As entertainment industry consolidation becomes the norm, talks of acquisition have become commonplace. But, still, certain rumors, especially involving "unlikely" companies are sure to gain more ground. For example, Disney, one of the largest entertainment conglomerates, reportedly contemplating purchasing the multi-billion company, Electronic Arts. The report by Bloomberg might seem like a masterstroke on the surface, combining the storytelling prowess of Disney with the gaming expertise of EA. But a deeper dive reveals a scenario that might not be as rosy for the gaming landscape.
Understanding the magnitude of such a potential acquisition requires a reflection on the entities involved. EA, despite facing occasional criticism, is an undisputed titan. Its portfolio is as vast as it is varied, ranging from sports-centric titles like FIFA and Madden to story-driven epics such as the Star Wars Jedi series. Notably, Disney and EA aren't strangers to each other. These two companies have collaborated several times in the past, particularly when EA secured exclusivity to craft games based on the Star Wars universe, showcasing the synergy between the two.
Yet, the idea of Disney acquiring EA raises several critical concerns. Historically, Disney's ventures into the gaming arena have met with mixed success at best. Disney Interactive Studios, for instance, faced myriad challenges before it closed in 2016. Given Disney's propensity for shuttering gaming initiatives when revenue falters, one can't help but wonder about EA's fate should this acquisition materialize.