EA CEO John Riccitiello defines what will make the cut and what will be dropped like a Sierra property.
Last year, EA CEO John Riccitiello gave Electronic Arts a new direction. Formerly known for creating yearly sequels that often drove profits, but little innovation, the outspoken exec decided to focus on original properties and innovative gameplay. EA began producing titles like Mirror’s Edge (360/PS3), Dead Space (360/PS3/Wii), Spore, Brutal Legend (360/PS3), Dante’s Inferno (360/PS3/PSP) and more. Unfortunately, many of the titles have been meet with mixed sales – notably Mirror’s Edge – despite solid praise. The shortcomings have lead EA to return to it’s old ways according to the quarterly report, as clarified by statements Riccitiello made to Develop.
“Electronic Arts has a core slate of games label and sports franchises that we will iterate on a either annual or bi-annual basis,” Riccitiello stated. “And I think you know what those major titles are – all of them are selling or have sold in their most recent edition 2m units or more.
“After that, we’ve got The Sims and Hasbro, and frankly anything that doesn’t measure up to looking like it can pencil out to be in very high profit contributor and high unit seller got cut from our title slate from this point going forward.”
Riccitiello didn’t specify which titles were safe at any point, but judging his sales requirements franchises like Madden, FIFA, Harry Potter, Need for Speed, Command & Conquer, Battlefield and Mass Effect are safe. The futures of Mirror’s Edge 2, Brutal Legend, and many more remain ominous, to say the least.
In happier news, Criterion confirms that its Need for Speed title will be delivered “next year.”
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