If there is a XBOX 2, then M$ will buy EA

[Anthony1]

With the latest news regarding EA's purchase of exclusivity of the NFL for use on Video Games for the next 5 years, I think that Microsoft will decide to now acquire EA.


As huge as EA might be, Microsoft has enough power to offer their shareholders a deal that can't be denied. EA's stock will shoot up even higher, M$ stock will dip, but if Microsoft is truly interested in being No. 1 in the Video Game world, then they have no other choice than to purchase EA.

The fact that Madden would be exclusive to XBOX consoles would be a huge factor. The fact that Madden will be the only game with the NFL license, makes it even a bigger factor.

For 5 years, Microsoft would be assured of having the best selling sports game of all time driving the sales of the XBOX 2.

The only thing left would be to buy the exclusive rights to the GTA series.

[TheRedEye]

I'd imagine there's some cross-platform stipulation in the agreement NFL signed, but what do I know.

[sabre2922]

ummm wont happen EA makes to much money with the Cross-platform strategy that they have had since the original madden came out on the genesis

[klausien]

Not only that, EA has become too large for that kind of corporate takeover at this point.

[LiquidX01]

Im not seeing that happening....

[Oobgarm]

ummm wont happen EA makes to much money with the Cross-platform strategy that they have had since the original madden came out on the genesis

A WINNAH IS YOU

A company as big as EA wouldn't cut off their market like that. They make so much money on cross-platforming titles, why would they want to jeopardize that? They could care less that 'Xbox 2' or whatever was the most powerful system or if it was the only new system to run in freaking RGB. EA wants to maximize their $$ and will also put their stuff with Sony since the name is quite recognizable.

[Sylentwulf]

EA had something disgusting like 40% of videogame sales in the past 2 years.

No way microsoft has enough to take them. They'd have a better chance buying out nintendo or sony. (aka, none)

[Captain Wrong]

I know it's popular to assume Microsoft is the evil empire that can do whatever they want, but there are some things MS can't do, even if they wanted to. Taking over EA is one of those things. Yeah, MS has money, but they can't just will a company that probably has more power in the industry than they do to roll over and be taken over.

Besides, would this be such a bad thing? I mean most fanboys here seem to rank Microsoft and EA about the same, so wouldn't it be beneficial to have EA's games appear only on the hated Xbox and not sully up the purity of that other console?

</sarcasm>

[SamuraiSmurfette]

For the first time EVER.
EA's gross sales exceeded Sony's
At least at EB Games in Canada.

[Ernster]

Well if it did ever happen that would suck big time. I dont think I could live without having another FIFA game on a Nintendo console. I know everyone reckons EA games suck, but there sports games dont suck. I get sick of this little "lets hate EA sports games" Cult. An example is the Pro Evolution VS FIFA Series. Both series are great, but the PE fans always say that the FIFA Games sucks, they they dont! 2004's passing system might of sucked, but I can tell you know FIFA 2005 can mix it with the best of the current Soccer games.

[Nature Boy]

With the latest news regarding EA's purchase of exclusivity of the NFL for use on Video Games for the next 5 years, I think that Microsoft will decide to now acquire EA.

You do realize that a statement like this means *nothing* once you start using a $ in Microsoft's name...

EA is here to stay, Xbox is here to stay, get over it.

[LiquidX01]

Nevermind this post, I have moved my comments into another thread. :)

[Anthony1]

For those that think it would be impossible for Microsoft to acquire E.A.


Market Cap


Microsoft = 295.52 Billion

E.A. = 18.12 Billion

Sony = 35.04 Billion


As you can see, Microsoft has more than enough money to buy out EA if they wanted to. The only problem is that they would have to significantly overpay to get them. EA shares are trading in the $50 -$60 range per share. Microsoft would have to offer about $100 per share to have the shareholders agree to the takeover.

In other words, they would have to pay almost twice the market value for E.A.

Now the question would be, would it be worth it, if they could absolutely guarantee that they would be the dominant platform in the next round?

Maybe, maybe not.


If M$ did this, then they would have to go the route of making all E.A. games be exclusive to the XBOX 2, when it comes to home console games. No E.A. games on the PS3 or the Nintendo Revolution. Now, they wouldn't do the exclusivity thing for more than two years or so. Just long enough to ensure that the XBOX 2 will absolutely dominate the home gaming market.

E.A. would still put out games on the GBA and even the Sony PSP, as well as PC games, but when it came to console games, they would have to have exclusivity.


To be honest, even though a move like this would virtually guarantee them the No. 1 spot in the next war, I don't think it would be a good idea. It would simply be too expensive of a acquisition for the benefit that they would get out of it.

[Captain Wrong]

You can't buy what isn't for sale.

You seem to be missing that point. It's not a matter of Microsoft having or not having enough money. No one doubts they have the cash. EA isn't for sale and there wouldn't be any advantage for them to selling to MS.

As I said before, just because Microsoft has a ton of money doesn't mean they can just will anything they want to happen (assuming they'd even want to own EA.)

[Anthony1]

If Microsoft were to annouce that they were interested in acquring E.A., the shareholders would likely be very against the move, but they would still be interested in knowing how much Microsoft is interested in paying per share. If Microsoft is willing to pay $100 or more per share, then the shareholders would be absolute fools to not allow them to buy the company.

[tholly]

Im not seeing that happening....


yea....exactly my thouhts....pretty much ends the argument right there

[bargora]

Microsoft ("M$") has today announced it's purchase of one "Captain Wrong". While Mr. Wrong had previously asserted that he was "not for sale", we were unable to obtain his comment on the matter, as he was busy sliding down a pile of money in his new money bin when not already engaged in bathing in a Jacuzzi full of money.

Anonymous sources, however, have Mr. Wrong as saying, "Woo Hoo! Money!!"

[Cauterize]

and the death star looks at conquering another planet!

[whoisKeel]

they bought oddworld...that didn't do squat.
they bought rare...that didn't do squat.

I don't see EA giving in that easily to microsoft, lets not forget they make Sims/Sim City series. I imagine the sims sells quite well on all consoles. Plus they make a fair amount of other games...like burnout3. EA's been a train for years, and I don't see it ending (and i'd rather not, i haven't seen anything but quality come from them for years, even if its a genre i don't care for)

[Porkchop]

Interesting thought. :hmm:

In the begining there was Atari, and Atari makes all the games.

In the end there is Microsoft, and Microsoft makes all the games.

It is as it was in the begining. We have come full circle. LOL

I hope Bill doesn't read this forum. You don't want to give him any ideas. :D


On a serious note I don't think buying EA is Microsoft's style. They seem to buy smaller companies that have new technology or ideas and try to make big buck from the ideas.

[grayrobertos]

I allways though EA only makes certain games and only holds the properties of some games. While the rest are made by othere companies and only published by EA. Does anybody know what games EA actually does own?

[ManciGames]

You can't buy what isn't for sale.


Ha! Tell that to Peoplesoft. (Google it if you aren't familiar)

[theoakwoody]

Well,

It may not be comparing apples to apples but remember when Microsoft tried to buy out Google? I know that was before their ISO but I think it shows that not everyone will jump at huge sums of money.

[Captain Wrong]

Microsoft ("M$") has today announced it's purchase of one "Captain Wrong". While Mr. Wrong had previously asserted that he was "not for sale", we were unable to obtain his comment on the matter, as he was busy sliding down a pile of money in his new money bin when not already engaged in bathing in a Jacuzzi full of money.

Anonymous sources, however, have Mr. Wrong as saying, "Woo Hoo! Money!!"

:P