]

Shorter David Tong:

"I went long on EA and I really need their stock price to go up. Lets link them to Apple!"

[TwinCities Dan]

EA certainly doesnt have a reputation for making quality games though. it doesn't make sense for Apple to take them over.

Doesn't EA make the Madden franchise? :confused:

[talkingfuture]

Seems highly unlikely but you never know.

[joeshell383]

Seems like a good idea. Apple has about $25 billion in cash and marketable securities and no long term debt, and analysts and investors have been waiting for Apple to put it to good use (what better time than in a down, and possibly bottoming out, economy when everything is cheap?). EA is worth about $7 billion, the lowest since late 2000/early 2001 and has about $2.2 billion in cash and marketable securities and no long term debt. If it is assumed (really big assumption, I imagine some Apple stock as all or part of the offer would excite EA's investors) that Apple makes a 100% acquisition in an all-cash transaction, Apple would walk away with a fantastic asset at a great price, even after considering that Apple will have to pay a premium on the current price. Plus, Apple would essentially get $2.2 billion cash back just for buying EA.

An acquisition would solve the Mac gaming crisis and instantly allow Apple to leverage EA's extensive portfolio and exclusive titles across iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. Instead of being the middleman (as operator of iTunes store) and taking a cut for each unit sold, ALL the profits would go to Apple. Apple would provide downloads instead of optical media which would save it money on printing and packaging and cut out the middlemen retailers who would normally take a cut. Plus, Apple could claim to be environmentally sensitive AND could (even though it would be bad for consumers) limit the resale, rental, and giving/sharing abilities that come with physical products. Even more, Apple could advertise to parents showing how its iTunes ecosystem is one-stop shopping for legal content, with the brand names, content, and titles that children want, all with universal parental controls for games, TV, movies and music available in one place for all devices.

Also, Apple may never be able to make inroads in Mac gaming without an acquisition, and this would give Apple a golden brand name for gaming in its portfolio and protect itself from Microsoft trying to invade Apple's space in the portable gaming and media center realms. If MS pushes XBOX more towards a media center (than it already is), or releases a portable XBOX, Zune capable of games, or an iPhone competitor capable of playing games, it could really hurt Apple right where it is trying to grow. Just like most products, gaming is heavily brand dependent and if Apple ends up stuck only being able to sell "no-name" games for its platforms, the gaming aspect of the iPhone/iPod Touch will be in trouble. If Apple doesn't act now, it could end up costing a lot more later. One more time, IT'S ABOUT THE BRANDS! Madden, NBA Live, NBA Street, Need for Speed, Command & Conquer, The Sims, etc. Even if Apple just rehashed EA's library for Apple TV, iPhone, and iPod Touch, it could do very well! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Electronic_Arts_games)

Possibly most importantly, Apple would be staving off a potential partnership, acquisition, or exclusivity deal between EA and MS or Nintendo and help it match or exceed those companies regarding the exclusives that those companies already have.

Finally, not that consumers want this, but by buying EA, Apple could slowly provide fewer quality titles to competing platforms and EA exclusives would eventually only be released for Apple products.

Imagine if EA's sports exclusives (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ea_sports) were only available on the Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV... those products would BOOM during holiday sales seasons, especially sales of the likely otherwise doomed Apple TV. It would also make Apple a multimedia powerhouse and provide Apple with a somewhat recurring revenue stream as sports fans buy the latest versions of the popular titles every year.

Buy EA now, the stock will soar on this news.

[eleven59]

Shorter David Tong:

"I went long on EA and I really need their stock price to go up. Lets link them to Apple!"


bingo!

[Lone Deranger]

Wow!! Imagine that. :eek:

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/05/apple-looking-to-takeover-electronic-arts/)

TheStreet's David Tong (http://www.thestreet.com/story/10495815/3/fast-money-recap-does-the-rally-have-legs.html) relays that FastMoney's Guy Adami claims that there is "chatter" that Apple is eyeing an Electronic Arts takeover.

[sammich]

Finally, not that consumers want this, but by buying EA, Apple could slowly provide fewer quality titles to competing platforms and EA exclusives would eventually only be released for Apple products.

