Just over a year ago now, it was reported that Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment parent company Warner Media & AT&T planned to sell off its game studios. Even more, one report surfaced disclosing interest from Microsoft regarding potential candidates for acquisition from the Xbox company at the time alongside Electronic Arts piquing interest on the venture as well.
However, AT&T later retraced its steps on the decision in a later report from The Sixth Axis. “Warner Bros. Interactive remains part of the Studios and Networks group, along with our Global Brands and Franchises team including DC led by Pam Lifford, and our Kids, Young Adults and Classics business led by Tom Ascheim, all focused on engaging fans with our brands and franchises through games and other interactive experiences” the statement from AT&T at the time reads.
In recent weeks, it appears that some unraveling of the decision was made as new claims echo of last year. Now according to a press release from Electronic Arts, the firm has acquired Playdemic for $1.4 billion.
Playdemic is a team of true innovators, and we’re thrilled to have them join the Electronic Arts family. In addition to the ongoing success of Golf Clash, the talent, technology and expertise of Playdemic will be a powerful combination with our teams and IP at Electronic Arts. This is the next step building on our strategy to expand our sports portfolio and accelerate our growth in mobile to reach more players around the world with more great games and content.
Andrew Wilson, Electronic Arts CEO
“We founded Playdemic with a focus on creating highly engaging and innovative game experiences. Our success with Golf Clash has proven our approach and demonstrated the ability of our incredibly talented teams to develop and operate best in class mobile games,” Playdemic CEO Paul Gouge shares. Joining EA, one of the most successful games companies in the world, is an important next step in our journey and we are excited to continue to develop both Golf Clash and new titles as part of the EA family.”
Originally, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment subsidiary Traveller’s Tales purchased Playdemic for roughly $50 million in 2017. Warner Bros. Games President David Haddad says, “We have enjoyed working with the talented team at Playdemic as they have grown Golf Clash beyond all expectations into a hit mobile game with tremendous longevity. While we have great respect for the Playdemic team, our decision to divest is a part of our overall strategy to build games based on Warner Bros. storied franchises.”
Are you surprised by the purchase made by Electronic Arts?
Source: Electronic Arts
