Does EA Still Own Tetris?
The iconic puzzle game Tetris has been a beloved classic for decades, with its addictive gameplay and simple yet challenging mechanics. But have you ever wondered who owns the rights to this beloved game? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Tetris and explore whether EA still owns the game.
A Brief History of Tetris
Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnov, a Soviet computer programmer, in 1984. The game was initially released as a free game and quickly gained popularity worldwide. In 1986, Robert Stein, an American computer programmer, acquired the rights to distribute Tetris outside of the Soviet Union. Stein’s company, Andromeda, licensed the game to various developers, including Atari and Nintendo.
EA’s Involvement with Tetris
In the 1990s, Electronic Arts (EA) acquired the rights to develop and publish Tetris games for various platforms. EA released several successful Tetris games, including Tetris: The Grand Master and Tetris: Worlds. However, EA’s license to develop Tetris games expired in 2001.
The Tetris Company
In 2001, the Tetris Company, a subsidiary of Henk Rogers’ Blue Planet Software, acquired the rights to the Tetris brand and intellectual property. The Tetris Company is responsible for licensing the game to various developers and publishers, ensuring that the game remains true to its original spirit.
EA’s Current Relationship with Tetris
So, does EA still own Tetris? The answer is no. EA’s license to develop and publish Tetris games expired in 2001, and the company has not been involved in the development or publication of Tetris games since then. The Tetris Company, which is responsible for managing the Tetris brand and intellectual property, has licensed the game to various developers and publishers, including N3TWORK, which released a new mobile version of the game in 2020.
Key Points:
- Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 and was initially released as a free game.
- Robert Stein acquired the rights to distribute Tetris outside of the Soviet Union in 1986.
- EA acquired the rights to develop and publish Tetris games in the 1990s, but the license expired in 2001.
- The Tetris Company, a subsidiary of Henk Rogers’ Blue Planet Software, acquired the rights to the Tetris brand and intellectual property in 2001.
- EA does not own Tetris and has not been involved in the development or publication of Tetris games since 2001.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EA no longer owns Tetris. The Tetris Company, which is responsible for managing the Tetris brand and intellectual property, has licensed the game to various developers and publishers, ensuring that the game remains true to its original spirit. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan of the classic game or a new player looking to experience the addictive gameplay, there are plenty of ways to play Tetris today.