Imagine if EA's sports exclusives were only available on the Mac, iPhone, and Apple TV... those products would BOOM during holiday sales seasons, especially sales of the likely otherwise doomed Apple TV. It would also make Apple a multimedia powerhouse and provide Apple with a somewhat recurring revenue stream as sports fan buy the latest version of the popular titles every year.

This would work because Apple has a wide range of computers that would cater to the gaming community...

[Shookster]

This would be a huge purchase for Apple. I sincerely doubt they would buy EA outright - it is far more likely that they would purchase a proportion (say 20%) or invite one of the EA execs onto their board (or vice versa).

[johnnyjibbs]

Isn't EA the biggest games publisher there is? This would certainly be a coup for the major third party titles. But what about all the firm's console offerings? They would be seriously limited if restricted to just Mac and iPhone sales.

Or is Apple planning a home gaming device coupling with Apple TV take 3?

[asphyxiafeeling]

hahaha this would be awesome

EA, for all their faults and occasional mediocracy (some EA games... man... depressing), are a nice company. (not to mention the biggest game dev ;))

seems unlikely but if it did happen i'd be excited to see what's next!

[briansolomon]

Seriously, Arn?

Posted for "discussion" purposes. Why don't we post a story about Apple buying retail space on the moon and see what kind of discussion comes of it.

[phoenix78]

Would be an interesting clash of DRM philosophies :-)

[CarlisleUnited]

This would be very good, even if they don't buy the company outright they would be able to put pressure on the company to introduce more titles for the Mac.

[Pelorus]

So, let's pretend it's true.

iTunes becomes a serious competitor to Steam for delivery of games to Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPod touch...

I mean, iTunes is already *everywhere*

[wheelhot]

Nah, I don't think Apple will takeover EA, cause Apple is usually about quality, EA produces lots of games but only a few that you can say is quality.

[4np]

Wow, that would be an interesting turn? :)

[c-Row]

With a price of $7 billion "only", I wonder why Microsoft doesn't try to get involved here. Buying EA would certainly put a sting into Sony's flesh.

[designgeek]

Wow, Apple really is trying to take over the world.

[iPhoneNYC]

This doesn't make as sense to me. However, as long as Apple is sitting on a ton of cash and the economy has the beginning signs of recovery there will be rumor after rumor. Prepare for more.

[Macnoviz]

well, the least you can say is that Apple does have a huge advantage during the crisis with its cash reserve. It would be stupid not to pick up a few extra assets now the prices are low, but I think that games for the Mac may not be such a huge priority, seeing as how they are eagerly recruiting chip designers

[Schtumple]

I really can't see this happening... I know there's a lack of games on the Mac, but that's been iterated that it's not really Apples concern...

[commander.data]

I think if Apple were to have made a move to buy a game company they would have offered to buy Blizzard when they were negotiating with Activision. A more likely target for iPhone games would be Gameloft. Or Apple could just acquire the employees and startup companies that have resulted in Microsoft parting ways with Bungie and Ensemble Studios.

[twoodcc]

It'd certainly solve the lack of games for OS X.

oh yes it would. this would be interesting, but i just don't see this happening

[PeterQC]

I won't care until Valve and Steam is involved. EA games are just not great anyway.

[Bye Bye Baby]

It might be good for apple to buy a software compnay, but one might think of Adobe as well. A rumor from a little while ago.

It would make sense. Something that does not make sense is the rumor about apple making an e-book reader.

It will be interesting how this year plays out.

[Willis]

Well, although it hasn't really set anything on fire with ZOMG.. it is interesting to say the least.

EA in recent years has become more committed to making more and more of its titles available for the Mac.

Apple does have $25+ Billion afterall, they have to be cooking up something. Surely?

[pilotError]

Hasn't EA been shopping themselves around for the last couple of years?

Now that Apple has been hiring Graphics chip experts, these stories have a little more traction.

What does EA bring to the table though? A native gaming engine and development environment?

[Randman]

More iPhone games = more iPhones sold.

[RedTomato]

No. Stupid junk rumours.

