Executives at Disney are reportedly pushing the CEO to consider transforming the company to a gaming giant via an EA acquisition.
Bloomberg reports that Disney CEO Robert Iger’s deputies are now pushing him to consider a bolder transformation of the company from gaming licensee to gaming giant through a possible acquisition of EA. However, Igor hasn’t shown commitment towards the idea.
Things haven’t been going in Disney’s favor, as the company has been struggling financially over the last 3 years. As such, the circumstances for the company aren’t quite in favor of a step as bold as a game publisher acquisition. EA has indeed developed games based on Disney owned licenses, and the publisher would be a good fit for the company, should it seriously consider getting into the business of making games alongside its other ventures. It’s hard to say whether Iger will eventually decide to steer the company in this direction, but the push for it is already there among top company executives.
For the uninitiated, Electronic Arts Inc is an American video game company headquartered in Redwood City, California. It was founded in May 1982 by Apple employee Trip Hawkins. Initially, EA focused on early home computer games and referred to the designers and programmers behind its games as “software artists.” The company primarily published games and productivity software for personal computers, all of which were created by external individuals or groups until the release of Skate or Die! in 1987. EA then transitioned towards internal game studios, often through acquisitions, like Distinctive Software becoming EA Canada in 1991.
Currently, EA is involved in the development and publication of games from well-known franchises, including Battlefield, Need for Speed, The Sims, Medal of Honor, Command & Conquer, Dead Space, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Army of Two, Apex Legends, and Star Wars. Additionally, EA Sports titles like FIFA, Madden NFL, NBA Live, NHL, PGA, and UFC are part of the publisher’s portfolio.
