While they're probably still quite strong, and strategically sound in many ways, EA seem to be suffering a lot more than they used to, and compared to some of their most prominent rivals, the likes of Activision.
They have made strong efforts in the digital marketplace, they still have some of the biggest brands in gaming, a solid presence in mobile gaming -- and yet, they fell short of expectations for FY13, they laid off 10% of their workforce, they have completely scrapped numerous projects in well liked brands, and they feel unable to justify supporting unproven consoles like Wii U and Vita. They have taken the bold step of licensing Star Wars from Disney -- something I'm sure they are hoping will save them from further decline. Their reactive impulse from pressure seems to be to 'bet big' on Rango and PS4, but a similar commitment last generation apparently didn't do them much good, and their recent results tell another tale: while brands like FIFA remain evergreen, tried and true isn't working as well for them as it once did. Origin has potential and they are the number one IOS publisher by a long shot... but they are definitely in a transition of sorts...
is the industry as a whole?
I feel as though this strengthening frontier of digital marketplaces and direct consumer communication represent the first time EA has been at loggerheads with any of the manufacturers, you can clearly tell that EA see value in being a major service provider through something like Origin. I'm sure that publishers like Ubisoft want to make more of things like uPlay too. Do EA perhaps also see themselves as a potential beneficiary from the death of standard first party manufacturers? Their comments about "non-viable" platforms and general positioning against the current Nintendo products suggest either extreme conservatism & caution, or.. extreme aggression. The kind of aggression a rat exhibits when cornered. It also reminds me of what's going on elsewhere in the industry - in the PC space for example: earlier in the year we saw Valve clearly demonstrating that they see Windows 8 and Windows Store as a threat to their business; publicly dissing it, talking up Linux etc.
People talk of mobile gaming and the change it has affected on gaming, they talk about the potential for gaming market crashes and natural contraction, where do you stand? Is this just all a delayed reaction to the big crunch recession and the higher expenses of HD AAA gaming, or is there perhaps a troubling force at work here that some of the giants of the old guard are failing to tackle and acknowledge?
Which was better, Battlestar Galactica or Lost? And how many hours a day do you watch pornography?
Over to you, Bore