Apple is insanely careful with their 25+ billion in the bank. They tend to spend on solid people that create solid work that set the foundations for the next few decades. (interface designers, chip designers, etc)

7 billion is nearly 30% of their entire cash pile. That's like risking nearly 30% of their future on buying a second-rate games company, when Apple only grudgingly gives space to games, and always tends to see them as a distraction from doing 'real' work.

[Shookster]

7 billion is nearly 30% of their entire cash pile. That's like risking nearly 30% of their future on buying a second-rate games company, when Apple only grudgingly gives space to games, and always tends to see them as a distraction from doing 'real' work.

I take it you haven't seen the latest iPod Touch commercials then? They're all about games and nothing else.

Apple has traditionally been interested in the creative industries but I doubt it has escaped their notice that their success is solely down to their consumer-oriented products. Games appeal to a wider audience and could be a good way of encouraging Windows users to switch. It'd also be a good way of selling the more expensive Mac Pros.

So it makes sense for them to be interested in gaming, although I highly doubt they will be buying EA.

[rekhyt]

This looks as likely and legitimate as this (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/05/05/photo-of-9-5-mac-netbook/).

LOL.

[overcast]

No. Stupid junk rumours.

Apple is insanely careful with their 25+ billion in the bank. They tend to spend on solid people that create solid work that set the foundations for the next few decades. (interface designers, chip designers, etc)

7 billion is nearly 30% of their entire cash pile. That's like risking nearly 30% of their future on buying a second-rate games company, when Apple only grudgingly gives space to games, and always tends to see them as a distraction from doing 'real' work.

EA's net revenue for 2008 was 3.67Billion , 27 titles sold 1 million copies or more.They aren't exactly a "second-rate" game publisher.

[RedTomato]

I don't see many ads. So no I hadn't seen the iTouch ads.

I still don't think Apple will spend 30% of their cash pile on a games company.

[Kebabselector]

It might be good for apple to buy a software compnay, but one might think of Adobe as well. A rumor from a little while ago.


Nah, Apple wouldn't be interested in a company that overprices and generally overprices the non-US markets more.

Oh wait a minute..........

[Blue Fox]

I don't see a "complete" takeover of EA, but I do see Apple looking to buy a small part of EA specifically for the iPhone/iPod Touch gaming platform. Who knows, Apple may be looking into possibily entering into console gaming in the future (within a few years). Who knows......but I don't think Apple aquiring EA is a "surprise" as previous people have already said.

[KingYaba]

Does the cry for gaming on the Mac warrant such a large purchase? I don't think so. It would be wise of Apple to reduce the price of their hardware instead.

[BRLawyer]

hahaha this would be awesome

EA, for all their faults and occasional mediocracy (some EA games... man... depressing), are a nice company. (not to mention the biggest game dev ;))

seems unlikely but if it did happen i'd be excited to see what's next!

The best would be when Apple-owned EA stops developing for the stupid Windows, just as the other side did when Bungie was bought by MS.

GO APPLE!

[backdraft]

Apple should have acquired Sun vs Oracle. EA and Twitter nah.

Apple Enterprise is needed to be taken seriously!

[pilotError]

The only way I see something like this is if they are building an XBox or PS3 competitor and need titles available for launch day.

Even then, it doesn't make much sense, unless they had a common gaming API across all the lines (iPod/iPhone, ATV successor and Mac). This way they could leverage the gaming engine / tools to work for all the platforms.

[Saladinos]

I don't consider this as unlikely as most here. Apple's never had a clue how to make a good gaming platform. Bringing EA on board would solve that and pay for itself in switchers.

However, I don't see Apple publishing console games, meaning large portions of EA's revenue would be annulled. The ex employees would set up their own studio.

It makes more sense for Apple to split up EA and buy the mobile and PC gaming divisions.

[blackhand1001]

I don't consider this as unlikely as most here. Apple's never had a clue how to make a good gaming platform. Bringing EA on board would solve that and pay for itself in switchers.

However, I don't see Apple publishing console games, meaning large portions of EA's revenue would be annulled. The ex employees would set up their own studio.

It makes more sense for Apple to split up EA and buy the mobile and PC gaming divisions.

