Electronic Arts has purchased another mobile games developer, this time it is the developer of the popular iPhone game Flight Control. EA has acquired Firemint for a reported $20 to $40 million.
Firemint is responsible for popular iOS games like Flight Control and Real Racing. The company consists of a total of 60 employees, and it will now join EA.
The Significance of the Acquisition
EA has previously purchased game publisher Chillingo, who were responsible for publishing the original Angry Birds game, although the developers haven’t used Chillingo to publish another game since then. This acquisition of Firemint is another strategic move by EA to strengthen its position in the mobile gaming market. By acquiring Firemint, EA gains access to a talented team and a portfolio of successful games that have already proven their worth in the competitive mobile gaming landscape.
Flight Control, for instance, has been a massive hit on the iOS platform, captivating millions of players with its simple yet addictive gameplay. Real Racing, on the other hand, has set a benchmark for mobile racing games with its stunning graphics and realistic driving experience. These games have not only generated significant revenue but have also helped in building a loyal fan base for Firemint.
EA’s Strategy in Mobile Gaming
Electronic Arts can obviously see the massive potential in mobile gaming, and by acquiring a number of developers, publishers, and tools for mobile gaming, they will be able to compete more effectively in the market. The mobile gaming industry has been growing at an unprecedented rate, with more and more players turning to their smartphones and tablets for entertainment. This trend has been further accelerated by the increasing power and capabilities of mobile devices, which now rival traditional gaming consoles in terms of performance.
By bringing Firemint under its umbrella, EA is not only expanding its portfolio of mobile games but also gaining valuable expertise in mobile game development. This will enable EA to create more high-quality mobile games and deliver a better gaming experience to its users. Moreover, the acquisition will allow EA to leverage Firemint’s existing technology and tools, which can be used to enhance its other mobile gaming projects.
In addition to Firemint and Chillingo, EA has also made other strategic acquisitions in the mobile gaming space. For example, in 2011, EA acquired PopCap Games, the developer behind popular titles like Plants vs. Zombies and Bejeweled. These acquisitions have helped EA to diversify its mobile gaming portfolio and tap into different segments of the market.
Furthermore, EA’s focus on mobile gaming is not just limited to acquisitions. The company has also been investing heavily in developing its own mobile games and platforms. For instance, EA’s mobile division, EA Mobile, has been responsible for creating and publishing a wide range of successful mobile games, including The Sims Mobile, FIFA Mobile, and Madden NFL Mobile. These games have not only been well-received by players but have also generated substantial revenue for the company.
In conclusion, EA’s acquisition of Firemint is a significant step in its ongoing efforts to dominate the mobile gaming market. By acquiring talented developers and successful game titles, EA is positioning itself to better compete with other major players in the industry. As the mobile gaming market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how EA leverages its acquisitions and investments to stay ahead of the competition.
Source Tech Crunch
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