Mike0 Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 BBC link Rockstar and its franchise Grand Theft Auto is the "primary interest" of EA's attempted purchase of Take Two games, said chief executive John Riccitiello. Mr Riccitiello said: "I believe the company is fully justified in calling themselves Rockstar because that's what they are in this industry." Take Two turned down EA's first approach and so the games giant is now targeting shareholders directly. Take Two boss Strauss Zelnick said the EA offer undervalued the firm. Mr Zelnick has said EA should wait until after the release of Grand Theft Auto IV on 29 April. Analysts predict it will be the biggest release of the year, with sales upwards of 10 million copies. Mr Riccitiello told BBC News: "If we don't conclude this transaction, if we walk because of whatever level of inability to get this done, the scary thing is what the stock trades at after we leave, not after 29 April." He said Take Two had four of the best studios in the industry: Rockstar, makers of Grand Theft Auto; Irrational, makers of Bioshock; Firaxis, home to Sid Meir and Civilization and Visual Concepts, makers of sport titles. "What we are attracted to is what we value in our own studios: great developers and great intellectual property." Pre-orders of Grand Theft Auto IV have been better-than-expected Mr Riccitiello said he had great respect for the producers behind Grand Theft Auto, Sam and Dan Houser and The Benz. "The big headline here is that our primary interest is in Rockstar and the intellectual properties around Rockstar." He said the bid was not an attempt to remove a competitor in the field of sport titles. "Sports games are secondary consideration here," he said. He said he had no fear that the value EA placed on Take Two could be damaged if the trio of Rockstar creators decided not to pursue further Grand Theft Auto titles after the latest release. He said: "There is no doubt that EA is several times larger than Take Two - everyday somebody walks in and somebody walks out. What we have got right now is a corporate issue that has nothing to do with the people who build these games John Riccitello, EA "If the wrong guy walks out, we have an issue to deal with. But we don't stop making games." He added: "In case of Rockstar I would point out that the leaders are young, vibrant, they're talented and committed. "And what we have got right now is a corporate issue that has nothing to do with the people who build these games." He said concerns that EA's buyout would stifle innovation were unfounded and pointed to franchises and games that had improved after the firm had bought the original development talent. "We worked collectively with Will Wright to create The Sims. When we bought Maxis, Sim City was selling 7 to 800,000 copies. "The Sims is a level of performance to Sim City that the Empire State Building is to a very nice house." He said games like Battlefield, Burnout, Need for Speed and Madden were franchises which were stronger following EA's purchase of the original development firms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Decokismio Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Rockstar is EAs "primary interest" Goddammit, that sounds so annoying. Why don't they just f*ck off, no one likes them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solway Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Another news quote Will EA just piss off! Your not getting your hands on GTA4! Electronic Arts Inc on Thursday launched a hostile offer for rival video game maker Take-Two Interactive Software Inc at $26 a share, taking the $2 billion bid directly to stockholders. Take-Two, publisher of the popular "Grand Theft Auto" -- or "GTA" -- series, last month rejected EA's unsolicited all-cash offer at the same price. The bid represents a 64 percent premium over Take-Two's closing stock price on February 15, the last trading day before EA sent the proposal to the company. "We believe that the offer we made is compelling. It is a full price and the longer we go on, the less valuable the asset is to us. At least so far, Take-Two's board is indicating they don't want to negotiate," EA Chief Executive John Riccitiello told Reuters in an interview. Take-Two responded with a statement advising shareholders to take no action for now on EA's offer. Take-Two executives have argued that EA is trying to buy the company on the cheap just before the April 29 launch of "GTA 4," widely expected to be one of the best-selling games of 2008. "While today's news means EA is moving forward with its offer, an acquisition by EA is by no means a certainty," Chairman Strauss Zelnick and Chief Executive Ben Feder wrote in a company-wide e-mail that was also filed with regulators. Take-Two added that its board would review the offer and tell shareholders of its position within 10 business days. This week, Take-Two, which also makes games like "Bioshock" and "Major League Baseball 2K," forecast quarterly earnings above Wall Street estimates, saying advance orders for "GTA 4" were better than expected. Analysts said Take-Two shareholders might warm to EA's bid, and that a number of recent buyers may be risk arbitrageurs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatcity Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 If Take Two manages to hold out until after GTA IV is released, I wonder if EA will continue to pursue them? EA hasn't been doing too well in the earnings department, and I imagine that their only big concern is getting Take two on board in able to list the GTA profits as earnings in EA's books. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fnorg Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 For f*cks sake, EA just wants to buy the name GTA. It sells, no matter how sh*tty a game, it sells. And they'll be making a new GTA every goddamn year. f*ck off EA. We want quality, not quantity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
