What Game Studios Did EA Shut Down?
Electronic Arts (EA) has a long history of acquiring and shutting down game development studios. Over the years, the company has bought and sold numerous studios, leading to the closure of several iconic game development teams. In this article, we’ll explore the game studios that EA has shut down, highlighting the reasons behind these closures and the impact on the gaming industry.
DICE Canada
One of the first studios to be shut down by EA was DICE Canada, a Canadian game development studio that was acquired by EA in 2007. The studio was responsible for developing the Battlefield series, including Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield: Bad Company. However, in 2009, EA announced that it would be closing DICE Canada, citing the need to "improve our cost structure, ensure quality and build schedule integrity for this studio."
Origin Systems
Origin Systems was another studio that was shut down by EA. The studio was founded in 1983 and was known for developing the Ultima series of role-playing games. In 1992, EA acquired Origin Systems, and the studio continued to develop games for the company. However, in 2004, EA announced that it would be closing Origin Systems, citing the need to "streamline" its operations.
Pandemic Studios
Pandemic Studios was a renowned game development studio that was acquired by EA in 2009. The studio was responsible for developing several successful games, including the Star Wars: Battlefront series and the Command & Conquer series. However, in 2010, EA announced that it would be closing Pandemic Studios, citing the need to "align our resources with our priorities."
Victory Games
Victory Games was a studio that was acquired by EA in 2011. The studio was responsible for developing the Command & Conquer series, including Command & Conquer: Generals 2. However, in 2013, EA announced that it would be closing Victory Games, citing the need to "focus on other priorities."
Black Box Games
Black Box Games was a studio that was acquired by EA in 2011. The studio was responsible for developing the Need for Speed series, including Need for Speed: Most Wanted. However, in 2012, EA announced that it would be closing Black Box Games, citing the need to "streamline" its operations.
Phenomic Game Development
Phenomic Game Development was a German game development studio that was acquired by EA in 2007. The studio was responsible for developing the BattleForge series, a real-time strategy game. However, in 2012, EA announced that it would be closing Phenomic Game Development, citing the need to "focus on other priorities."
Westwood Studios
Westwood Studios was a renowned game development studio that was acquired by EA in 1999. The studio was responsible for developing several successful games, including the Command & Conquer series and the Earth & Beyond series. However, in 2003, EA announced that it would be closing Westwood Studios, citing the need to "streamline" its operations.
NuFX
NuFX was a game development studio that was acquired by EA in 2004. The studio was responsible for developing the Dante’s Inferno series, a action-adventure game. However, in 2010, EA announced that it would be closing NuFX, citing the need to "focus on other priorities."
Table: EA Game Studios Shut Down
| Studio | Reason for Closure | Year Closed |
|---|---|---|
| DICE Canada | Cost structure, quality, and schedule integrity | 2009 |
| Origin Systems | Streamlining operations | 2004 |
| Pandemic Studios | Aligning resources with priorities | 2010 |
| Victory Games | Focusing on other priorities | 2013 |
| Black Box Games | Streamlining operations | 2012 |
| Phenomic Game Development | Focusing on other priorities | 2012 |
| Westwood Studios | Streamlining operations | 2003 |
| NuFX | Focusing on other priorities | 2010 |
Conclusion
EA has a long history of acquiring and shutting down game development studios. While the reasons for these closures vary, they often involve the need to "streamline" operations, "align resources with priorities," or "focus on other priorities." The impact of these closures on the gaming industry is significant, as they often result in the loss of talented game developers and the cancellation of beloved game franchises.