Apple Backs Out of Talks to Purchase Game Studio Electronic Arts, Amazon Reportedly Set to Make Offer Instead [Updated]

Apple has backed out of a potential purchase of the game studio Electronic Arts (EA) following talks that have been ongoing since as early as May of this year, with Amazon instead poised to make an offer, according to a report from USA Today vertical ForTheWin.

EA Apple Maybe Feature
Over the last couple of months, EA has been speaking to several companies with potential interest in the acquisition, including Apple, Amazon, and Disney. Apple has had a renewed interest in the gaming market ever since the launch of Apple Arcade, the company's subscription-based gaming service that offers exclusive games with no in-app purchases and ads.

A purchase of EA by Apple would give the Cupertino tech-giant access to hit gaming franchises that include "The Sims," "Battlefield," "Apex Legends," "SimCity," "DragonAge," "FIFA," and more.

Apple purchasing EA, which has a market value of $34 billion, would be the largest acquisition by Apple in its history. Apple's largest purchase to date is Beats, which it bought for $3 billion in 2014. During the company's last earnings call in July, CEO Tim Cook said Apple "never buys just to buy," but added that he wouldn't "rule anything out" and that Apple is "constantly surveilling the market."

Update: According to CNBC sources, the rumor that Amazon is set to purchase Electronic Arts (EA) is incorrect.

Tag: EA

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Top Rated Comments

spazzcat Avatar
32 months ago

Isn’t EA the most hated of game developers? Or is that all of them?
They have ruined so many good franchises.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1557750 Avatar
32 months ago
Smart move, Apple.

EA would be a perfect match for Apple's greed!
Not really, because Apple produces quality products and services for the price.

EA is better off sharing a bed with Bezos, where you sometimes get the quality products you think you’re purchasing.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Born2Run Avatar
32 months ago
Apple was set to buy Electronic Arts, but couldn't afford all the microtransactions they would have to pay afterwards!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Eriamjh1138@DAN Avatar
32 months ago
Isn’t EA the most hated of game developers? Or is that all of them?
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TVreporter Avatar
32 months ago
“If it’s in the game, it’s in the game” …became…

“If you frequently use our micro-transactions, it might be in the game.”


Brand recognition sure but EA has fallen over the years.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Porco Avatar
32 months ago
My cat is rumoured to be going to buy Electronic Arts (EA)!

Update: according to myself, the rumour my cat is going to buy Electronic Arts (EA) is incorrect.

Also, I don’t even own a cat.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)