Electronic Arts’ acquisition of Bejeweled creator PopCap is speculated to provide the company with a significant boost in capital, and while it will increase their presence in the gaming market, the take-over is rumoured to push the company into the $1-billion annual figures.
“Bringing PopCap to the EA family represents a leap forward in our digital transformation,” EA CEO John Riccitiello told Gamasutra.
Riccitiello also said there is no doubt that PopCap will add to their social and mobile presence. “(The acquisition) will add to EA’s already strong growth in digital, help to expand our leadership to mobile, and establish EA as the clear number two on Facebook.”
As to the benefits for PopCap, he added that they will continue to grow their on their own pace. “PopCap could continue to grow to its business, add to its business, and we’ve essentially created an environment where they get a lot more bang for their buck”.
According to Gamasutra, “when rumors of the acquisition first materialized late last month, some analysts were skeptical, as EA recently implied it was veering away from any large mergers or acquisitions following its $400 million Playfish deal.”
Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor