It seems odd to be writing this up – rumours aren’t always good to hear and it appears that EA’s John Riccitiello won’t be feeling that great if this story ends up being true.
Basically, GameFront is reporting that after EA’s financial earnings call at the end of July, current CEO Riccitiello will be asked to step down, with Peter Moore apparently taking up the position.
GameFront is citing the old “anonymous source close to the matter” on this, but warns that the change isn’t “set in stone” and “still needs to be voted on”, which hardly seems concrete to me.
“The results of that vote could change the story dramatically,” the article continues.
Indeed.
Riccitiello has worked at EA since 1997, although he left for three years between 2004 and 2007, when he was appointed CEO. Whilst it’s easy to dig in the knives over Origin, EA have kicked out some great games recently – Dante’s Inferno, Dead Space and Mirror’s Edge to name but three.
And their EA Partners scheme has come up with the goods more than once.
Jakster123x
Ah, Mirror’s Edge, it’s not coming back is it? :'(
RudeAwakening
We can only hope.
Jakster123x
Sadly, i feel that hope is not enough.
EA don’t see money in the franchise, it’s too niche and unfortunately if it is too return, it will be quite a bit different from the original.
To be fair, that may not be such a bad thing. Better combat, smoother level design, more free running moves and a better story may help with a wider appeal.
Sympozium
I wouldn’t think of it being Niche.
bmg_123
Maybe, but only as an iPad/PsVita game since the dev costs would be far less risky than that of a full blown PS3/360 game…but I’m game either way!
Jakster123x
How about all of those platforms? :) Those high development costs may return a profit after EA’ve released the game on every console under the Sun.
bmg_123
Why is EA’s stock falling so much? I can’t understand that, since they’ve been making a ton of money from Battlefield and less so from other games, which is all investors care about…unless of course these investors are also disgruntled gamers?
gazzagb
It’s all about sustainability. EA’s current business methods are making money, but with them annoying so many customers, are they sustainable practices? That’s what investors care about, they’re looking ahead.
I hope they can regain their value, it’s critical to the industry as a whole.
bmg_123
Ah right, thanks. Although it doesn’t exactly bode well if there’s talk of Moore taking over…the same guy who talked about “turning a $60 game into an $80 game”, that sounds sustainable!
Nickboss1
Do you seriously think that investers care how companies treat their customers? As long as they keep making money trust me they dont. As for EA being the worst company in America well thats just BS and anyone who thinks other wise should take a look at oil or food companies over there. Investers are probably conparring EA to Activision and saying why are EA not making as much as Activision. Removing John would be a bad move IMO.
gazzagb
I doubt the board would care much for what great games they’ve released – having 50% of their companies’ stock market valuation knocked off is probably more on their minds.
Crocadillian
Aaaaahahahahaha X)
TSBonyman
The result of this rumour might also affect the outcome dramatically.
The Lone Steven
So Peter Moore, the bloke who wants to increase the price of games and i suspect wants them to have less content in order to sell us more DLC could be the CEO!? FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU…
On the plus side, he may destroy EA thus forcing them to fire him due to his greedy ideas and them having to stop their bs practices against their “war” against the preowned market.