EA CEO: Activision Blizzard Deal Is ‘Not Really Material to Us’
Xbox’s nascent Activision Blizzard acquisition remains a hot topic following the decision by the UK Competition and Markets Authority [CMA] to block the deal, but Electronic Arts CEO Andrew doesn’t seem too worried one way or another whether it goes through.
Speaking on a call following EA’s most recent round of earnings, Wilson said EA is “Microsoft’s biggest partner” while claiming that it is “the number one publisher on their platform.”
“So whether that deal goes through or not is not really material to us, broadly,” Wilson finished. “We think we have the scale, again back to our network, our IP and our talent, to continue to navigate the future and lead the future of entertainment and compete in a marketplace regardless of whether that deal goes through or not.”
Talking about the broader trend of industry consolidation, Wilson said he would love for EA to “have the scale to be a meaningful consolidator.”
“I think we have tremendous assets with respect to the future of entertainment. But as it stands today, we’re indifferent as to whether that goes through or not. We think we have an incredible strategy, we feel like we have an incredible opportunity, and whether it goes through or not we’ll continue to be the number one publisher on the Microsoft platform,” Wilson said.
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Wilson’s comments come amid continued speculation that EA might eventually be acquired itself. EA was reportedly approached by Comcast, but the deal fell apart due to disagreements over price and structure. EA continues to be in a strong position on its own, with FIFA 23 recently celebrating the biggest launch in franchise history.
Elsewhere, Xbox continues to fight for the Activision Blizzard acquisition, which has been heavily questioned by both the CMA and the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]. Activision Blizzard has even gone so far as to hire one of Queen Elizabeth II’s former lawyer to contest the case. The case is ongoing and see the full timeline right here.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
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