This could be true but I honestly think that Open GL has begun to lag so far behind Direct3D in computer games. Open GL isn't used nearly as much as it used to be. Apple also does not offer any system targeted towards gamers. The Mac pro doesn't count as there are faster graphics cards out there and an 800 dollar system witha good graphics card will game better than a base level mac pro. I could see buying EA, but i doubt they would go mac only.

[slicecom]

EA makes quantity, not quality. Apple is very much the opposite. I don't see this every happening. The only reason that they would think about it, in my mind, is to release EA Games on iTunes to compete with Steam, but that seems pretty far fetched, and I doubt they'd have to buy EA in order for that to happen.

[babyj]

Buying EA would make a lot of sense to me, as it would give Apple ownership of one of the largest game publishers and with it a number of the top selling game franchises. They could force the development of more games for Apple platforms but most importantly they could stop the development of games for Microsoft platforms.

Sure they would lose a lot of income but most if not all of it would be made up by increased sales on other platforms. It would cause massive damage to the Xbox platform though I'm not sure whether Apple would want to go there.

It would provide a base for expanding in to games more, maybe for Apple TV which they could develop in to a complete home entertainment system.

[ccuk]

I don't see many ads. So no I hadn't seen the iTouch ads.

I still don't think Apple will spend 30% of their cash pile on a games company.

Apple are not stupid, they enter markets they know they can control and which yield high profit margins... The games industry is a big pie Apple want a sizeable slice of since it is much bigger than the Movie industry and is rapidly expanding year over year. Like it or not, Apple is a very different company as compared with 5 years ago, and they focus a lot more attention on consumer oriented products which are in fact the very reason Apple are as successful as they are today. How else do you think they accumulated $25billion, it certainly wasn't from selling Mac Pros.

Whilst it seems on face value to be unlikely Apple would buy EA, it is in my view however not completely without merit.

[PurpleCliff]

EA owns BioWare now, who are making the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO ... man I hope Apple do this!
If I were the one making the decision - I would do it lol. EA is so cheap ... I have like 28 billion dollars - what's 10 less matter? And it puts Macs forward in the gaming market, and gets some good income. Too easy! :D Why not?

[PurpleCliff]

Buying EA would make a lot of sense to me, as it would give Apple ownership of one of the largest game publishers and with it a number of the top selling game franchises. They could force the development of more games for Apple platforms but most importantly they could stop the development of games for Microsoft platforms.

Sure they would lose a lot of income but most if not all of it would be made up by increased sales on other platforms. It would cause massive damage to the Xbox platform though I'm not sure whether Apple would want to go there.

It would provide a base for expanding in to games more, maybe for Apple TV which they could develop in to a complete home entertainment system.

I don't think they would hurt the development of Windows or Xbox games lol ... they make iTunes and Safari and iPods compatible with Windows ...

[Apple Corps]

Buying EA would make a lot of sense to me, as it would give Apple ownership of one of the largest game publishers and with it a number of the top selling game franchises. They could force the development of more games for Apple platforms but most importantly they could stop the development of games for Microsoft platforms.

Sure they would lose a lot of income but most if not all of it would be made up by increased sales on other platforms. It would cause massive damage to the Xbox platform though I'm not sure whether Apple would want to go there.

It would provide a base for expanding in to games more, maybe for Apple TV which they could develop in to a complete home entertainment system.

EA loses $640,000,000 for the 3d quarter alone - read on: http://www.redherring.com/Home/25797

[bruinsrme]

Taking on EA would require a lot of collaboration with nvidia, ati, Sony, and their buddies at MS.
thinking about this Apple probably would not have the upper hand that they enjoy.
Imagine Apple pissing off sony and MS and those two consoles elect not to issue licensing rights to their platforms.

[maxlew]

If you look at most of EA's good games these days there not really doing any of development.

EA is mostly just publishing the games, they invest x amount of money into a game so the developer has the resources to make it and then they take most of the profits.

If apple buys them it will most likely kill EA completely. No one wants to invest with a company who have a notoriously bad image in the gaming world.

I love apple but if you look at what every game developer says about them they have very little knowledge of the game industry. I think it was one of the lead designers from valve said that apple was constantly trying to get them to develop for mac but once they told apple what they needed from them nothing came from it.

