Electronic Arts have announced an agreement to acquire Respawn Entertainment, creators of theTitanfall series.
Electronic Arts will pay $151 million in cash, and up to $164 million in long-term equity for the studio, which was formed by Jason West and Vince Zampella in 2010. Respawn are currently working on a new Star Wars action game, a VR experience, and a newly announced title in the Titanfall franchise.
Respawn will join EA’s Worldwide Studios organisation, which includes Criterion Games, Ghost Games, Motive, and Bioware. It no longer, of course, includes the recently closed Visceral Games
Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, said in a press statement:
“We’ve seen firsthand the world-class caliber of Respawn as a development studio with incredible vision, deep talent and an inspiring creative mindset. Our longtime partnership is grounded in a shared desire to push the boundaries and deliver extraordinary and innovative new experiences for players around the world. Together, we’ve brought this to life in the Titanfall franchise, and now with the Respawn team joining EA, we have exciting plans to accomplish even more amazing things in the future.”
Vince Zampella, CEO of Respawn Entertainment, is equally excited:
“We started Respawn with the goal to create a studio with some of the best talent in the industry, and to be a top developer of innovative games. We felt that now was the time to join an industry leader that brings the resources and support we need for long-term success, while still keeping our culture and creative freedom. EA has been a great partner over the years with Titanfall and Titanfall 2, and we’re excited to combine our strengths. This is a great next step for Respawn, EA, and our players.”
Response to the new has been mixed, with many fans fearing the worst for the studio, and the Titanfall franchise.