Tech Rumor: Microsoft Eyeing EA

Shares of Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS.O) jumped more than 4 percent to $19.36 on Wednesday on unsubstantiated talk that Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) might be interested in buying the video game publisher, traders said.

"There's talk that Microsoft might be interested in acquiring Electronic Arts. It's unsubstantiated chatter, but it's out there," said Frederic Ruffy, options strategist at WhatsTrading.com in New York.

[GWAVE]

Well, Microsoft has to make a profit in the gaming market SOMEhow.

And as a side note, no one should be celebrating this, not even 360 gamers.

[shocky16]

They'd have more first party studios then Sony and Nintendo.

However I can't see this happening since EA makes a lot of profit on Sony and Nintendo consoles.

[FAT MAN GO BOOM]

This is not good for gamers at all... EA and Activision are the 2 largest 3rd party developers and keep each other pretty honest with competition between each other...

With out the EA check Activision will run kill other 3rd parties...

damn....

[TOO PAWNED]

To be honest this would be huge huge, and would help MS a lot in western market.
IF that happens i can see Sony acquiring also some big publisher to level the field, maybe Square or Take 2.

[Pennywise]

This will never happen.

[wxer]

i really don't think that is going to happened
- first of all
EA is making millions and millions
and cant see why they'll sell them selves if they are already making money
most of the companies that sell them selves are those whom are about to go bankrupt or have been loosing money for a long time

- secondly
EA is making more money right now
why they'll limit them selves to Microsoft's paychecks ?

add to that EA wont be cheap
so Microsoft wont just jump to blow millions on EA

and if you asked me
i think if Microsoft wants to buy a big name
i think it'll be activision
why ?? well one game and that's COD

all and all
if Microsoft is really thinking about buying a big company like EA its going to be a mayhem
I mean Sony and Nintendo well go after other big name companies too leaving nothing called third party except small studious
they'll go for a smaller name

and i don't see Microsoft blowing money on studious
specially after Closing some their own

i mean why the hell you pay so much for something that you had before yet you rejected it ??

i think this is only some stock market rumor

there is TONS of those just to raise a particular stock's prices
r the other way around

[TotalPS3Fanboy]

Like Microsoft can afford EA. That's just ridiculous.

[starvinbull]

If it happens then it's game over for Sony as far as consoles go.

[meepmoopmeep]

so this is the real reason for Peter Moore going there

[ABizzel1]

It would be very very wise, but it ain't gonna happen.

[morganfell]

There is also the question if it would be allowed anyway. A deal like this would have to be approved by the FTC and if it looks too much like a monopoly it will get the axe.

[gaffyh]

MS can't afford to buy EA (and you are quite stupid if you think they can), but if they did buy EA, they will pretty much instantly win the console war forever. EA has too many IPs, too many great games, and just too many studios.

Also if MS tried to buy EA, I'm pretty sure it would be blocked due to competition laws.

[leila01]

I don't see this happening.

On the other hand, it could be a deathblow to Sony and significant enough hit to Nintendo. So maybe it would be worth it for MS from that perspective? Could be one step closer to one console future.

[Maddens Raiders]

what have they got to lose? The answer is quite evident: everything.

Microsoft is as desperate as ever, and will do anything to continue "to try to fool the world". You can't underestimate them though. Hell who knows, they might even rush out an unfinished faulty piece of tech next generation to prove my point.

[gamesR4fun]

but EA owns half the games industry def not good for ps3 only owners who like any of ea's games...

[leeger]

I don't want this to happen, it isn't good for Sony, but it is also not good for EA, and most importantly its not good for gamers in general.

[Golfcoachh]

I wouldn't want them to make this deal, it would cost way too much. Now for the nimrods thinking that Micro can't afford it, ummmm yeah they can, with billions, thats right billions in liquid cash in reserves it would not be that hard. Would it strap them a bit, yes, would the financing be crazy, yes, but trust me they could do it. Now would they do it, probably not. Not much of a chance of it getting by competition laws in the U.S. But please do your research before making a statement like they cant afford it. lol

[raztad]

I dont think that could happen even if Ms could afford it. EA is a huge MULTIPLAT publisher/developer. I dont see MS turning into a multiformat publisher/developer, just the contrary, that purchase would be aiming to monopolize EA titles and turning them xbox exclusives. What is gonna happen with the PS3. psp, Wii, DS devel studios? probably they will be axed, and that would be a massive loss of job positions. In the current economic climate I dont see that happening.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

EA's value simply drops more than half if MS acquires them. More than 75% of their revenue comes from non MS game systems. It simply just doesn't make sense to buy them out.

[sack_boi]

I heard nintendo is going to buy microsoft after this.

:P

[Raf1k1]

I seem remember reading something about EA making more money off PS3 sales than X360 sales.

[StanLee]

Well, if Disney can acquire Marvel for 4 billion dollars it's not impossible but I don't see it happening. EA is too solvent to even consider it.

[Blaze929]

Just because you buy out a company doesnt mean you have to completely change the way things are operated. Look at Eidos, SquareEnix bought then but they are letting them continue how they normally do, they just have a new "boss".

If Microsoft were to buy EA, it isnt like they would shut down all development for any other platforms beside the PC and Xbox 360. Obviously there would be more exclusives but you will likely still see multi-plat games being pumped out for everyone. Microsoft would just be getting paid for every sale.

Peter Moore went to EA Sports to become the president....their plan all along?

[Golfcoachh]

Ea's market cap is 6.4 billion, that is the price of all their shares, Micro would only have to come up with 50.1% of those said shares, they would have to pay a higher ammount from the price it actually trades for so I think 5 billiion would cover it, of course not worht it in my opinion but for those that think its not possible financially, sorry it is.

[Persistantthug]

1. We are in a recession...a deep recession. Everyone has to watch their spending, even Microsoft

2. EA is a Multi platform publisher developer. Why would MS buy something expensive only to have to DOWNGRADE it and make it worth LESS?

3. EA is too expensive. Yes, MS COULD do it, would shareholders allow them to deplete massive funds for 1 division...a division that keeps losing money on a deal that's gonna lose them MORE money for quite some time?

4. MS has bigger fish to fry. MS has a new Windows product to push and advertise for in place of their failed Vista. That "fish" is their bread and butter. They certainly can't afford to spend so much money only to have their breaded fish get away.

