Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts business and news from across the web.
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EA is nuking Battlefield Hardline on consoles
Electronic Arts will delist the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Battlefield Hardline from digital storefronts on May 22 and shut down their online services on June 22. The PC version remains unaffected. EA cited declining player bases as a typical reason for ending online support for older games.
Apex Legends Aftershock Event Beginning March 31
Respawn Entertainment and EA are launching the Apex Legends Aftershock Event on March 31, running until April 21. The event introduces the Vortex Shield, a new weapon mechanic, and new cosmetic items for several Legends. Apex Legends is available as a free-to-play title on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
One Of The Most Controversial Battlefield Games Is Shutting Down On Consoles Soon
Electronic Arts will shut down online services for Battlefield Hardline on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on June 22, 2024. The game will be delisted from digital storefronts on May 22, though its single-player campaign will remain playable offline. This decision comes as EA retires online support for older titles when player counts dwindle, though the PC version will not be affected.
Top 12 Most Expensive Video Game Buyouts Of All Time
This article lists the top 12 most expensive video game buyouts, with Microsoft's $75.4 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard topping the list. Other major deals include EA's $55 billion sale to an investor consortium and Take-Two's $12.7 billion purchase of Zynga. The analysis highlights trends of industry consolidation and significant investment from entities like Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
EA Drowns Out Sims 4 Complaints With Chill Beats to Ignore Feedback To
Electronic Arts has partnered with Lofi Girl for a lo-fi remix album of The Sims 4 soundtrack, available on YouTube and Spotify. Despite the collaboration, players expressed significant dissatisfaction online, criticizing EA for neglecting player feedback and introducing controversial paid mods.
Overwatch 2 Players Launch Boycott Against Repetitive Character Skins
Overwatch 2 players are organizing a boycott against Blizzard Entertainment due to perceived favoritism in character cosmetic skins, primarily for Kiriko and Mercy. The community is urging players to "speak with their wallets" by not purchasing skins for these popular heroes, aiming to influence Blizzard's monetization strategy for live service games. This movement highlights player dissatisfaction with the distribution of in-game cosmetics and seeks a more equitable approach across all characters.
PS Plus Members Have Early Access to Select PS5, PS4 Games in PS Store's Spring Sale
PlayStation Plus subscribers are getting early access to select deals in the upcoming PlayStation Store Spring Sale, which officially begins on March 25th. The sale includes discounts on various PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles such as Assassin's Creed Shadows, Dead Space, and Elden Ring Nightreign.
US: PlayStation 5 was best-selling console for February for second month and Resident Evil Requiem best-selling game
The PlayStation 5 was the best-selling console in the United States for February, marking its second consecutive month in the top spot. Resident Evil Requiem was the best-selling game during the same period. The Nintendo Switch was the second best-selling console, though Nintendo does not provide digital sales data.
Feb 2026 USA Sales: PS5 Outsells Nintendo's New Switch 2 for a Second Consecutive Month
In February 2026, the PlayStation 5 outsold the Nintendo Switch for the second consecutive month in the USA, despite a year-over-year decline in PlayStation sales. Resident Evil Requiem was the best-selling game of the year so far, with its launch week sales significantly exceeding Resident Evil Village. Overall industry spending saw a slight increase year-over-year, partly due to the Switch's performance.
The Sims 4's Maker Marketplace Is An Insult To Both Players And Modders
Electronic Arts and Maxis have faced backlash for introducing The Sims 4 Marketplace, a system for paid mods and microtransactions. Players are frustrated by additional monetization in a game already laden with DLC, and creators receive only 30% of sales, with EA taking 70%. The article criticizes this model as predatory and an insult to both players and modders, especially given the long-standing player request for a color wheel customization feature that EA claims is technically impossible.
ByteDance is selling its Moonton game unit to Savvy Games for a cool $6 billion
ByteDance has agreed to sell its mobile game developer Moonton, known for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, to Savvy Games Group for $6 billion. This move is part of ByteDance's strategic shift away from gaming towards AI, while Savvy Games Group, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, continues its expansion in the gaming sector.
One Of The Top 10 Biggest Gaming Buyouts In History Just Happened
Savvy Games Group has confirmed its acquisition of Moonton Technology, the developer of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, for over $6 billion USD. This deal marks the sixth-largest buyout in video game history, with ByteDance making a $2 billion profit from its 2021 purchase. Savvy Games Group has been active in acquisitions, previously buying Scopely and Niantic's gaming division.
Ultima's Robert Garriott was worried about there being too many PC games on the market… 37 years ago
In 1989, Robert Garriott of Origin Systems expressed concern about market saturation in PC gaming, noting consumer confusion and the need for higher quality products. He emphasized developing games with depth and graphics that couldn't be replicated on consoles, a sentiment still relevant today.
Evening Gatherings and Events
Respawn Entertainment, PlayStation Studios, and Electronic Arts are among the first announced speakers for Develop-Brighton 2026. Additionally, Sea of Thieves has launched its Season 19 "Birthday Bonanza" event.
Testronic Strengthens Its US Center of Excellence with Key Senior Appointments
Testronic has announced several senior appointments to its US Center of Excellence, including Kevin Frazier as Regional QA Director and Nicole Closson as Business Development Manager. These hires aim to strengthen client partnerships and support the company's growth in the Americas video games market.
GAME AND DEMO ANNOUNCEMENT: YOUR CREW AWAITS YOUR COMMAND! “STATION COMMAND,” COMING TO PC
Respite Games, an indie studio led by ex-EA developer Daniel Baumann, announced their debut sci-fi strategy RPG, Station Command, is coming soon to PC with a demo available on April 2nd. Players will build and command starship fleets, engage in tactical turn-based combat, and manage their crew and ship customization in a corporate dystopian future.
Yet More Crystal Dynamics Layoffs Announced as 20 Employees Lose Their Jobs
Crystal Dynamics has announced another round of layoffs, with 20 employees being let go from development and central operations roles. The studio stated it will provide severance and job placement assistance. Despite these departures, Crystal Dynamics remains committed to its upcoming Tomb Raider titles, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis and Tomb Raider: Catalyst.
Popular PS3 RPG Finally Shutting Down Multiplayer After 12 Years
Electronic Arts will shut down the multiplayer servers for Dragon Age: Inquisition on PlayStation 3 in April 2026, after 12 years of service. While the PlayStation 4 version remains unaffected, the PS3 shutdown might also impact the ability to import game saves from older Dragon Age titles. The article also briefly mentions the critical and commercial failure of the recent Dragon Age: The Veilguard.
All Access
Electronic Arts' EA Sports FC 26 has made significant strides in accessibility, avoiding common pitfalls that have plagued other titles. The game is being highlighted for its groundbreaking approach to inclusive design, setting a new standard for the industry.
First look at Exodus gameplay confirms what most have been thinking: It’s Mass Effect reborn
The upcoming science fiction RPG Exodus, developed by Archetype Entertainment with many former BioWare employees, shows strong Mass Effect influences in its debut gameplay footage. The game features third-person combat, squadmate recruitment, and a time dilation mechanic that impacts the narrative. While still in development with a planned 2027 release, Exodus aims to be a spiritual successor to the beloved Mass Effect series.