How Many Companies Does EA Own?
Electronic Arts (EA), an American video game company, has a considerable portfolio of subsidiaries and acquired companies throughout its history. In this article, we will delve into the details of EA’s parent companies, subsidiaries, and acquired subsidiaries.
Direct Answer:
As of April 2021, Electronic Arts owns 42 companies, including game development studios, middleware companies, and other related businesses.
Now, let’s break down each of these companies in more detail.
EA’s Major Partnerships and Acquisitions
Despite being a large company, EA primarily focuses on developing and publishing games from its own studios. However, the company has made significant partnerships and acquisitions over the years to expand its reach and capabilities:
- Glu Games: In 2021, EA acquired Glu Mobile for an estimated $2.4 billion, the largest acquisition in the company’s history to date.
- Playdemic: EA acquired Playdemic, a mobile game developer behind the popular game Golf Clash.
- Metalhead Software: With the acquisition of Metalhead Software, an Indian game development studio, EA expanded its presence in the Indian gaming market.
This acquisition spree demonstrates EA’s long-term strategy to grow its portfolio with a focus on emerging markets like mobile gaming and esports.
Here is a list of EA’s past acquisitions:
| Year Acquired | Company | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Westwood Studios | Acquiring the rights to the Command and Conquer franchise |
| 1995 | Maxis | Acquires the rights to the SimCity game series |
| 2004 | Sport Chalet | Acquires two retail stores in California |
| 2021 | Glu Mobile | Acquisite for $2.4 billion |
| … | … | … |
EA’s Game Development Studios
EA not only acquires companies; it also has its own game development studios distributed across the globe. Some of these development studios include:
- DICE
- Motive Studio (formerly Visceral Studio)
- BioWare Entertainment
- Respawn Entertainment
- EA Vancouver
*… |… |…
These are just a few examples of the many world-class game development studios under the EA umbrella.
EA’s Key Partnerships
EA also partners with sports leagues, organizations, and other companies around the world to develop and launch games. Some notable partnerships and licenses include:
- NFL, NFLPA, and NCAA sports leagues: EA has deals with these organizations to create official license games, such as Madden NFL and UFC.
- FIFA: Since 1993, EA has held licenses to develop FIFA games, releasing new titles every year.
*… |… |…
These deals not only bring in vital revenue but also provide EA with access to powerful brands and intellectual properties.
Interesting Facts:
- EA’s NFL deal: The company has a nearly 30-year agreement with the NFL owners to create Madden NFL franchises.
- FIFA: EA won the FIFA license auction in the midst of a bidding war with other competitor companies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Electron Arts (EA) owns forty-two companies, including game development studios and multiple subsidiaries. The company has a long-term strategy to grow its portfolio through acquisitions of emerging companies and partnerships with sports league and organizations.