[HolaTarola]

Ok, first of all, this is never going to happen, but to those who say that Microsoft can't afford to buy EA, think again 'cause Microsoft can. Remember not a while ago when Microsoft wanted to buy Yahoo! offering 50 billion dollars? thats right, 50 BILLION, that is US$50,000,000,000 dlls.

Yes, insane indeed. o_O

[IaMs12]

It wouldnt be good at all but if MS was smart they would continue to allow development of the PS3 games and Wii games and take commission off it. But i dont see this happening.

[Ju]

A rumor is tossed out, stock market reacts within minutes. Someone gets rich before the rumor gets debunked. That's how you're gonna do it. Better then robbing a bank, at least.

[Dark General]

One bit. EA makes a lot of money and the reason they make money is not just because of long running successful IP's but also because they ship all their games across NUMEROUS platforms. I don't think it would advantageous for EA, not to mention how much it would cost MS to acquire them. Just doesn't seem like anything near a probable deal.

[BattleAxe]

I doubt it would happen, but look at it this way, if MS bought EA it would put them on an even playing field with Sony as far as first party development goes.

All you have to do is look at Sony's IP list and look at Microsofts......(these IPs are either owned by MS, EA and Sony or they are first party titles)

Sony - (PSN titles not included)

- WarHawk
- Socom
- MAG
- Resistance
- Infamous
- Killzone
- Ratchet and Clank
- Jak and Daxter
- Sly Cooper
- God of War
- MLB The Show
- NBA The Inside
- Gran Turismo
- Motorstorm
- Hot Shots Golf
- Heavenly Sword
- Sing Star
- Buzz Quiz
- Uncharted
- Heavy Rain
- Little Big Planet
- The Agency
- DC Online Universe
- Eye Pet
- Eyedentify
- The Eye of Judgement
- Modnation Racers
- Syphon Filter
- Twisted Metal
- Folklore
- Lair
- The Last Guardian
- Siren
- Untold Legends
- White Knight Chronicles
- Free Realms
- Home
- Wipeout
- Star Trek Online

Microsoft -

- Banjo Kazooi
- Halo
- Gears of War
- Crackdown
- Forza
- Lips
- Alan Wake
- Blue Dragon
- Fable
- Lost Odyssey
- Perfect Dark Zero
- Project Gotham Racing
- Scene it
- Viva Pinata

Electronic Arts -

- Tiger Woods Golf
- Madden NFL
- NBA Live
- NHL
- NCAA Football
- NCAA BasketBall
- Fight Night
- Fifa Soccer
- Rock Band
- Skate
- Burnout
- Nascar
- Need for Speed
- BattleField
- Medal of Honor
- Mirrors Edge
- Army of Two
- The Sabateur
- Dead Space
- Dante's Inferno
- Black
- Mercenaries
- MMA
- Mass Effect
- The Sims
- Dragon Age
- Star Wars: The old Republic
- Warhammer Online
- Dark Age of Camelot

@cgoodno, thanks for the correction :)

[Christopher]

If it does, you know Microsoft would utilize the full amount of synergy possible to redefine PC and 360 gaming and cut Sony off from their big hitters (BioWare, who are one of the few controllers of quality Western RPGs, anyone?).

Here's some other factors to consider:

- Reducing multiplatform releases would cut profits
- Reducing multiplatform releases would cut jobs
- Reducing multiplatform releases would diminish the competitive market
- Microsoft would have one of the largest game companies with which to use to move away from Blu-ray even further through complete digital distribution
- Microsoft would have the ability to release on multiple platforms, but always ensure that their own platform is the better option through in-house exclusives and better performance that is designed into the software and network.
- Microsoft might put in jeopardy current IPs being developed by but not owned by EA (SW anyone?)

Honestly, if this happens, do we finally recognize that Microsoft as a single company has way too much influence and power in the computer world?

.........

@Battleaxe (above): You missed a ton of EA IPs. Don't forget the EA owns BioWare, Mythic Entertainment, Criterion Games, Pandemic Studios, Visceral Games, and all of the various EA branches. It is publisher to so many more.

Also, Activision/Blizzard own the IP to World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Starcraft. But, with BioWare you can add Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Star Wars: The Old Republic and add Warhammer Online and Dark Age of Camelot from Mythic's side.

[nycredude]

1) I don't think MS can afford EA.

2) I don't think EA is that Stupid.

[ShabzS]

realistically speaking forbes currently lists EA's market value as 6.5 billion dollars and MS as 232 billion dollars ...

.
so if bill gates really wanted EA he could probably find 6.5 billion in his couch cushions.. but this is likely not going to happen coz ea's too big and its revenue comes from yearly "multi gen" games its really not worth it...

[cmrbe]

The value of EA is where it is because its a multi-platform publisher.

As i said a million times. The right apporach for MS to build their first party is to find new and upcomming talent and then sign a deal with them to make fresh new (real exclusive) IP for them. If succssful they should buy these devs while they are still relative cheap. This is how Sony built their first party.

[ShabzS]

yeah if anything positive to take from this year it should have taught ms the importance of first party studios... coz when third part studios fail to make their dates (ubi with sc) you need first party studios to pick up the share... turn 10 is stepping up and (formerly) ensamble helped early on... but where the hell is rare and lionhead this year (obviosuly they are making their own games)... so clearly they need more studios to help pick up the slack... i get the feeling ms just isnt patient enough for the method you say

[II Necroplasm II]

With EA dominating 20% game publishing market share and Microsoft 35% of hardware sales, the two combined would represent an absolute monolith. Or, at the very least, a chance to have a playable John Madden character for Halo 3: ODST's Firefight mode as DLC.

[HolyOrangeCows]

....just when EA was starting to level out and become a great publisher.
I really hope this doesn't happen :/

[RememberThe357]

It would be much more economical for them to pick up individual development studios and build their own foundation. EA would be a horrible buy for MS, most of what EA makes in profits is from other consoles. You cut those out and this very expensive publisher because almost impossible to pay off. Sh*t, Rare hasn't even payed itself off yet.

[Biggunz]

This will never happen. All this would do is force many game developers to leave EA and join another publisher if M$ tried to make games exclusive.

[pumpkinpunker]

MS could easily afford EA.

EA's market cap is 6.42 billion
MSFT's market cap is 229.18 billion

MSFT's gaming division is a small part of MSFT. MS buying EA would be an expansion of their gaming division and is very possible.

