EA abandons its Take-Two takeover bid

Bit of general gaming news, this. More than seven months after it first expressed an interest in buying Take-Two, uber-publisher Electronics Arts has announced it's no longer interested in acquiring the Grand Theft Auto and BioShock publisher.

In a statement, EA said it still has "a high regard" for Take-Two's creative teams and products. However, "after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials" it had decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with the publisher.

Whether such a takeover would have made much of a difference to gamers remains to be seen. But some speculated such a move would further hinder innovation and creativity in the industry – an old and not entirely fair accusation – as well as completely eradicate Take-Two series (such as Midnight Club) that were too similar to ones in EA's own portfolio (Need for Speed).

Thinking a little more deeply, others wondered if EA's multi-format release strategy would lead to Take-Two owned games becoming available on a wider range of formats (including the handhelds).

Anyway, such talk is meaningless now it's not going to happen. Whether another publisher will swoop in and fancy a Take-Two-flavoured nibble remains to be seen.