[PurpleCliff]

They should have bought Blizzard ...

[thoshino]

/../
An acquisition would solve the Mac gaming crisis and instantly allow Apple to leverage EA's extensive portfolio and exclusive titles across iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. /../

As ridiculous as it might seem with the acquisition of a game software company in the midst of Apple hiring major HW-knowledge, I'm with you on this one. (no I don't think there will be a Applestation or Abox or Aii)

Contents is king after all and love it or hate it (personally I'm more on the latter side) EA provides A LOT of contents when it comes to games.

This would definitely be a good move for Apple.
The only thing that bothers me though is that Apples computers in general are equipped with medium-to-weak graphic cards and before Nvidia 9400 several of Apples computers (namely those with Intel 950 and x3100) were not suitable for gaming at all. Even with Nvidia 9400 the verdict is roughly something like this: don't play full-screen games on your mac unless it says "pro" somewhere or you go the most expensive graphic option for your iMac.

[Bigdaddyguido]

I agree that this will most likely not happen, but if anything would dramatically improve apples long-term profits, this is it.

The key would be following through on the patents for a motion contolled device for the apple tv. With that in place and unfettered access to the worlds largest game creation studios across the planet, let's just say suddenly apple would be a major player in the largest and fastest growing consumer market, gaming.

Without a takeover like this, game creators will never view os x as a gaming environent. While the iPhone/iPod touch are setup for a future of games, there is too much potential gaming power being lost on the very powerful macs and possibly appletv.

With the app store in place and the coming premium app store, this makes sense. I think the iPod touch/iPhone opened apple's eyes as to how much they were missing the boat with games. I think they thought it was a nitche market, but clearly, at least now, it is a driving force for the market. Anyone who disagrees needs to look at the budget reports for gaming companies. If anything will make mac truly mainstream, releasing games across there platforms will do it.

Finally, imagine the awesome physics based games you could run with grand central, so much power.

[babyj]

Taking on EA would require a lot of collaboration with nvidia, ati, Sony, and their buddies at MS.
thinking about this Apple probably would not have the upper hand that they enjoy.
Imagine Apple pissing off sony and MS and those two consoles elect not to issue licensing rights to their platforms.

Losing the EA game franchises from their console platforms would be very damaging to Microsoft or Sony as it would result in a loss of console sales, especially with the Madden (and other sports games) and The Sims. If EA dropped the Xbox, Sony would fall over themselves to keep them onside.

It would be so damaging that if Microsoft got wind of Apple going for a major games publisher I'd be very surprised if they didn't get involved in a bidding war. Unless they got their fingers burned too badly with previous purchases - they must of gone done for a small fortune with Rare.

Other than to declare war on Microsoft, I'm not sure there is many other benefits. There are far better ways to get more games on Apple platforms, better platforms, better selling platforms, better development kits and so on. If they get all of that right the developers will come to them.

[overcast]

EA owns BioWare now, who are making the Star Wars: The Old Republic MMO ... man I hope Apple do this!
If I were the one making the decision - I would do it lol. EA is so cheap ... I have like 28 billion dollars - what's 10 less matter? And it puts Macs forward in the gaming market, and gets some good income. Too easy! :D Why not?
Because there are these people called stockholders, and the reason why you'll never own a billion dollar company.

[Lynxpro]

I don't consider this as unlikely as most here. Apple's never had a clue how to make a good gaming platform. Bringing EA on board would solve that and pay for itself in switchers.


The 3DO debacle states otherwise.

[veeco3110]

dude if apple took over the gaming market... like i think my head would explode...

[Lynxpro]

This could be true but I honestly think that Open GL has begun to lag so far behind Direct3D in computer games. Open GL isn't used nearly as much as it used to be. Apple also does not offer any system targeted towards gamers. The Mac pro doesn't count as there are faster graphics cards out there and an 800 dollar system witha good graphics card will game better than a base level mac pro. I could see buying EA, but i doubt they would go mac only.