[vhero]

I see a few people have already realized this but EA are just too big for MS to buy. I mean they are worth billions MS would never make that kind of money back selling games on 1 console. They also don't have that kind of money in there games division to buy it with. This is a stupid fanboy rumour and nothing more or maybe EA has done this to push share prices up. They would lose too much doing this people they would have to start selling MS games on other consoles or they would start losing sooo much money so fast it would be unreal. MS are in this for money people just like Nintendo and Sony not just to win a war if you think different your an idiot.

[slayorofgods]

This move would be horrible for gamers. EA is to big of a company and too successful on its own. EA wanting to buy out take two was a horrible idea, Microsoft buying out EA is even worse.

[AAACE5]

But if it is true... It could be deadly!!!

One of the main reasons the Dreamcast died off was because it didn't have Madden football on it, now that EA is bigger and has more well known IP's... it could really hurt the others!

Nintendo and Sony would still have their great games but alot of those other games that people like won't be allowed on other systems.

Then again... it could be a fanboys dream and it would be MS' way of leaving the console market!

All we can do is speculate and have fun with this... But like I said... it's probably BS!

[TooTall19]

Isn't MS still losing money on the 360?

[FACTUAL evidence]

No one should be celebrating b!tchness! If this turns out true this is one helluva b!tch move, i'm sorry...just imagine the games!?!?!?....uugh...never mind....

[BWS1982]

being bad, MS laid off like what, 17% of their workforce in the last year, and now to put salt in the wounds of those families, they'd spend billions to buy out a massive publisher? Logic please?

[ShadowCK]

Microsoft and EA together?

That would be crazy.

[Thugbot187]

If Microsoft acquired EA, they would still release games for other consoles. I believe the difference is they just would pick what was going to go exclusive. My reason for this is it would be stupid to kill off extra funding however it would work in their favor to make some big selling titles timed exclusives or just exclusive all together. This would insure their console success. Remember that also means they will have some influence over UBISoft because they would get the majority shares EA already owns in the company from the attempt at a hostile takeover.

I could see regulators not viewing this favorably however MS does have the smallest game studio. This all depends on what the board members at EA would be getting out of this. Cash payout and to sit on the board at MS Game Division may be more lucrative.

[prunchess]

Sony could also try and purchase as much EA stock as possible and potentially drive EA stock prices through the roof. This would make any attempt by MS to get EA very very expensive.

[DeadlyFire]

If this ever did happen it would shatter all those sports licenses. Madden can't exist on only one console and if so Sony and Nintendo would both be all over them.

EA is too big. I don't see why they would sell when literally they rose up from nothing into a major force in the industry. PS1 era they were just game developer. Look at em now. They just bought Bioware recently as well. I don't see why Microsoft would care. Unless they wanted to ensure Mass Effect 2 to be X360/PC exclusive. Would be alot of money for just one thing though.

I would burn my X360 if Microsoft bought EA.

[Kornholic]

Wouldn't be a smart move from EA to do this since most of their profit comes from Sony's platforms.

[Ahmay]

the chances of MS acquiring EA,
are as slim as Sony acquiring Japan's very own giant, Capcom.

[Meus Renaissance]

If this did happen, they wouldn't cut out the PlayStation, they'd need the revenue especially from a growing platform in terms of userbase.

Either way, this isn't the first time this rumour has come up. Whatever happens I hope it's good for both PS3 owners and 360 owners. Microsoft and Sony may be rivals in the gaming sector, but I don't imagine Microsoft wanting to throw money around to this degree in an effort to kill the PS3. The people running that company are not fanboys, they'll do what they think is the best way to financially profit.

I also understand that the contracts with FIFA and the NFL is that EA must release these franchises on all available platforms. Why would Microsoft be interested in an EA without their biggest franchises?

[Captain Tuttle]

And I couldn't see the big franchises going exclusive (Madden etc.). Why would MS bother then? Revenue is revenue. It's not like Sony or Nintendo owners money is worth less than 360 owners money. I would imagine that some of the smaller franchises (Dead Space, Mirrors Edge) might go exclusively to the 360 though.

[ArmrdChaos]

If MS were to make it happen I don't see them killing off any major titles for the other systems. Although I could see them putting out a lot of exclusive DLC for said games if they were able to pull it off.

[Alcon Caper]

Peter Moore's presence at EA Sports definitely has something to do with it. Always nice to have someone on the inside.

If they are to heavily promote Natal, they'll need a large first party developer that is well known.

Maybe this is it...

...Mirror's Edge on Natal...?

[Biggunz]

M$ to spend 4 billion dollars to promote natal? I don't think so. It doesn't take an Einstein to see this story is BS.

[cronaldo7]

Checkmate.

[54percent]

yeah... the history has always show that monopoly is always good for any industry. Oh wait... no it don't.

[AssassinHD]

They had their eye on Yahoo also. We all know how well that worked out.

Edit: To those who will disagree: It is a verifiable fact that Microsoft attempted, and failed, to acquire Yahoo. I will be happy to eat crow if it ever happens, but I do not presently believe that there is a snowball's chance in hell of Microsoft acquiring EA. Even if you throw the financial aspect out the window, you still have to consider the possible antitrust issues.

[ZorinInc]

Microsoft owning the gaming industry is just like John Cena being WWE Champion.

It only pleases the same people.

[Golfcoachh]

And their ceo lost his job because of it, Msoft offered way too much for the stock, he lead a revolt to stop it, then the shares dumped big time and he lost his job for losing stockholders billions of dollars, so it wasn't microsofts fault. Jerry Chang I think his name was.

[Optical_Matrix]

Why would EA do this when they make more money off of Sony than they do from MS. Plus it would cut a stupid amount of their consumer base. Think about all the Nintendo and Sony system owners who would feel alienated with a lack of EA games.
I don't even think 360 owners should see this as good news tbh.

[Sitdown]

you do realize that this stuff would not exactly be EA's problem right? All the stuff you mentioned is reasons why Microsoft should/would not make this move...not the other way around.

[man0fsteel]

simma down now Microsoft...

no seriously, that would be messed up, it will further add to my hatred for MS

[KingKionic]

Doubt this will happen . Ea has support on a lot of games for nintendo and sony .

Not plausible right now .