codename6 Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 "primary interest" in Money Money Money $$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archiebunker Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Rockstar needs to jump ship after their contract is up (this year, right?). Continue GTA with another name. Fans will follow. It's more than just about the name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake Without a Tongue Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Rockstar needs to jump ship after their contract is up (this year, right?). Continue GTA with another name. Fans will follow. It's more than just about the name. The GTA name is getting old anyway. They should start a new but similiar franchise. Anything to escape the corporate octopus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derty Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 GTA4 is going to be the beginning of the end of EA. f*ck EA. And they know it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmods Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 could RS just quit and restart another co??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archiebunker Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 The GTA name is getting old anyway. I think you're right. The franchise has already moved beyond just carjacking as it's main star, anyway. Not being able to use GTA, Liberty City, and all the other trademarks could give the Housers an excuse to try things they've probably been reluctant to do because of the expectations that come from "Grand Theft Auto." GTA IV could be the last hurrah-- and I'm hyped that it's going to be a great one-- but if they don't renew their contract after EA buys them, this might actually be a blessing in disguise, creatively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GamerShotgun Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 They still can delay GTA IV.. give it an other title and it'll be a start of a new world famous franchise... Yeah, this is a stupid idea but i don't want GTA IV to be a game with the EA logos everywhere.. The sad thing is that, Take Two owns the GTA title and Rockstar Games can't do sh*t about that... This is a big disappointment imo.. shareholders just want money, and if they'll get it, T2 is in a real big trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollo_33 Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 EA will ruin everything! Just think about it! Take-Two owns Visual Concepts-2K Sports. We wont have any basketball simulation games. Will we play NBA Live, ffs? Never! Everyone hates Live since the 04 version. GTA with in-game ads? We will lose our lovely True Grime! And we will have an Intel billboard! ZOMG! This is more serious than I thought! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackdawg Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 (edited) Rockstar needs to jump ship after their contract is up (this year, right?). Continue GTA with another name. Fans will follow. It's more than just about the name. I couldn't agree more. These marketing pukes and boring people on this forum who agree with this have no taste and/or dignity. EA still regulates innovative designs. All there current games including HL2 are bland. Also the fact that white collar criminal fronting as an evangelical was going to assist in this makes it worse. EA only turned him down to come in a trojan horse. Now they're going above the artists and managers heads to the share holders. R* will be like the jail bitch who got his food tray took if this goes down. Fans will just play there games, and say what's up occasionally. Edited March 14, 2008 by crackdawg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LemKo Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 R* should make an easter egg to EA in GTA IV, something like advertissement for "The Wimps". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jared prinzo Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 F**k EA R* owns the GTA series and EA will just mess it up. GTA has always been good and the EA will make it worse just like the sims sucked ba**s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fitbikesbmx Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Rockstar needs to jump ship after their contract is up (this year, right?). Continue GTA with another name. Fans will follow. It's more than just about the name. I agree, Rockstar is my favorite devolper by far, and anytime I hear about a game, and know they made it, I am just that much more interested in it. Rockstar will always have my support, and I hope that no matter what happens, they will still be able to do what they do best, make original, humorous, detailed, and perfect every game they bring out. EA seems to be almost the opposite of everything I just listed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlademanX Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Cant Take Two sign the rights over to Rockstar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cran. Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 He said games like Battlefield, Burnout, Need for Speed and Madden were franchises which were stronger following EA's purchase of the original development firms. They call in-game advertising and EA Trax to be stronger? EA is just like Midas. Expect everything they touch turns into liquefied sh*t. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unisom Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 This is going to be awful if it happens. I'm afraid EA is going to force Rockstar to make a ton of spin-off GTAs. And Rockstar likes to take their time, but EA will force them anyways. I mean they already announced Mass Effect 2 and 3 when part 1 barely came out. EA is famous for milking franchises until they run dry and wither away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WolfenVic Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 What is worse is that EA wants to take over a game known for law suit heaven. EA is idiots if they think that won't ruin their reputation. I believe if EA does end up acquiring GTA IV I believe a Delay is in order due to they will De-M-anize it. Meaning all the adult humor will be gone and the games billboards that make fun of EA's game will be taken out leaving out another thing to laugh at. Hell who knows they might even force RS employees to quit. Aka Firing them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackdawg Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 (edited) He said games like Battlefield, Burnout, Need for Speed and Madden were franchises which were stronger following EA's purchase of the original development firms. They call in-game advertising and EA Trax to be stronger? EA is just like Midas. Expect everything they touch turns into liquefied sh*t. Yeah we'll see Nike advertisements, and hear nationwide insurance commercials on the radio. Maybe they'll get those people from the 'does anyone else not care' thread to walk up to us and ask us if