Posted Feb 25, 2008 at 03:26AM by Ryan A. Listed in: Nintendo DS, Wii, PlayStation 3, PSP, Xbox 360, MMORPG, Games for Windows Tags: Electronic Arts, Take-Two Interactive, John Riccitiello
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EA CEO John Riccitiello: We want Take Two's studios, IPs - Image 1The current relationship between Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive is a tumultuous one to say the least. As you all know, EA has offered to purchase the publisher but it ultimately turned down any kind of offer.

In light of these developments, Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello recently granted an interview to state the reasons why their company wants Take-Two. According to the official, the publisher's studios attract them the most:


I will tell you that our attraction to the asset of Take-Two is because we love their studios- Rockstar, Visual Concepts, Irrational [2K Boston and 2K Australia], Firaxis - and we like their intellectual properties.


Riccitiello also said that the buyout is a win situation for Take-Two since the publisher is currently facing a series of operational and scale issues, legal issues, and not to mention financial issues as well.

Given the nature of video games generally developed and produced by Electronic Arts, some may argue that M-rated IPs such as Manhunt and Grand Theft Auto have no place in their studios. John Riccitiello countered this by saying:


Frankly, my view is that I'm a real believer in the Entertainment Software Association and their analogous organizations around the world, and I don't have an issue with M-rated content. Neither me nor the company nor the board.


Aside from the above mentioned, John Riccitiello also shared some of EA's experience when it comes to M titles especially during early and mid 90's. If you want to see the whole interview, just refer to the source link below.


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11 Comments


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   by mikekearn - 2008-02-25
 » Screw that

EA kills games. The only reason they're so damn big is because they can make a million lame games and hope that some are actually worth a crap. I would hate to see T2 in their hands.

   by DNAgent - 2008-02-25
 » So?

R* is horrible now. They should just let EA buy them out. I mean R* already sucks as it is with another rehash of grand theft auto coming out this year. The last good grand theft auto game was the 3rd one. I hope EA does buy them out because then they will probably do a better job instead of half assing there games all the time.


   Re: Stealth! - 2008-02-26
 » The there's nothing to complain about.

GTA4 is a numbered sequel, if GTA3 was huge for the PS2, Then GTA4 will be just as big for the PS3.

So i don't see your point. Go back playing your lame ass Saints Row.
   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2008-02-25
 » Noooooooooooooooooooooo! Not EA!

When I think of Take Two and Rockstar I think of quality. I used to think of EA in the same way years ago but in recent years that has changed. One thing Rockstar does is take it's time to make each game in the series of GTA. l think if EA were to acquire them the GTA series would start becoming rushed cookie cutter pieces of junk. EA is so rich. Why don't they make them a new studio that they like and come up with an original likable ip that people can't get enough of and take their time making it perfect? Quality. Thats what it's all about.


   Re: hush404 - 2008-02-25
 » EXACTLY!

Lets also not forget that if EA bought T2... bye bye 2k games eh? In that one quick move they eleminate their entire competition on sports games, they can release a ton of crap and not care cuz they'er the only ones making it!
   by Hekynn - 2008-02-25
 » ack

come on Ea let the little company grow first so that you wont screw up their Employee's!

   by a500n54 - 2008-02-25
 » ah

EA has no guts.
I bet one lawsuit from Jack Thompson EA would abandon the
GTA and the manhunt series. The thing I love about Take2 is they only care about what GAMERS think. If some special interest parents group starts protesting their content they keep on doing what they were doing. The game still get released & if there is something blocking them from doing so they fight to the end. EA would just be bullied into submitting. Just to make a few NONGAMERS happy

   by scarface_tha_second - 2008-02-25
 » its inevitable but

I really don't want to see EA destroy GTA.

   by Advertising -
   by The Obsidian - 2008-02-25
 » EA

EA sucks......they dont deserve take two

   by Binary - 2008-02-25
 » ...

When you beat 10 levels...you unlock guns on EA GTA.

   by Someone_PR - 2008-02-25
 » EA is the worst company ever...

just care about money... not the buyers... just look at this link
http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/02/22/sony-reveals-home-trophies-and-electronic-arts-wonders-why-they-should-care/

They just wonder why they need to make the trophies in home if they will not make money from it...



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