Rumor Has it: Microsoft may takeover EA

A rumor on the web indicates that Microsoft might consider acquiring game publisher EA. Currently, this is unsubstantiated as there are no details available, but Microsoft is looking to do something with all that cashflow of theirs, including seeking exclusive games for the Xbox One. 

The rumor originates from Polygon, who mentions the acquisition plans in an article covering the lack of exclusive games for the Xbox One. The site makes the claim based on a single source, which Polygon calls 'reliable' and 'close to Microsoft'. Microsoft would also consider Valve and PUBG. Microsoft has 130 billion dollars at hand to spend in available cash flow, the market value of EA is 35 billion dollars.

Some of the names being thrown around as possible acquisitions by Microsoft are, frankly, astounding, even unthinkable. But the fact that they are doing the rounds is instructive. The most recent one we heard (from a reliable source close to Microsoft) was, in fact, Electronic Arts. We also heard a whisper about Valve and about Korean outfit PUBG Corp., which Microsoft last year signed to a timed exclusive for its hit survival shooter, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.

 

SuperDataResearch analyst Joost Van Dreunen further told Polygon that he expects more news about an acquisition soon. "Because of where we are in the lifecycle of all these things, I’m expecting to hear Microsoft announce something very, very shortly".

Personally I don’t think Microsoft is going to acquire Electronic Arts, but this rumor is certainly attracting a lot of chatter today.