Considering how PC gaming is in decline, I'm surprised the gaming publishers still cling to DirectX. It would seem to me that the publishers would make some sort of effort to boost up OpenGL's capabilities because that API is far more universal for porting purposes than DirectX. DirectX only helps in terms of the [Windows] PC market and the Xbox 360. OpenGL would be useful in terms of not just [Windows] PCs but Macs, Linux PCs, mobile phones [including the iPhone], the Playstation 3, the Wii, and other systems.

Of course, I'm also surprised that the gaming industry hasn't created its own gaming Linux distribution either... then again, it would take the efforts of OpenGL being boosted first before that could happen....

Apple's stubbornness at times makes me wish some eccentric billionaire* would buy up the remnants of Amiga [plus Hyperion] and Atari and (re)create a viable third platform for the end user.


*I'm actually surprised Google hasn't thought about it. Why use Linux as the basis for Android when they could've bought Amiga OS on the cheap and actually owned the entire IP outright?


Losing the EA game franchises from their console platforms would be very damaging to Microsoft or Sony as it would result in a loss of console sales, especially with the Madden (and other sports games) and The Sims. If EA dropped the Xbox, Sony would fall over themselves to keep them onside.

It would be so damaging that if Microsoft got wind of Apple going for a major games publisher I'd be very surprised if they didn't get involved in a bidding war. Unless they got their fingers burned too badly with previous purchases - they must of gone done for a small fortune with Rare.

Other than to declare war on Microsoft, I'm not sure there is many other benefits. There are far better ways to get more games on Apple platforms, better platforms, better selling platforms, better development kits and so on. If they get all of that right the developers will come to them.


I was just thinking about that. A bidding war could be good or bad for Apple. I would laugh if Microsoft panicked and starting buying up all the game publishers. That would trigger another anti-trust case against them plus it would probably cause a revolt amongst the institutional shareholders [finally] considering the Xbox division continues to be a money losing division.

It really cheeses me off that CalPERS hasn't launched such a revolt considering how many shares they own in Microsoft and the fact that they were the ones that really pushed for the removal of Michael Eisner at Disney and Paul Grasso from the NYSE... Hell, I'm just pissed that they own Microsoft stock considering the California Attorney General's Office was so active in the former Microsoft anti-trust legal proceedings...

[Dagless]

EA rarely ever produce a decent game, Apple would be better investing in one of the more higher rated devs like Valve.

Both companies share a similar approach in their design by subtration method. EA would be better suited to Microsoft - so much shine and so many products but gut wrenchingly boring and stale underneath.

[Dagless]

Considering how PC gaming is in decline
I'm sorry you started off with this line because it throws apart everything else in your post. PC gaming is most certainly not in decline.


I was just thinking about that. A bidding war could be good or bad for Apple. I would laugh if Microsoft panicked and starting buying up all the game publishers. That would trigger another anti-trust case against them plus it would probably cause a revolt amongst the institutional shareholders [finally] considering the Xbox division continues to be a money losing division.

*sigh* the Xbox 360 division has been making a profit since January 2008. Don't make stuff up. http://www.ripten.com/2008/01/26/xbox-360-finally-making-a-profit/

[fokket]

I wish Apple hires someone from Valve or hot shot developer and shut the hell up and get him to advise on games

[Lynxpro]

I'm sorry you started off with this line because it throws apart everything else in your post. PC gaming is most certainly not in decline.


Go to the local Best Buy and see how much shelf space has disappeared in the past six months in terms of both application and video game software for PC and then you tell me that PC gaming isn't in decline. And when you tell me that, I'll tell you I also was able to buy brand new software for my Atari 1040ST at that same Best Buy recently.



*sigh* the Xbox 360 division has been making a profit since January 2008. Don't make stuff up. http://www.ripten.com/2008/01/26/xbox-360-finally-making-a-profit/


Right. Balance that with the additional costs of extending the Xbox360 warranty for 3 plus years with the RROD issue. Now there's the other disc error costs that are piling up. Plus even with their paper profits, it still does not make up for the $4 billion plus that the division has lost.

But hey, Microsoft did fix one thing... At least the Xbox 360 no longer burns down houses like the original model did. Progress!

[PurpleCliff]

Lynxpro - PC Gaming is thriving!
Though console gaming is growing waaay faster ... but PC Gaming will never die.

