It’s official, EA has given up their talks with Take-Two and, as a result, the stock of both companies is falling like a stone. While gamers may cheer knowing the Grand Theft Auto and 2K Sports product lines will continue to compete with EA products, share holders are doing a WTF?
Take-Two has had its share of financial difficulties, but nothing shakes up a stock more than a break in discussions when the words acquisition have been spoken. It causes uncertainty and lack of understanding on the part of the game industry and share holders. EA’s stock dropped 2.7% upon opening this morning but has begun to stablize as it’s clear EA isn’t in any financial peril from this breakup in discussion.
Take-Two’s stock, however, is in epic free fall with a 25% decline since the discussions ended. One theory is that, “is taking a huge beating as everyone and their mother tries desperately to sell the shares the figured EA was going to to buy.” (kotaku)
As the game industry gets more competitive, builds bigger bank-roll and becomes a staple entertainment icon there is always more business savvy people getting into the game trying to make a fast buck. In this case, the shareholders obviously aren’t pushing for Take-Two’s future decisions or product launches — this is the reaction of business folks trying to make money.
There is huge risk with block buster 100-million dollar titles and all the crazy hype involved with some of the biggest games in history. They break sales records, smoke box-office numbers and bring new gamers into the industry but it’s all at risk when money gets involved. One bad move and a company making a title like GTA can find themselves in financial peril.
With risk comes reward, but failure is always sneaking up around the corner so watch out!
If you purchased Rock Band 2 you’ll find you can download 20 free songs if you register at
Personally I find the Persona 5 anti-streaming rules insane. If you’re worried that “spoiling” your game will make people not want to buy it then you probably should have made it better in the first place. For good games, streamers and YouTubers help to draw sales by increasing interest in games. Here in America there is a certain subset into the Persona series, but for most of the populous these are an enigma. This isn’t Japan where everyone is balls-deep in the series. Increased U.S. exposure can only increase sales.
Persona 5’s policy is interesting!
I want to know more about the developing Maniac Mansion game…
It’s an Easter Egg in Day of the Tentacle Remastered.
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