Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (EA) is an American video game company known for developing, publishing, and distributing games for various platforms including PC, game consoles, and mobile devices. Here is a detailed overview:
History
- Founding: EA was founded on May 27, 1982, by Trip Hawkins, who left his position at Apple Inc to start the company. The company's initial focus was on developing games for personal computers.
- Early Years: In the 1980s, EA pioneered the idea of including professional athletes and celebrities in video games, which was a novel concept at the time. Titles like "Dr. J and Larry Bird Go One on One" and "Michael Jordan: Chaos in the Windy City" were among their early successes.
- Expansion: Throughout the 1990s, EA expanded into console gaming with hits like "Madden NFL", "FIFA", and "The Need for Speed". This era also saw the acquisition of several developers and the growth of EA into one of the largest game publishers worldwide.
- Recent Developments: Over the past few decades, EA has faced both critical acclaim and public scrutiny:
- They have been praised for franchises like Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and The Sims.
- However, EA has also been criticized for practices like microtransactions, the handling of game releases, and the closure of certain studios.
Key Business Segments
- EA Sports: Focuses on sports games, most notably the "Madden NFL" series, "FIFA", and "NHL".
- EA Games: Develops and publishes non-sports related titles, including action, adventure, and role-playing games.
- EA Mobile: Concentrates on mobile gaming, with popular titles like "Plants vs. Zombies" and "The Simpsons: Tapped Out".
Controversies
- Business Practices: EA has been at the center of various controversies:
- The use of microtransactions in games like "Star Wars Battlefront II" received significant backlash for being overly aggressive.
- The company's acquisition and subsequent closure of studios like Visceral Games and Maxis has been criticized.
- EA has faced legal challenges related to game content, particularly around loot boxes and their classification as gambling.
Innovations
- EA has been at the forefront of several industry innovations:
- They were early adopters of 3D graphics in gaming.
- EA helped popularize online multiplayer gaming with titles like "Battlefield" and "FIFA Ultimate Team".
- They have invested heavily in cloud gaming and subscription models with services like EA Play.
External Links
Related Topics