[rCrysis]

once EA is assimilated....Activision will rule teh worldz!!

T__T

really though. Activision will destroy 3rd parties without EA as a 3rd party competitor

[user858621]

hahaha yh ryt

[ReviewsArePolitics]

But if this happens it would be the end of the game industry. Hell, it wouldn't even be good for Microsoft or EA

[Poopface the 2nd]

I dont think it will happen, but if it did Id assume they would still make games for ps3 and the wii. that would be weird.

Id assume that EA would cost alot of money to buy, maybe even to much for microsoft. who knows, but I dont see this happening.

[dragonelite]

What i think is that Microsoft want to buy some devs like bioware or buying some Ip from them.

[Captain Tuttle]

EA owns Bioware.

[dragonelite]

I know that why i said maybe microsoft wants to buy Bioware from EA.
Or atleast the buy the rights to publish the mass effect ip and maybe some others

[Captain Tuttle]

Don't think it would happen though. If this does go through I'd imagine that EA Sports would retain it's multiplatform status to keep the regulators happy.

[Christopher]

With BioWare on for SW:TOR, there's no way in hell EA would be letting them go. That's going to be their WoW. It will just print money for the company.

Now, Microsoft already has Mass Effect 1 & 2 exclusive, but I might see them putting out some more money to keep it that way with each game. Possibly the same if Dragon Age takes off as well.

[LostDjinn]

but I can really see EA shareholders jumping at the chance to earn less on dividends and watch their stock price drop over the next few years. The 360 makes up the smallest amount of revenue for the company so it makes good financial sense to agree to a buy-out by MS.
:P

[zoks310]

EA wont be as big and profitable on one console as they are now on all consoles, MS would lose big if they did, look at what happened to Rear.

[Meus Renaissance]

The suggestion is EA exclusivity to 360 = 360 hardware sales jump massively

[mrv321]

EA is supported by all 3 platforms if they go to Micrsoft and offer exclusives that means a loss of 2 platforms they simple wont be able to afford it and the money will have to come from Micrsoft who realise this to.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

EA supports 8 platforms 360, PC, Wii, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS and mobile

[Double Toasted]

sheesh.

[cemelc]

I hope It wont happen, but if it does.

This will force Sony to create a new studio only for sports games, and if that happens, well start seeing some actually good sports games (take as example the Sony exclusive baseball game).

Aside from that, Ea stock will go to the ground since no nintendo or Sony gamer will buy EA games anymore.

Edit bellow:
Yeah could be that they dont have the best record on sports games, but they will now have to compete with EA which will force them to make good sports games to stay on the market.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Sony actually used to make a ton of 1st party sports games. Remember the greatness known as NFL Game Day? Yeah...with the exception of Sony's recent MLB game they haven't had the best track record for that.

[Jamescagney]

I'm not sure about this, but it could happen. If enough cash is involved.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

It would be a HUGE blow to Sony and Nintendo a like. I think Nintendo would be ok long term since they rely so heavily on their first party games anyway. This move however could potentially kill Sony in the gaming console market given that 80+% of the good sports games reside with EA. You also factor in Bioware into that equation and this would be a huge win for MS. Sony probably could survive but I think they would be a shell of what they are right now. The potential loss for Sony just can't be measured with a move like that. Madden exclusive on the 360....its almost too big a move to even imagine.

[gamingisnotacrime]

but is true, if EA were owned by MS, Sony will have a HUGE problem in the gaming business.

If MS has so many millions, why not create 1st party studios instead of taking away 3rd party studios that every gamer has enjoyed in Multiplatforms for many many years?

Gamers be aware, this is a bad deal for gamers, great for MS

[OC_MurphysLaw]

MS could build a 3rd party studio sure...but as you know there are no garauntees in terms of the "hits" they could make..or not make. Its risky to start from scratch.

By buying EA MS automatically buys into a library of solid to great IP's.

As to "spot licensing prohibits exclusivity to one console" I dont recall seeing any such provision at all. I do know that the licensing deals are individual to each sport. Baseball is exclusive for Software (2KSports) and allows for any console maker to make their own baseball game. NFL is exclusive to EA...and EA only. No Software or Console makers have that license. With the purchase I am sure their are provisions in the licensing agreements for such a situation. This move would allow EA to begin making baseball games again with MLB licensing.

[Persistantthug]

I really hope they lose.

[maikphisto]

Don't get me wrong I love Bioware games.....but how many of those games are currently on the PS3??? the 360 is getting those games already anyway...

As far as I know the sports games cannot be for just console (due to the leagues rights...but please correct me if I'm wrong). Also in the case of FIFA it would just mean more sales for PES

Other sports games are great....but their only market is the US...I'm talking about Madden, NHL, UFC...those are very popular in the US but not everywhere

Also remember that it wasn't too long ago that EA was only releasing awful games and just recently returned with good new franchises (Dead Space, Mirror's Edge)

This would mean more exclusive titles for MS yes....but a checkmate???
I don't think it would be ever near that.....we are giving too much credit to EA

[gamingisnotacrime]

I hope, and pray neither Sony nor MS acquire EA.

That would cause a huge negative impact on gaming as a whole

[Man_of_the_year]

If MS does this, then it's a VERY smart and Expensive move on their part.

This will allow more exclusives on the 360 but also capitalizing on the multi-plat titles like all sports titles. MS knows where EA makes their revenue and its on multiplat titles for all 3 consoles. MS will allow that to continue, but will also have more 1st parties to create more exclusives for the 360.

The only one's that might find this as "retarded" would be the PS3 droids. Even though MS would keep the sports franchises multiplat and selective games, it would allow other titles like say Dante's Inferno to be exclusive to the 360 to contend with big name games like God of war 3.

vvvvv oh look, the first scaried Droid.

[ReviewsArePolitics]

Don't be a retard.

[NegativeCreep427]

"MS knows where EA makes their revenue and its on multiplat titles for all 3 consoles. MS will allow that to continue, but will also have more 1st parties to create more exclusives for the 360"

And you know that for sure Microsoft would not isolate any of the sport's franchises for itself? Do you know that for an absolute fact, Mr. night school Michael Pachter?