[DMann]

Go to the local Best Buy and see how much shelf space has disappeared in the past six months in terms of both application and video game software for PC and then you tell me that PC gaming isn't in decline. And when you tell me that, I'll tell you I also was able to buy brand new software for my Atari 1040ST at that same Best Buy recently.

Right. Balance that with the additional costs of extending the Xbox360 warranty for 3 plus years with the RROD issue. Now there's the other disc error costs that are piling up. Plus even with their paper profits, it still does not make up for the $4 billion plus that the division has lost.

But hey, Microsoft did fix one thing... At least the Xbox 360 no longer burns down houses like the original model did. Progress! That $4 Billion plus hole will never be filled by XBox's trickle down profits during MS's lifetime. As long as MS continues to subsidize the unit, even taking the defects out of consideration, XBox will inevitably be a losing venture for MS, and the shareholders are well aware of this.

[celtikmind]

Lynxpro - PC Gaming is thriving!
Though console gaming is growing waaay faster ... but PC Gaming will never die.

Wishful thinking? Because people love messing with drivers, patches, updates and DRM on friday evening, while their beer is getting hot, trying to play their latest game on their PC with a small 22-24" screen, when they could just load the disc in their console and play it after a few minutes (in HD) on their 42" lcd/plasma with full surround. An entertainment system they also, already use for their movies. That's the simple reason why console gaming is growing while the inherent problems of PC gaming gets it pushed into oblivion. Think outside your box.

Honestly, imho Apple would be best to stay out of the gaming business. While I would like to see some good games on my Mac as much as anyone else I just think their so far behind in this area that it's rather embarrassing. They will most likely, eventually face the same problems PC gaming are having today. Unless they develop a console with a fixed specification. If anything they should just develop better support/gaming tools for the OpenGL platform and leave it at that.

If they acquire the passing fad a.k.a twitter though, with money made out of their 'premium' prices... Let's just say, I won't be buying anything Apple next time around.

[thomanjones]

Since the best EA can do for OS X is kludgy Cider ports, I wouldn't think that it's a good match for apple - EA is like a huge cafeteria - every food under the sun, serving more customers than anyone else, but it's all mediocre.

[iheijoushin]

I just don't see how buying out EA would be a sound investment or provide a great strategic advantage for Apple.

Even as a PC gamer, it's hard not to recognize the PC gaming market is both shrinking compared to the console market and in the midst of a period of evolution to find a way to co-exist alongside the growing popularity of consoles as the de facto gaming platform. IMHO, that evolution will be towards content-delivery technology like Steam.

EA is a struggling dinosaur, which I suppose gives Apple an advantage at the negotiating table but not necessarily a strong return on investment. Even Twitter, which has no clear way to profit from its popularity, seems like a more reasonable investment. :p

[MacAttraction]

I always thought the reason a company is bought is because the buyer sees that it has huge potential/wide market penetration, but it is not being managed or projected towards the right direction, and the buyer sees that they can turn that around with the advantage that company has already gained, instead of new virgin investment ?? EA could be that company for Apple, right ?

[Apple Corps]

I always thought the reason a company is bought is because the buyer sees that it has huge potential/wide market penetration, but it is not being managed or projected towards the right direction, and the buyer sees that they can turn that around with the advantage that company has already gained, instead of new virgin investment ?? EA could be that company for Apple, right ?

Wrong

[MacAttraction]

Enlighten me O wise one !!!:)

[BlueRevolution]

EA's net revenue for 2008 was 3.67Billion , 27 titles sold 1 million copies or more.They aren't exactly a "second-rate" game publisher.

Don't confuse quantity with quality.

Apple wouldn't be buying a game developer, they would be buying The Blob (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_acquisitions_by_Electronic_Arts). What EA does is buy quality developers and their franchises and make them mediocre at best.

Of course, there would be a degree of poetic justice to seeing them acquired. It's not going to happen, especially not by Apple, but it would amuse me.

