EA buys PopCap in a deal that could be worth $1.35 billion
That Peggle reward animation just ain't big enough
It's been rumoured for awhile but finally EA has announced it's buying PopCap in a deal that, over two years, could be worth up to $1.35 billion.
You can read all about the numbers over on PocketGamer.biz.
In terms of what this means for PopCap, a casual games publisher that generates a third of its sales from mobile, is currently uncertain.
However, from an EA point of view, it's the largest acquisition in a long series including UK iOS publisher Chillingo (upto $29 million), ace Australian developer Firemint (undisclosed, probably around $30 million) and solid Australia studio IronMonkey (undisclosed, maybe $10 million).
In its press release however, EA has stressed Plants vs. Zombies, Bejeweled and Zuma will be headed to new platforms and markets - we'd assume additional mobile and console platforms - plus a faster refresh rate on sequels.
EA also highlights PopCap's "proven ability to create new hits", so we'd hope to see more new games soon too.
Kind words"We picked EA because they have recast their culture around making great digital games," said David Roberts, PopCap's CEO.
"By working with EA, we'll scale our games and services to deliver more social, mobile, casual fun to an even bigger, global audience."
EA's CEO John Riccitiello said: "EA and PopCap are a compelling combination. PopCap's great studio talent and powerful IP add to EA's momentum and accelerate our drive towards a $1 billion digital business. EA's global studio and publishing network will help PopCap rapidly expand their business to more digital devices, more countries, and more channels."
For the record, PopCap has had more than 150 million games installed on platforms including Facebook, RenRen, Google, iOS and Android.
[source: EA]
