Disney exec refuses to be drawn into EA acquisition rumours
With rumours that Disney could expand its gaming output by acquiring Electronic Arts, one exec refuses to be drawn into the discussion - possibly throwing fuel on the fire.
12th Dec 2023 11:50
Disney | EA
Disney exec refuses to be drawn into EA acquisition rumours
With rumours that Disney could expand its gaming output by acquiring Electronic Arts, one exec refuses to be drawn into the discussion - possibly throwing fuel on the fire.
12th Dec 2023 11:50
Disney | EA
2023 was the year of the gaming acquisition, with SEGA nabbing Angry Birds' Rovio, Savvy Games Group absorbing Scopely, and the ink finally dry on Microsoft's Activision Blizzard King merger. The Mergers & Acquisition market is one that's inflating at an exponential rate, but the question is, when will the balloon burst?
With the Federal Trade Commission's fears about a gaming monopoly pumping the brakes on the ABK deal, it once looked like Microsoft's record-breaking deal wasn't going to make it over the line. Still, the Green Team is $68.7 billion lighter but now owns the likes of World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Call of Duty. So, who's next?
Disney exec won't talk about EA acquisition
While Disney was once known for releasing games under its own steam, it's since licenced out its biggest IPs to others. With a stacked slate of shows and movies, it makes sense to let others have a crack at the worlds of Star Wars, Marvel, and more. However, could the House of Mouse be about to bring it all home?
There were recent rumours that Disney was looking to acquire Electronic Arts, which would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the industry. Speaking to Axios, Disney Head of Gaming Sean Shoptaw suggested Mickey Mouse is fine where he is but refused to comment on the whispers.
Highlighting the success of Disney's external development approach with the likes of EA's Star Wars Jedi games, Shoptaw added, "It's not just this easy assumption to say, 'Well, Disney could do that in-house'." Trying to shift the conversation, Shoptaw concluded, "We're very happy with where we are now strategically in the work that we're doing."
As he dodged the question on a potential EA acquisition, it has set tongues wagging that there may have been more truth to the rumours that execs were pushing Disney CEO Bob Iger toward EA. Remember, EA has upcoming Marvel games based on Black Panther and Captain America, with a multi-game deal locking them together.
Disney and gaming's troubled past
As noted in the Axios piece, Disney hasn't had an easy run with its IPs. External development has seen a slew of lauded Star Wars games, while Insomniac has had great success with its two Spider-Man outings - with equally high hopes for the upcoming Wolverine game.
Sadly, things have been less fruitful with Crystal Dynamics' maligned Marvel's Avengers. There was also the critically beloved Guardians of the Galaxy title that failed to be the financial goldmine Square Enix hoped it could be. At the end of the day, there are others doing it just as well as Disney could, so why would it need to bring studios in-house?
Buying EA might be good for Marvel and Star Wars games, but you also have to think about other beloved series like Apex Legends and The Sims. Having Mickey Mouse-themed Legend skins or a Disneyland expansion for The Sims would quickly lose their appeal, and then, you've got your favourite games swallowed by a megacorp.
The writing is on the wall on whether Disney is in the market to snatch EA, but with Microsoft and Sony continuing to put hotels on their gaming Monopoly board, Iger and co. had better be quick if they're going to make the move.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
