http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/06/13/news_6127406.html
Lets say you work for a small independent software company, just blocks away from where you live in New Jersey, that makes games that usually slip under the radar, but are actually pretty decent titles like Outlaw Golf, and one day your boss comes in and says “EA just bought us, and if you want to work for them, you’ll have to move to Florida.”
And, lets say that you’ve been working for that company for 7 years, and you’ve gotten enough promotions and pay raises to buy yourself a place to live and start a family.
And, lets say that they ONLY reason that EA ACTUALLY bought you, was because your company managed to pick up the exclusive license to the ARENA FOOTBALL titles.
That’s a really crappy way to be shaken out of a job.
Over a stinking football license.
Sure, I’m not affected by anything EA does in the business world, and yes, it is just business…but when you see your friends and their family put in a position like that…over football…well, it kind of puts things in a different perspective.
I wonder what will happen to all the families that live in France and Canada that will be forced to relocate to EA’s central development operations in Florida.
Predatory, monopolizing companies, no matter HOW friendly they are to Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo will NEVER be good for this industry. Look at how nicely big players like Capcom and Konami co-exist overseas and in the US.
EA is cannibalizing the industry…and I’m CERTAIN it will have repercussions down the line.
