EA wants Take-Two

Have you seen this?

“Electronic Arts, the video gaming giant, made an unsolicited $2 billion bid on Sunday for rival Take-Two Interactive, publisher of the Grand Theft Auto franchise, a deal that would further a wave of consolidation in the rapidly growing industry… The timing of the bid appears to be an attempt to acquire Take-Two before it releases what is widely expected to be the top-selling game of 2008, the fourth installment of the crime thriller Grand Theft Auto.” 

I can’t help but think “that’s business, yo”.  Lately the industry has had a very familiar airlines vibe.  The larger corporations acquire the smaller ones and then push the entire market into a monopolistic showdown.  I really wouldn’t be surprised if 10 years from now the government has to intervene in order to prevent a market crash.

I would assume that EA is making this move to reclaim footing.   Criticism from investors and more so from the gaming community really does point towards a loss of creativity and innovation – but really that’s not just EA.  It seems every month a new press release announces the industry’s further plunge into redundancy.  Guitar Hero 9, Call of Duty 11, Madden 3015, Tony Hawk: No Really, We’re Pros – just wait, it’ll happen.

EA owns Mythic.  What’s good for EA is good for Mythic.  I was reading earlier today that some people, after reading this news, are afraid for Warhammer Online.  Reality is, EA needs a mmorpg right now.  They want and probably feel a need to out do Activision Blizzard.  I’m inclined to believe that EA will take very good care of Mythic in order to achieve this lofty, if not impossible, goal.