Games Industry Merger Guess-a-Thon Continues Apace!
Ubisoft looking to Eidos for rescue? Distribution deal may be the key.
Far Cry
The latest, and perhaps most credible twist in the Ubisoft/Electronic Arts/Eidos saga (which began as two entirely separate sagas that somehow collided) puts Ubi close to Eidos in an attempt to fend off ‘hostile’ approaches from EA.
Speculation abounds that Ubisoft is looking to move close to Eidos, fuelled in no small part by Ubi CEO Yves Guillemot. "We are still interested in this company [Eidos],” he said. "Short-term, we are more focused on analysing how to organise in the face of recent events rather than on buying Eidos. That said, this is a defence option we have not yet ruled out. We are discussing with many partners to find the best possible solution for the company."
It is thought that the key to Eidos coming to a decision lies with finding a distribution partner capable of empowering its European reach. The two firms already work together closely in various parts of Europe in this field.
There is also the simple fact that Ubi’s own release schedule is somewhat bare right now, with only one title - the console versions of the excellent Far Cry - gracing the slate after the firm’s financial year ends.
We’ll bring you updated coverage as this story unfolds.
Speculation abounds that Ubisoft is looking to move close to Eidos, fuelled in no small part by Ubi CEO Yves Guillemot. "We are still interested in this company [Eidos],” he said. "Short-term, we are more focused on analysing how to organise in the face of recent events rather than on buying Eidos. That said, this is a defence option we have not yet ruled out. We are discussing with many partners to find the best possible solution for the company."
It is thought that the key to Eidos coming to a decision lies with finding a distribution partner capable of empowering its European reach. The two firms already work together closely in various parts of Europe in this field.
There is also the simple fact that Ubi’s own release schedule is somewhat bare right now, with only one title - the console versions of the excellent Far Cry - gracing the slate after the firm’s financial year ends.
We’ll bring you updated coverage as this story unfolds.
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Comments
Ditto 21 Jan 2005 17:26
1/3
I think a merger with Eido would be a very positive move for Ubi. From the outside, it appears as it the two firms are in similar circumstances, and a merger would be a good way of helping each other out.
I don't want to see EA take over any publishers, and therefore I'm for anything that might prevent them doing so, especially if it strengthens European publishing as a result.
I don't want to see EA take over any publishers, and therefore I'm for anything that might prevent them doing so, especially if it strengthens European publishing as a result.
vault 13 21 Jan 2005 17:44
2/3
Ubi! Here me now. (If I shout loud enough, they should here me) MAKE ANOTHER RAYMAN GAME, THAT DOESN'T SUCK RIGHT NOW. It'll sell like hotcakes. Well I mean I don't really know if it will. I have no market research or neat colorful graphs to back it up either. All I know is that I'll buy it and that's good enough for me to force Ubisoft to make a good new Rayman game. And maybe a Splinter Cell game that's mostly online. Faction vs. Faction. 16 vs. 16 online mayhem!
Joji 24 Jan 2005 15:25
3/3
I'd have to agree with you there, a big euro force is needed to combat EA's greasy tentacled take over plans. Eidos would be a really good choice.
I just hope that both Eidos and Ubisoft don't disappear and lose their identity and creativity as a result of merging. We certainly don't want to see every games cultural edge go either.
If this does go ahaed it should be interesting to see how they would market POP next to the next Lara Croft game. The Prince is clearly stealing the show in her absence (perhaps a blessing in disguise). Maybe even Lara and her dev team might learn what has been missing from TR games for so long.
I just hope that both Eidos and Ubisoft don't disappear and lose their identity and creativity as a result of merging. We certainly don't want to see every games cultural edge go either.
If this does go ahaed it should be interesting to see how they would market POP next to the next Lara Croft game. The Prince is clearly stealing the show in her absence (perhaps a blessing in disguise). Maybe even Lara and her dev team might learn what has been missing from TR games for so long.