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In entirely unexpected news, Electronic Arts just announced via press release the acquisition of Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind Titanfall and Titanfall 2.
Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts, said:
We've seen firsthand the world-class caliber of Respawn as a development studio with incredible vision, deep talent and an inspiring creative mindset. Our longtime partnership is grounded in a shared desire to push the boundaries and deliver extraordinary and innovative new experiences for players around the world. Together, we've brought this to life in the Titanfall franchise, and now with the Respawn team joining EA, we have exciting plans to accomplish even more amazing things in the future.
Vince Zampella, CEO of Respawn Entertainment, added:
We started Respawn with the goal to create a studio with some of the best talent in the industry, and to be a top developer of innovative games. We felt that now was the time to join an industry leader that brings the resources and support we need for long term success, while still keeping our culture and creative freedom. EA has been a great partner over the years with Titanfall and Titanfall 2, and we're excited to combine our strengths. This is a great next step for Respawn, EA, and our players.
This comes mere days after EA's decision to close down Visceral Games. Respawn Entertainment will continue with their scheduled projects - a new Titanfall game, the previously announced Star Wars game and a VR experience.
Vince Zampella also posted a blog post on the studio's official website where he thoroughly explains this choice.
Today we announced that Respawn will be joining EA.
We started Respawn with the goal to create a studio with some of the best talent in the industry and be the #1 developer of innovative games in the world. We’ve had success as an independent company but as we look to how we want to compete in the future, and the challenges that face us in a rapidly changing landscape, now is the time for us to combine forces with a global industry leader like EA.
While it wasn’t necessary, going with EA made a lot of sense. With Titanfall and Star Wars, EA has been a great development partner that supports us and doesn’t interfere with our process for making games or studio culture. EA will provide us with more resources, access to new technologies, and expertise that we can tap into to that will help us make better games, and Respawn will retain the same creative freedom and culture we’ve always had. We’ve been talking closely with the leadership at EA and we share their values and vision for the future of being a developer-focused company that puts the players first.
I will still be running things at Respawn and will also be a part of the studio leadership team at EA. There will be no layoffs or major organization changes within Respawn. All games currently in development are continuing as planned.
This is a great next step for Respawn, EA, and our players. Joining with EA will give us the resources and support we need to grow and have long term success while still keeping our culture and creative freedom. We believe this is an opportunity to achieve more together through the unique strengths we each bring to the table.
FAQ
Q – What’s going to happen to Titanfall?
A – Titanfall is and will remain a major part of our studio’s DNA. The Titanfall team is continuing to work on the franchise.
Q- What’s going to happen with Star Wars?
A – Respawn will continue to work on our Star Wars game. Development is going well and we have a great relationship with Lucasfilm.
Q – How will the merger effect Respawn?
A – There will be no layoffs or major org changes and titles currently in development will continue uninterrupted.
Q – Why EA?
A – EA will provide us with more resources, access to new technologies, and expertise in areas that Respawn values for future growth. Respawn will retain the same creative freedom we’ve always had. We believe in the leadership driving EA’s trajectory to exciting areas that match our own goals. This is an opportunity to achieve more together through the unique strengths we each bring to the table.
Q – Did you make this decision because the company was in trouble?
A – Not at all. This decision was made because it’s the best way to get Respawn the resources, support, and knowledge we need to achieve our long term goals.
Q – What does this mean for new games beyond Titanfall and Star Wars?
A – We will still have creative freedom to explore new IP’s and will work with EA’s studio leadership to plan future projects.
Q – Does this change Vince’s role at Respawn?
A – No. Vince will continue to run Respawn and will also become part of the studio leadership team at EA.
