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!
Merry Christmas guys!
@ Patch for AC Unity: They really do need to stop rushing games out that aren’t finished, a positive is they at least addressed issues. I never understood the need to rush a game before it was done, the people wanting to buy it are still going to do so even if you need a few more months to fix things. It does looks pretty bad if you have to redo the whole game that’s already been shipped.
@Blizzard gold for time: It does sound like a nice idea for players to pay for their time with the in game money. The article did have in it’s quote that it would cover some of the cost, I’m sure they will limit how much gold you can give so it’s not an entire month free. I’m sure someone will find a way to abuse this though.
@Hatred: Games like this always make me uneasy. Where is the line between artistic trying to get people to experience things and just being gratuitous because you want to be. Should games like Custard’s Last stand be allowed on Steam along with those Nazi games that Jonah mentioned? I think Jonah does have a point with the consequences, if your shown that this is not acceptable behavior, maybe even go so far as to show just how these actions affect the lives of those victims.
I just feel Hatred is more about the killing than trying to get you to see how terrible a thing that is. At least in GTA V when you did the torture scene you were given a speech about how useless and terrible such acts are. You are hunted by the police when you get wanted ratings, you are shown consequences for your actions.
@ last QotW: I’d like to choose the Tarrasque from Dungeon’s and Dragons, the ultimate middle finger to players when the DM wants to tell them they are royally screwed. This mammoth is roughly the size of Mount Everest, spews acid, has massive claw/bite/tail damage. He is the Godzilla of the Mystical realms.
@ This week’s QotW: Yes I have used Humble bundle, and I’m glad it has helped to raise so much money.
Hey Guys, with regards to the questions about connectivity options for older consoles. If it has a RF connection then they will need an RF Modulator. If they have older composite or S-Video (Yellow RCA, or 4 pin connect) then they can check out these product from StarTech.com. They offer both basic converters and up scalers. Yes up scalling will not make the image look better but might enable support with some TVs that do not normally support it.
http://www.startech.com/AV/Converters/Video/