Update: It appears that this rumor has been debunked as per CNBC sources
In a report published by USA Today, Amazon plans to buy Electronics Arts (EA) and has formally offered to buy the video game publisher. The offer will be announced today according to them.
There have been a lot of rumors recently about a potential buyout of EA. Allegedly, EA is said to have been in talks with companies like Disney, Apple, Amazon, and Comcast-NBCUniversal. Now, it seems like Amazon has finally made an offer to them. If this deal proceeds, Amazon would have a significant stake in the current video game industry.
Amazon and EA: A Good Merger?
Amazon buying EA seems like an unusual pairing, but it might be suitable for both companies. The global giant would have a grand entry into the gaming industry with this acquisition. In addition to that, they have made a name for themselves by publishing hugely popular MMOs like New World and Lost Ark. Moreover, with EA’s acquisition, franchises like FIFA, Need for Speed, Battlefield, and Apex Legends at its helm, they’ll have a vast catalog of blockbuster games.
Though at first, we’ll have to wait and see whether the deal moves forward or not. The shareholders of EA will have to approve the acquisition first. This year has been a year of major acquisitions within the gaming industry.
The Year of Aquisitions
In January, Microsoft announced its acquisition of Activision-Blizzard for $68.7 Billion. Then, a few days later, Sony also announced its acquisition of Bungie. Embracer Group also went on a buying spree with their acquisition of several companies, including some assets of Square Enix, like Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal. If Amazon’s acquisition of EA happens, it will indeed be a huge deal in the gaming industry as well.
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