we'd like to buy stuff from [your solicitor here]. People who don't care about there demise, and thus the quality of there products, should go to the EA forums with the other tools. People who have select taste in gaming appreciate studios like Rockstar. Edited March 15, 2008 by crackdawg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solway Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Rockstar run away to Valve! They will take care of you! Both electronic (steam) and hard copy publishing then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stene Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 I will cry if EA buys Take Two. It will be just too lame if they get on GTA games. EA is already publishing all Valve games so they have quite large part in the making of the games, I guess the episodes were their idea originally, they bought Crytek and f*cked up the whole plot of Crysis, and I really can't stand if my second favourite franchise, Grand Theft Auto, will be displayed under EA title. I pray for Take Two, don't SELL-OUT. Don't let EA have the whole FPS/TPS genre in their hands. Atleast hold on until GTA IV release, it is atleast a totally new game, not sub-game like Vice City/San Andreas. EA will mostly delay GTA IV until christmas so they get the cash and then before the release, they announce monthly sequels just like Sims. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reptilexcq Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 F*** EA!!! I hate this company and i am going to tell you why. First, since i am a sports fan, and i hate the fact that they keep acquiring all these pro sports licenses and try to clean the competition. I mean i have no problem with that if they bring out superior products...BUT the fact of the matter is they're bring out shytty products compare to the competitors...such as Konami's Winning Eleven....a HUGE and much better game than their sorry FIFA game. And they're acquiring football licenses when their shytty game like Madden aren't even comparable to 2KSports NFL2k series and their NBA LIVE continue to bow down to the KING of NBA2k series. This is the reason i hate them and don't appreciate they try to acquire deals in order to attract customers....they ain't going to attract and fool me into buying their shytty products. And now they're trying to acquire Take2?? Go to HELL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackdawg Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 (edited) F*** EA!!! I hate this company and i am going to tell you why. First, since i am a sports fan, and i hate the fact that they keep acquiring all these pro sports licenses and try to clean the competition. I mean i have no problem with that if they bring out superior products...BUT the fact of the matter is they're bring out shytty products compare to the competitors...such as Konami's Winning Eleven....a HUGE and much better game than their sorry FIFA game. And they're acquiring football licenses when their shytty game like Madden aren't even comparable to 2KSports NFL2k series and their NBA LIVE continue to bow down to the KING of NBA2k series. This is the reason i hate them and don't appreciate they try to acquire deals in order to attract customers....they ain't going to attract and fool me into buying their shytty products. And now they're trying to acquire Take2?? Go to HELL!! What where the EA titles that actually show intriguing game play again? Some guy said they had decent games in there current lineup. I've never liked EA products. I remember the crappy sports games they made in the 90's -god they sucked. Come to thank of it all there titles have been simply bland. Over produced garbage. GTA will still be bought and played by some, but it it will be just as lame and over all boring as the people on these forums who keep passively supporting EA. Sure all that money will be at the GTA franchise disposal, but look how much good it does for the other EA titles. They f*cking suck. They have no depth. Something else literal here. Edited March 16, 2008 by crackdawg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theInvisible Y Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 Rockstar just needs to branch away and become a one company business.. they have the money, and you know Rockstar would outsell EA by millions. i get nervous around EA games... they arent good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uat2d Posted March 16, 2008 Share Posted March 16, 2008 there was a car (an imported "Bullet") vanity plate in GTA San Andreas that defines my thoughts about EA... EA SUCKS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny profane Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 theres an interview with John resnick on gamesindusty, they got bought several months ago. I leave it to you to decide whether this is brainwash talking or not: Now of course you're part of the Electronic Arts business, not a struggling start-up. How has that changed the company? It hasn't. I have a boss but I had one of those at VG Holdings. We have different headed paper now. The good changes are that we can really focus on our products more. I was at GDC for one day rather than three days where I'm trying to sell and make deals. We're focusing on our games. There are some tech benefits. It was only closed two month's ago so I can't even speak of all the potential benefits yet, but the point I'm making is that Pandemic as a studio, from a consumers perspective, there's no major changes. They can still expect the great games. And you're confident that EA will be happy to let that continue, that they won't interfere... Yes, and John (Riccitiello, Electronic Arts' CEO) has said that in the past interfering with the internal studios hasn't worked for them. That's not the model that EA is now following. The model now is to trust your talent, support your talent, give them what they need to do and let them tap into what EA has to offer, which is the fact that they are the best publishing organisation in the world. It just doesn't make logical or business sense for them to change a development studio like that. John and all of the executives at EA have very loudly said that in public. They want to empower their creative talent. Do you still feel like an independent developer and studio? Yes. It says Pandemic on the box, we've got Pandemic email addresses and we're making Pandemic games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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