You obviously are not taking into consideration that a good amount of EA shareholders are also associated with the National Football League. With the giant standing that the Madden franchise has in the videogame industry and with the amount of revenue each annual installment brings in, do you think big-wigs within the NFL would even slightly approve of this takeover? Do you think they, along with the other standing shareholders of EA, would even take the chance of Microsoft MAYBE choosing the sports and other popular multi-platform titles to continue to be distributed amongst all major console markets and not just hogging it all for themselves?

I highly doubt it. But nice try Man of the Year. I love it when fanboy idiots like you dare to make a comment and call PS3 droids "Retards" when you yourself don't even consider more than half the facts and conditions associated with a major business transaction like this.

"it would allow other titles like say Dante's Inferno to be exclusive to the 360 to contend with big name games like God of war 3."

This is all nothing but pure rumor, yet idiots like Man of the Year are already setting themselves up for bragging rights later on. Anyone remember the pathetic, premature Xbot victory dances going on here on N4G when the Ferrari was "rumored" to be exclusive to Forza 3.

[cyborg6971]

"Man" you need to take a year off. Like this would ever happen ea makes too much money of the playstation and nintendo. Not to mention that it would never pass through the fed. Phag of the eon stfu.

[ReviewsArePolitics]

Anyone implying a business move is "smart and expensive" is a retard, it's business 101 that no smart move is expensive, even if this was smart. However, you are also an idiot for even wanting this to happen, only a fanboy would think this would be a good move, this would make the industry another monopoly and games would be trash, and since nobody needs the games industry it would go bankrupt like it did more than 25 years ago.

Human trash, ignorants? Look in the mirror, dipsh1t

[cyborg6971]

It doesn't matter to me what happens I have all three consoles, but what does matter is when douche bags such as yourself talk smack and think your all smart and educated with your thesaurus on one window looking up words as your trying so hard to give the appearance that your apart of mensa using big words you've never heard of that is what matters. You are a fan boi not a ps3 fanboi but a 360 fanboi. your just here to annoy everyone and start sh!t so bugger off.

[NegativeCreep427]

"You human trash are so pathetic"

HUMAN trash? Now what the f*ck are you supposed to be, Man of the year? A chimp with down-syndrome who just so happened to get a hold of a lap top when someone at the zoo left it on a bench that was too close to the monkey cages?

Hey everybody, Man_of_the_year is a freaking monkey!!!

"PS3 fanboys are THE WORST kind of fanboys ever."

Well you are the worst kind of ape. Converse with us humans no more!!! Go fling your sh*t somewhere else!

[tehReaper]

You guys would be singing another tune if Sony were the ones interested in EA.

[TheOutsider]

Keep talking your bullcrap! but in the in you fool! the PS3 does EVERYTHIING!!!!!! HA HA

[n to the b]

at 1st I thought wtf no way, but Man of the Year's idea is interesting, maybe it's possible.

"...why can't people respond to this article?"

because as u say PS3 fanboys are the worst ever.

@3.5 "it's business 101 that no smart move is expensive"

wow, I took quite a few business courses in college and I don't remember ever hearing that. talk out of your @ss much?

@3.8 too true.

@3.9 lol what the F are u even trying to say??

[zag]

You do understand that MS have never kept a game dev longer than 3 years has been repated at least 3 times now.

Loinhead will get disbanded as well probably next year having MS as a game dev has always been a waste of time, really they should leave the market all together.

So far MS had devs they got closed down, now you expect MS to keep EA around just for the 360, lol.

[Pennywise]

EA losing money from going exclusive would ruin any financial sense this move would make. Maybe MS wants to be software only after this gen.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

You know...I could totally see that being their end game too! I think MS would much rather be making the OS system for all the consoles instead of makeing the hardware. Maybe they are looking to push that agenda somehow with this type of move ...if true that is.

[cronaldo7]

Peter Moore coming back home?

[cliffbo]

since Peter Moore moved to EA and the EA exec moved to MS, ive been all over the possibility of this on certain forums. i've been saying for nearly two years now that this is the long term plan

[Meus Renaissance]

It's all falling into place

[Jamescagney]

Lol at the pic!

[gamingisnotacrime]

makes sense, less risk, more profit.

It would also suck because the MS influence has make Sony better than without the intense competition. Either way you slice it, we the gamers lose big time

[KingKionic]

Why is peter more hiding under that robe?

[BigKev45]

Bye-Bye Sony & Nintendo.

[Alcohog]

I don't even know where to begin telling you how uninformed you are.

[bjornbear]

he has 3 bubbles =P which is a bad start...

then consider that sony already has such a strong market possition that this wouldn't change anything since EA would still want to make games multiplat (thats where the money is)

...well...nintendo is so successful right now, MS could pair with Sony and nothing would happen

And lastly...theres no bye-bye to competition because thats illigal (its called monopoly) and competition is what brings out innovation, so if it WERE bye - bye, it'd be bye-bye MS and EA, not the other way round =)

[Brionkendo]

EA is releasing BC2 next year and will make fat chash off of that. not to mention they just produce great games. They have nothing to worry about.

[kingboy]

dream on, EA would rather have her own console

[Jamescagney]

Her? EA is a she?

EDIT: A disagree, what are you disagreeing about? That EA is a she? Or that it's a he? I'm confused now.

[Persistantthug]

EA's a hermaphrodite.

[Alcohog]

If they became a first party MS developer, that would void the NFL license. So, not going to happen. If they were to do this it would be like Microsoft buying any other company, it wouldn't make them a MS game studio you nubs. It just would be a financial move for MS, acquiring a publisher is not acquiring a game studio. DURRRRRRRRRR.

[BigKev45]

If the publisher owns a game studio like a Bioware, then yes MS would own the game studio.

[Crystallis]

Not happening, and one word gives a reason why this will never happen MADDEN. Madden sales will be cute in half and the total sales are already declining as it is.

For me this is no big deal as madden gameplay has gone to sh*t. Maybe this will void the contract with the NFL exclusive rights so other companies can make a Simulation football game. Heres looking at you 2k.

[Raoh]

a few things would have to happen if this were true

EA would have to lose the NFL license any licenses like it.

[BigKev45]

@ Alcohog - What do you know troll?

[MajestieBeast]

I would quit gaming simple as that only pc gaming for me then.

[Meus Renaissance]

Do you fail to notice the irony in that comment?

[josh14399]

this would be a waste of money. also EAs profits would plummet if this happened because sony and nintendo make a bigger profit for ea than microsofts consoles do. msoft wouldnt make any profit from this

[Lucreto]

If it happens it would single handedly destroy the industry like nearly everything MS seems to touch.

