Speculation on mysterious buyer - 07/09/14 07:04 AM
Swen have stated that a company offered to purchase Larian studios. He did not mention the name of the buyer but I have my speculation.
My speculation is Electronic Arts. I recently read an article about Origin's (A studio Richard Garriott founded) experience when they were taken under their roof. One particular paragraph made me think of Larian in its entirety. Let me quote it:
Larian's flagship game is divinity and it produced cult following after divine divinity, hit mainstream with divinity II and praised by critics and users alike for D:OS. This is where my speculation comes in. An established franchise for stability and security.
IMO though, with Garriott's experience with EA, you shouldn't sell your studio to it. Not only that, there is a reason why it was voted twice as one of the worst company a year and two years ago. Additionally, if you read the article linked from escapist, you will see your studio losing its core value one by one being absorbed into the corporate culture of EA.
Recently, EA released the fourth installment of The Sims, a flagship franchise of Maxis. Now, it's getting its fair share of negativity due to how EA is delivering that product(funny image about developer crying for help) . The lack of content from previous base game of the franchise is seen as a rip off for many for the price of $60 and I share the same opinion.
Anyways, what are your speculations?
My speculation is Electronic Arts. I recently read an article about Origin's (A studio Richard Garriott founded) experience when they were taken under their roof. One particular paragraph made me think of Larian in its entirety. Let me quote it:
Quote
A New York Times article on EA (August 8, 2005), "Relying on Video Game Sequels," observes, "Electronic Arts plans to release 26 new games [in 2005], all but one of them a sequel, including the 16th version of NHL Hockey, the 11th of the racing game Need for Speed and the 13th of the PGA Tour golf game." In the article CEO Probst said sequels appeal to Wall Street investors because they have a steady following among consumers. "He added that the company had a goal of putting out at least one entirely new game every year, and had several major original games in its pipeline." Blogger Bill Harris observed, "A 'goal' of one new game a year? Damn, Larry, don't be so crazy ambitious. Remember Icarus."
Larian's flagship game is divinity and it produced cult following after divine divinity, hit mainstream with divinity II and praised by critics and users alike for D:OS. This is where my speculation comes in. An established franchise for stability and security.
IMO though, with Garriott's experience with EA, you shouldn't sell your studio to it. Not only that, there is a reason why it was voted twice as one of the worst company a year and two years ago. Additionally, if you read the article linked from escapist, you will see your studio losing its core value one by one being absorbed into the corporate culture of EA.
Recently, EA released the fourth installment of The Sims, a flagship franchise of Maxis. Now, it's getting its fair share of negativity due to how EA is delivering that product(funny image about developer crying for help) . The lack of content from previous base game of the franchise is seen as a rip off for many for the price of $60 and I share the same opinion.
Anyways, what are your speculations?