The Slowdown: The Borg – EA and the Closure of Pandemic Studios

The Slowdown have posted a wistful, historical take on the cyclical, corporate bipolarity of Electronic Arts and the now-confirmed closure of Pandemic Studios.

The story takes a look at EA’s previous close-downs, including those of Bullfrog, Westwood Studios and Origin Systems, Inc., also taking a look at the changes in Electronic Arts’ approach to the marketplace, fluctuating in-between concentrating primarily on developing original titles to only focusing on the most profitable, previously established franchises.

Finally, the text contains several quotes, including a devastating 2008 quote from Pandemic Studios President Josh Resnick as well as one from ex-EA developer Kai Steinmann, who relates the above behaviour to the illusion of fiscal responsibility.