But it won't happen it will fail under competition laws in both US and EU. With the amount of IPs EA has I would say MS would have to pay $54 billion.

[Double Toasted]

as long as Epic is in there leaving a Gears footprint...

[jack_burt0n]

If it did happen sony would acquire Konami, From software etc they would use all their resources and the game industry would become an exclusive battlefield.

MS would = US.
Sony = EU, Japan.

[Jamescagney]

I think if it was to happen there would be certain clauses in any deal. I don't think EA would give up multiplatform titles that are their bread and butter. It would mostly be exclusives that Microsoft would benefit from.

After all, with all this talk of exclusives don't you think Microsoft are trying to sort things out for themselves?

I can't see it happening anyway tbh.

[KingKionic]

Ea market value is 6.4 billion dollars .

Even if Ms would do this ea still have to make franchises for sony and nintendo .

Microsoft can by ea . It`s just very unlikely .

[gano]

i could see this happening.
Actually prob part of the plan when moore left and became the prez at ea.
Yea, i see it happening. And sony will still be good.
That jus mean more american games, overpriced, overcharging on dlc, on a new faulty american system. When sony and nintendo get out of gamin so will i.
But no american system for me. never.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

EA would still pump out games to all consoles for a while based on existing publishing deals, etc...MS would be making money off all... Eventually you would see MS start to filter certain games that it could and make them 360 exclusive. In fact MS might just let EA continue to be multiplatform for the most part.

[Grandreaper9999]

I smell Hostile takeover.

[KingKionic]

Like take two?

Haha

[Grandreaper9999]

First attempt I can't see it happening. Second attempt, I think they'll get serious and just take it by force.

It's really too bad MS doesn't take it upon itself to create new IP's, but I guess they're more into the "taking the fun away from the majority business".

[keysy420]

look ea wouldnt let that happen they make billons on madden alone this is funny

[makingdamage]

Well, we all know that Microsoft is prepared to do anything to control their markets by trying to achieve monopoly.

[Gamer_Politics]

This is bad news for all gamers we need more than one console on the market

[bigrudowsky]

i doubt this will happen, it would really hurt gaming as a whole... They should just acquire other studios

[ForROME]

Heres the deal, this actually spells out a couple of things,

A) Moore Going there
B) the relationship with MS is strong than originally thought
C) this would have a huge impact as they could just make 20% of games exclusive and it would have a large impact

[JonnyBigBoss]

Wow, I hope this isn't true. I like Madden!

[Neoraf]

and you'll be able to play Madden...
Where is the problem?

[JD_Shadow]

PLEASE don't tell me that you would actually LIKE such a deal!

[free2game365]

I guess this would mean no more Battlefield 3, Command and Conquer, The Old Republic, Mass Effect 2 on the PC, Sims, ect ect/

[Jamescagney]

Why would it affect the pc?

[free2game365]

Microsoft stopped publishing PC games after 2007.

[Jamescagney]

Ah, the ignorant opinion, I get ya. I would also like to live under a rock. So how many games has EA released on pc?

[Pandamobile]

Hundreds...

[IaMs12]

About time they are trying to get more studios lol, but this is too big, i mean they should have kept Bungie as a first party studio, and Ensemble and make more

[BYE]

Microsoft WISH they could afford EA.

[taylork37]

Bill Gates could buy EA with pocket change, so get real. MS can realistically purchase EA.

[ShabzS]

.
ms's market share = 232 billion dollars
.
they can buy ea 20 times over and still have a 100 billion left if they wanted to...

[N4G king]

MS can buy EA
the thing is
EA well cost at least 10$ to 15$ billions
and thats not a small number even for MS
MS is not stupid to spent that much money
Add to the paychecks of all those workers at EA
we all know EA is successful because its a multi plat company
so its well not be as successful as it is now
if MS acquired it

[zag]

Bill Gates doesn't work at MS anymore you'd be talking about balmer these days.

[jdktech2010]

I doubt it will happen but if it did and Microsoft wanted to kill of Sony, I present two words as evidence.....EA Sports

The combination of Madden and NCAA would give a massive spike in sales for 360 hardware and software

[PandemicPrawn0]

The article is pretty vague, I can't really form an opinion on this until we know whats happening with EA's big multiplatform titles.

I think rather than buying EA outright MS might be looking at acquiring a few of there development houses or IP's

Bioware and Pandemic would be my studios of choice.

[kingme71]

This would never happen. First it would never be approved by the FTC. Second, MS owning EA is a conflict of interest. If MS didn't publish for other consoles under the EA label, EA's value would significantly drop. If they did publish, then they are competing against themselves.

[PS360PCROCKS]

competing against themselves? Boy you're not too bright are you. If Microsoft OWNS EA and Sony puts the game on the PS3, guess who makes the money? Dun dun dun Microsoft. Why is this so hard to understand? Microsoft is looking to make the most money it can, this undoubtedly secures that notion. I doubt it happens though.

[darkvenom]

from what i've seen over the years of EA is they do the buying not the other way around,c'mon seriously do you really think a billion dollar company like EA will sell itself?, and give up making $$$ on all platforms to make $ exclusively on just one?i seriously don't think this will ever happen.

[POSTERBOY34]

how would i be able to play madden

[ktchong]

Microsoft will acquire a few studios from EA.

BOTH Microsoft and EA stocks jumped at the rumor, which means the takeover will benefit both companies, as far as the stock market/investors/shareholders are concerned.

And it is very possible. If Microsoft could afford to buy Yahoo, then Microsoft CAN afford to buy EA.

The biggest obstacle to this deal is Sony may file a complaint to FTC, and FTC may not allow it.

[II Necroplasm II]

If this is all true, I see the main reason why being that... MS wants some new studios that they really need.

[devilhunterx]

So Tattoo loving baldy was a Trojan Horse eh

[kewlkat007]

would have gone there for no reason lol

EA became successful buy Eating others for like 20 years.

Anyhow it wil be a tragedy either way. Sony can live off Japan but don't know about the west.