[Dagless]

Wishful thinking? Because people love messing with drivers, patches, updates and DRM on friday evening, while their beer is getting hot, trying to play their latest game on their PC with a small 22-24" screen, when they could just load the disc in their console and play it after a few minutes (in HD) on their 42" lcd/plasma with full surround. An entertainment system they also, already use for their movies. That's the simple reason why console gaming is growing while the inherent problems of PC gaming gets it pushed into oblivion. Think outside your box.

You seem to know nothing about what you're talking about so lets go at it one point at a time;

Drivers, patches, udpates; These exist in consoles too, or are you not playing current gen systems? PC/Mac drivers aren't even released often, as a heavy PC gamer I get an update what? Every 4-6 months?

DRM; Some games have it, most don't. I only play Steam games so the only DRM I'm presented with is built in and doesn't impact playing games at all.

Monitor vs TV; The problem with this being the control setup. I'd take my 20" monitor over my 42" Bravia any day of the week because of the superior controls on a PC. A PC also has much more customisation. Off the top of my head; any resolution your monitor and graphics card can handle, better graphics, more control options, ability mod games, games cost less, ability to play online for free (though the Wii and PS3 do this too), mostly free DLC, run your own servers. It's just a much more customisable experience in general.

PC gaming is being pushed to oblivion; no. It's not. I work in the game development industry, I'm not some armchair pundit talking out my arse :).

Go to the local Best Buy and see how much shelf space has disappeared in the past six months in terms of both application and video game software for PC and then you tell me that PC gaming isn't in decline. And when you tell me that, I'll tell you I also was able to buy brand new software for my Atari 1040ST at that same Best Buy recently.

So lets stop banging on about PC gaming dying. The entire market is changing, yes I look around my game shops (GAME, GameStation, HMV) and there are still plenty of PC games there. Nothing has changed in them since I started visiting them in the late 90's. Steam and other digital distribution methods are changing gaming as there are 20 million+ people buying games from such methods.
Infact (http://vgchartz.com) Console gaming isn't doing that much better than last gen (barring the Wii). It's just people get confused since games are being far more publicised to make up for the development costs of this generation than before.

[djmayne2001]

yeah i cant imagine Apple buying a games development company. They have no real need to diversify into such an area and take on those huge costs.

[SpitzerCR]

yeah i cant imagine Apple buying a games development company. They have no real need to diversify into such an area and take on those huge costs.

exactly...

[ZeroCorpse]

If they did buy it, I'd hope for them to remake "Mail Order Monsters".


I loved that game.

[mikes70mustang]

Doesn't EA make the Madden franchise? :confused:

Maybe apple could make a game where madden isnt an incoherent rambler

[mikes70mustang]

exactly...

Gaming is a big industry, and EA comes out with some of the best stuff

[blackpond]

I love apple but if you look at what every game developer says about them they have very little knowledge of the game industry. I think it was one of the lead designers from valve said that apple was constantly trying to get them to develop for mac but once they told apple what they needed from them nothing came from it.

There was a time, only a few short years ago, that Apple had very little knowledge of the cell phone industry. Today, they are redefining it.

What's so difficult to understand about the gaming industry and why would it be such an impossible leap for Apple? The "gaming industry" is marketing, creative and technical expertise, and publishing power. I believe Apple has that down pretty well. The only real question is, is that where they want to spend their time right now?

[President]

that's cool

[Saladinos]

I always thought the reason a company is bought is because the buyer sees that it has huge potential/wide market penetration, but it is not being managed or projected towards the right direction, and the buyer sees that they can turn that around with the advantage that company has already gained, instead of new virgin investment ?? EA could be that company for Apple, right ?

Apple's only possible motive for buying EA is to promote more Mac games, but EA would do that themselves if it were profitable. So Apple would be left pushing unprofitable products. They'd ruin the business and not gain anything.

[DiamondMac]

Gaming is a big industry, and EA comes out with some of the best stuff

Good stuff but far, far, FAR from the best....not even close to being the best.

[SpitzerCR]

more mac games...oh yah

[thunderweb]

Totally, more EA games for my mac = :D

[armpit44]

be improved. I can't get Pogo to ad Rainbow Rooms (gay Player rooms) to anything adults like to play like Texas Hold'em except in the practice tables.:cool: