GamePolitics has just received a press release from Take Two Interactive in response to Electronic Arts' hostile takeover bid.
In the release, the Take Two board confirms EA's offer and pronounces it "inadequate in multiple respects and not in the best interests of Take-Two's stockholders." From the release:
"After careful evaluation, the Board has determined that EA's proposal substantially undervalues Take-Two's robust and enviable stable of game franchises, exceptional creative talent and strong consumer loyalty.
We believe EA's unsolicited offer is highly opportunistic and is attempting to take advantage of our upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto IV, one of the most valuable and durable franchises in the industry."
New report from Skillsearch found that 22% of those surveyed had been laid off within the past 12 months.
It's a step forward for Stop Killing Games.
The Callisto Protocol director thinks the solution involves the right people, the right timing, and perhaps a little bit of AI
I don't agree with that. I WISH I could agree with that. But buying habits and customer opinions prove otherwise
We've seen developers in the AAA space try new things and ideas. More often than not, the customers aren't willing to give things a chance, or not enough people buy into the project for it to grow.
Creativity works better in the indie space because the budgets, pressures, and expectations aren't the same.
it's a nice idea and it worked during the PS2/PS3-era when AAA didn't cost hundreds of millions of dollars. smaller budgets and shorter development time left room for more creativity and more risk. a game didn't need to sell 4 million+ copies to break even. things are different now.
This is the guy who bragged about crunching his staff and having them work through the night. Crunch culture has lost more talent and done more damage to the industry than any other factor. Screw him.
So the press release can be summed up as
"No, give me more money"
Shark
Last thing we need is a reliable developer getting caught under the lazy wings of EA. Fight the power!
EA will end up being the doom of the game industry. We all know how the quality of their games has been lacking in recent years. Yes they have skate and burnout paradise which are two good games. But two good games can't outweigh like 10 below quality games.
I know EA isn't known for making many exclusive games to one console. But that could all change if they keep buying up companies. I think EA has an agenda to completely control the game industry. It would give them MEGA leverage on sony, ms, and nintendo. Those three companies would continuously have to fight and beg for EA to put certain games on their system exclusively. And you know EA will maximize profit on any of the three game console companies.
The worst part about it is the Take Two president is totally right in that it wouldn't be in Take Two's benefit to be purchased by EA.
In the past, with companies that EA has purchased, EA just took the rights to their games and then disbanded the companies they purchased. Then the games they make with their new rights fall under the low quality level that EA is accustomed to giving us gamers nowadays.
MS and Sony better do something about this. For this can be potentially problematic for both of them in the near future IF EA finds a way to acquire Take Two.
Thats all EA is trying to do is take advantege of GTA4 and its a good thing take two recognize that.They cant let EA continue to try and monopolize the gaming industry.