[PS360PCROCKS]

Bullsh*t I doubt this would ever happen. If it did your all fuc*in idiots if you think sony and nintendo wouldn't be supported. Microsoft would buy up everything, steal the best games as exclusives. Ala Mass Effect, Dead Space 2 things along that nature. Than Madden, Skate, GH/rockband whatever the hell they own and all the casual games stay Multi-platform, hell I bet even a lot of games would stay multi. Why? Because duh Sony has to pay Microsoft otherwise Sony has no popular casual games. They wont end all the franchises on other consoles, that cuts their profits. Microsoft would make a killing, EA still makes all it's profits and Microsoft has ridiculous amounts of games.

[jesterlives]

Whether it's Microsoft or one of the movie studios.

[ajay_solidsnake]

I've played a lot of EA games. Bringing out games like FIFA, MADDEN,NHL,etc. with minor updates every year only made me hate this company.Most of the console games of different genres made by EA are simply forgivable, rip-off of games made by other developers or they are downright worse.
This all factors made be believe that EA and MICROSOFT have a lot in common. News about MICROSOFT buying EA somehow makes me happy.
HAPPY because it will only make me hate this company more.
[just like i hate MICROSOFT (RAAAAAAAGGGGEE)

[Silber]

In the past there was ideas about EA making its own Console and what this woud be for the Gaming World. EA is definalty one of the most important Publishers. Maybe Microsoft and EA is planing the next Console Generation togehter.

And if EA woud really be bought by Microsoft i dont think, that they stop PS3 or any other Console Games. There will be more likely timed exklusives.

[NateDPG]

Poor MS, when they can't beat Sony on their own they have to resort to things like buying out one of the biggest publishers lol
Sadly this will most then likely ruin them with a lot of games not being profitable because of exclusivity :(

[EasilyTheBest]

If Sony was buying EA though it would obviously be a stroke of genius!!!
Go for it Microsoft, oh and buy Sega aswell...

[cyborg6971]

Like sony needs to put out garbage that ea has to offer try harder your a terrible troll.

[ReviewsArePolitics]

Another retard... *Sigh*

[n to the b]

yeah you're right it's not like EA have been investing in any cool new IPs (*ahem* Mirror's Edge, Dead Space).

[cyborg6971]

Wow two whole games that's all you could come up with from a company that big. Not good.

[u_tHouGht_wRoNg]

i dont really see this happening

[siyrobbo]

it would make more sense for MS to aquire SEGA, if they were going to. The sega name could help them alot in Japan, and sega own alot of IP's which could make good NATAL based games, as that motion controller would only really be suitable for arcade type games

[cyberwaffles]

if this happens i will be severely pissed. say what you want about EA (i hate them in a lot of ways too) but i will NOT accept games/franchises like burnout, bad company, dantes inferno, dead space, brutal legend, fight night, need for speed, mirror's edge, and some other good titles to be exlusive just for the sake of microsoft not being talented enough to make their own studios like sony and nintendo did.

i know this wouldn't happen because EA is primarily a multiplatform distributer/publishing/develop ing company; but if it did, i better still get those games i mentioned on other platforms.

[xaviertooth]

how stvpid this man of the year assuming microsoft would be willing to pay sony royalty fee for every multi-plat games EA will make.

*sigh

[Aggesan]

I think the chance of EA making their own console is bigger than MS buying them. I just can't see what's in it for EA.

[Pirateogta]

Madden
FIFA
Need for Speed
Battlefield
Team Fortress
Half-Life
Mass Effect
Star Wars
Sims
Rock Band
Fight Night
NHL
Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter
Crysis
Dead Space
Mirror's Edge
Command & Conquer

EXCLUSIVE IPs ON Xbox 720.

[PandemicPrawn0]

I think you could probably cross Madden, FIFA, NFS, Battlefield, Star wars, The Sims, Fight Night, NHL, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter off your list.

I would think MS would pick and choose witch IPs will become exclusives. It would probably look more like

Mirror's Edge
C&C
Mass effect
Destroy all Humans
Dead Space
SSX
Rock Band (maybe).

[ajay_solidsnake]

Hmmmmm games made by EA will suck more.......LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[NotSoSilentBob]

MS couldn't even get Yahoo in a money deal they had to join forces, I doubt MS will even have half the cash to afford buying EA.

[pumpkinpunker]

yahoo is much bigger than EA

[SSJSubgeta]

I don't know how many of you are in investments, but I have a couple shares both on EA and Microsoft. Both of them did great today for some reason. So I checked out the community stock traders forum i go to and the forums there are dipping some nice info on such deal. Even if its market hype to get the stocks up on an uptrend. Its well worth it in the long run till the end of the year. Thats if you are an investor.

But in the gaming industry it would be a VERY, VERY Bad move on both of those party's if indeed its true. This is something that doesn't benefit MS since it will buy EA out at a loss and continue to lose. As EA will loose market space for their prospective projects. EA will not only lose the option and opportunity to sell more to different platforms then just one.

[SSJSubgeta]

A fellow trader tipped me there's also other parties interested and looking to buy out EA. None other then Walt Disney and Time Warner

Don't believe me?
Here is the link he sent me.
http://www.reuters.com/arti...

[jerethdagryphon]

any hint of a merger buyout like that wold have other ocmpanys whos interst is vested in them not gaining controll buying into the company like crazy

[Ldubbz]

That deal would have some far-ranging implications, Im sure. Its not like games are developed overnight, so I doubt anything slated for release on any competing console would get squashed, but after a couple of years who knows?

The move wouldnt surprise me too much, MS is a SW company. By controlling EA, they could do a number of things. Obviously they would make money off of any EA game sold, even for the PS3 or Wii...but it could be a move in consolidating the industry, and it could fail horribly. Or succeed wildly, and MS would step away from direct manufacture and become a huge licensing and SW company, putting all of its games on Nintendo and Sony systems. Or vice versa...

A lot of possibilities in that one. Not sure how it would turn out, but buying up the biggest game publisher in the world have a definite impact.

[EVILDEAD360]

Classic RUMOR!

Would be the equivalent of Console Checkmate times 1 Billion!

[jerethdagryphon]

as far as i can gather thers 2 ways to take over a company

you ask nicly and the major sharholders sell up 50.1 percent of total

b you buy every share floating and then work on the mino holders

either way ea/ms would kill other game consoles

activision is big but big enough ea owns the video game spots industry, and thats what would be the problem

if it happened then yes ms would wield too much power and emerge as a potional super, company, only needing a good hardwae company into themix

ms/ea/samsung... would be evil

[dkgshiz]

Theres also a rumor EA is buying THQ which sounds much more legit. Plus this is coming from reuters.com.... yeah reuters.com. Never heard of it.

