Friday May 25, 2012 4:35 AM AEST

Atomic MPC > News > Game > Console Games > Local company hits big - EA buys Firemint studios

Local company hits big - EA buys Firemint studios

Local mobile gaming developer Firemint has just been bought by gaming giant Electronic Arts. Is this a good thing?

We're not immune to the lure of a good mobile game, like Firemint's Real Racing or Flight Control. In fact, we might even have both on our iPad. Today, it seems we're not alone - Electronic Arts has felt the same lure, and expressed its interest the only way EA knows how.

By buying the small Australian developer!

"The Firemint team is remarkable for its critical and commercial success," said Barry Cottle, Executive Vice President and General Manger of EA Interactive. "Having them as part of EAi will accelerate our position as worldwide leader in game development for mobile devices and online gaming platforms."

Huh. We've contacted EA locally, and Firemint, but haven't heard back yet from either. We're hoping this doesn't mean anything untoward for the plucky developer, but we'll wait and see.

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6 Comments

Krispy89 May 4, 2011 11:54 AM	I'm a bit disappointed that EA has gobbled up Firemint, they were a small but AUSTRALIAN development company. Another thing we've lost to the yanks I say :(
Nchalada May 4, 2011 12:02 PM	well, they do "yank" things...
psyckle May 4, 2011 1:12 PM	Assumedly the Australian owners were offered the right price by EA - in fairness its takes both EA and Firemint's owners to agree to the takeover. Not saying this is necessarily a good thing, but if there is fault in this transaction its gotta be shared by both parties.
Charcoal May 4, 2011 5:39 PM	And this makes the third EA development house in Melbourne; EA Melbourne (a "sister" studio to Visceral Games) and Iron Monkey (also recently acquired). I see it as a great move. From what I've heard from the other studios, EA will give them the backing they need to do what they want, but even better. Though some projects might be tied to an EA licence, Firemint will have the discression to make the games how they want.
smakme7757 May 4, 2011 9:49 PM	I own that airplane game on my Android phone hehe. I'm glad i got in early before the price goes up :)
Mademan May 5, 2011 7:16 AM	Well done to the Firemint founders, for turning nothing into something, and then something worth taking over by EA. EA do have a good reputation with mobile games, particularly for the iDevices. Mirror's Edge, Sim City, the need for speed games, Dead Space, and their mobile sports titles have all recieved glowing praise from reviewers, and it would be a wise move to expand upon that.

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Atomic Magazine

Issue: 137 | June, 2012

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.

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