[calis]

reuters is a fairly big news company. Where you been?

[Decerto]

Haven't heard of Reuters?

Wow, retard much?

[dkgshiz]

This is from reuters.com. Never heard of it? Oh yeah me either!

[II Necroplasm II]

And from 100 other sources.

[darkmurder]

its a worldwide news site that does business news

[OGharryjoysticks]

EA wouldn't be able to keep the exclusive license on the NFL game if they were only on one platform. That would be so awesome because All-Pro Football 2K8 still plays better than Madden 10 and I would love to be able to finally get a 2K football game again. Also as a personal preference I really don't like EA games. Dead Space was good, but that's been about it. Bad Company is a dime a dozen. All the racing games they make are average at best. The big hope for them this holiday are Brutal Legend and Dragons Age Origins, but neither strike me as memorable. Honestly, 2K games is much better not only on sports games but adventure games as well. Granted since EA is the big 3rd party that advertises a ton this makes it big news, but outside of Madden and Rock Band what are EA's big games? This wouldn't affect me in the slightest if it happened.

[JD_Shadow]

I personally think it's kind of selfish of you to want this to happen just so the NFL license is free again. Sorry, but it is.

But the rest of your post is an opinion. You're fine with that, but look how bad this would be to a lot of gamers that like EA's games and look forward to some of the offerings that EA has brought lately.

This would be disastrous (but not something I think would ever happen). Actually, I think they have this somewhat confused with EA wanting to buy THQ (that would've brought stocks up, too).

[OGharryjoysticks]

All I'm saying is I think this could actually be a great thing for all gamers because EA monopolizes the mainstream market quite a bit basically because they have the money. There are an absolute ton of games that crush EA games but are thought to be niche because they don't have the financial backing EA does. Really I don't think they are the worst, but I wouldn't skip a beat if they went under or were bought out.

[kaveti6616]

I don't think this will happen, but if it did, then it would be an adrenaline shot to Microsoft. Every development studio owned by EA would be under the control of MS, including Visceral Studios and Bioware, and the guys who make Madden, and NBA Live. This would be huge news, as now Microsoft would have a lot of first party studios cranking out exclusive games. And these are games that usually go to Sony's console, so Sony would be forced to create more development studios to offset the loss of sports franchise games. They already make The Show series, but they would need to expand that. Microsoft probably doesn't have enough money to persuade the executives of EA to sell, and EA has more profitable future prospects if they stay third party. However, if MS personally offered the cash to the top people of the company, as it is wont to do, then it could happen.

[gumgum99]

sure would be a curve ball if it happened. Hard to say how this would be a game changer though.

[KawzNFX]

Ms is a software developer first and foremost. They sell software for all brands of pc including Sony. Not to mention cell phones. If they do buy EA, and they can afford to, they would greatly expand the software they have on offer... and their profit. They would still have PS3 versions of the games. They are in it for the money after all. Sony would just have to cut another check to MS. The PC check and the Gaming check. I dont believe it would be bad for Sony, just uncomfortable.

Expect to see more pc and windows mobile versions of games.

[dkgshiz]

http://n4g.com/industrynews...
Enough now

[BrianC6234]

Not this dumb rumor again. Microsoft isn't in any kind of shape to be buying a company as big as EA. They've had a lot of problems that cost a lot of cash the last few years.

[boss_killa]

NOT GONNA HAPPEN.

[JJFNIGHTS80]

Better for M$ to purchase EA rather than Take-Two.

[NewZealander]

this would be a dumb move, it would be the end of gameing if this happens. microsoft needs to make there own games rather than buying other companys.

[shad0w70]

This would be so unfair.

[kalikid714]

IT'S JUST RUMORS!!!! RUUUMMMOOORRRRRSS!!!!!

[Halo3 MLG Pro]

Yeah not going to happen. Really not a smart move since the Xbox 360 is already a successful machine and the gaming division has been highly profitable for some time now. Just kick back and rack up the profits. No need for a big acquisition like this. Unless those Microsoft suits really want to finish off the competition for good.

[boss_killa]

EA is a huge multiplat dev/publisher. they make money from all the systems and handhelds. they'd be stupid to stop supporting all the sytems. they might as well throw all their money away.

if MS does buy EA, im pretty sure EA will continue to support all the systems.

and yea.... not gonna happen....

[XDF]

Oh, that is why Microsoft let Bungie go, let EA took Bioware, shut down multiple studios...it is in their plan all along to save up to purchase EA.

Evil but it could happen. I hope not because it will be no Madden, Fifa and Rockband on other platform. Every gamer regardless of which console they own should be able to enjoy as many games as possible.

But if Microsoft did bought EA, they will be golden.

[JackBNimble]

If this ever happens the PS3 can/will say bye bye to EA sports.

[Ron_Burgundy]

this will kill the gaming industry, ea threatening not to publish games on the dreamcast is what killed it, could kill a lot because a lot of platforms rely on EA

[0din]

Piracy was a major factor, which killed the Dreamcast. Anyway EA suck in general, I don't care if Microsoft or Sony buy them, EA release sh!tty games anyway in my opinion, I do not own any EA games in my collection :)

TREY 4 LIFE.

[rubixCubos]

Well Sony...go for ACTIVISION then!!!!

Meet fire with fire lol

[badbond1]

this droid right here will never buy a crapbox! So continue your mass destruction on the gaming industry Microsoft, monopolizing everything in your way! You will never be able to buy Sony!

[orange-skittle]

Dont do it MS, Madden only sold 1.8M. It is no longer EA's cash cow. Thank You fans for showing EA that they cant rewrap the same gift every year and pawn it off as new.

[Decerto]

PS3 to pull a Dreamcast in 2010.

[Ahmay]

are as slim as Sony acquiring Japan's very own giant, Capcom.

[divideby0]

I hope not...but MS is just not getting it done with games.
I look at my 360 buy games and I am now buying everything for the PS3, especially since the Mulitplatform games are a wash now..(I did by FO for the 360, last game I bought for it)
Maybe PD this winter, but besides that AW is the only 360 game which intrests me.
Now look at the PS3 lineup....hence MS really needs to buy EA or something like that