As you’ve likely heard by now, Playfish has been acquired by video game giant, Electronic Arts. Since the news was made public on Monday (11/09/09) morning, the press has shown a lot of interest in talking about this big buy into the social gaming industry. We here at Playfish are of course very excited to ramp up and pursue the great opportunities ahead to revolutionize the world of social gaming. Here are some of the articles you may or may not have seen this week:
Coverage Scan – 10th November 10am
Playfish: Flash with money
Wired
http://www.wired.co.uk/wired-magazine/archive/2009/12/play/playfish-flash-with-money.aspx
You might not recognise the name, but if you’re on Facebook you’ve probably played a Playfish game. The Kensington-based company develops free Flash games (including Restaurant City, Bowling Buddies and Country Story) that can be played on platforms from Bebo to iPhone.
Business big shot: Kristian Segerstrale, computer games entrepreneur
The Times
Dan Sabbagh
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/technology/
article6910402.ece
Kristian Segerstrale may be only 32, but yesterday the London-based computer games entrepreneur sold his second company, earning himself £6.9 million. Playfish, which makes games such as Pet Society for Facebook, was snapped up by Electronic Arts for $275 million (£165 million) in cash, a $25 million retention bonus and $100 million of possible earn-out payments if profit targets are met.
Playfish sells to Electronic Arts in deal worth up to $400m
The Guardian
Bobbie Johnson
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2009/nov/09/playfish-ea
London-based social gaming startup Playfish is celebrating after striking a $400m (£240m) deal to join the world’s biggest games publisher, Electronic Arts.
Playfish hooked by EA for £170m
BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8351425.stm
The US video game publisher Electronic Arts has paid $275m (£170m) in cash, plus $25m in share options, for two-year old gaming company Playfish.
Not Playing Around. EA Buys Playfish For $300 Million, Plus a $100 Million Earnout.
TechCrunch
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/09/not-playing-around-electronic-arts-buys-
playfish-for-275-million/
After lengthy negotiations, Electronic Arts closed it’s anticipated acquisition of social gaming startup Playfish for $275 million in cash. An additional $25 million in stock will be set aside for retaining the top talent at the startup, and another $100 million in earnouts are part of the deal as well if the business hits certain milestones.
Interview: EAi, Playfish On Bringing Electronic Arts Brands to Social Networks
Gamasutra
Leigh Alexander
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25997
As Electronic Arts acquires social gaming company Playfish today for $300 million, both companies see the deal as a major step to leadership in the fastest-growing space in gaming.
The Future of Gaming: 5 Social Predictions
Mashable
Ben Parr
http://mashable.com/2009/11/09/gaming-predictions/
Earlier today, video gaming giant Electronic Arts (EA) announced its blockbuster acquisition of the Facebook/social gaming company Playfish for between $300-400 million.
EA picks up Playfish for social gaming push
Cnet
Don Reisinger
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10393212-17.html
Video game developer Electronic Arts announced on Monday that it has acquired social-gaming company Playfish, paying $275 million in cash and $25 million in “equity-retention arrangements.” Playfish also is entitled to up to $100 million if it meets performance milestones by December 31, 2011.
Electronic Arts splashes the cash for Playfish
Tech Herald
Stevie Smith
http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200946/4762/Electronic-Arts-splashes-
the-cash-for-Playfish
Despite announcing an imminent spate of scythe swinging through some 1,500 job positions (around 17 percent of its total workforce), heavyweight videogame publisher Electronic Arts has revealed the business-boosting acquisition of social games specialist Playfish.
EA-Playfish: Social Gaming Deals Gain Buzz
Business Week
Doug MacMillan
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/nov2009/tc20091110_474231.htm
Electronic Arts’ acquisition underscores booming demand for online social games and may prompt rival game publishers to follow suit
EA buying Playfish in $300 million deal
San Francisco Chronicle
Ryan Kim
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/09/BUUK1AHJ5C.DTL
Social gaming, a rising niche built atop platforms such as Facebook, took a big step toward legitimacy on Monday when video game giant Electronic Arts said it was acquiring Playfish for $300 million.
Electronic Arts Buys Playfish, a Social Games Start-Up
New York Times
Claire Cain Miller
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/electronic-arts-buys-playfish-the-social-games-start-up/
Electronic Arts, the video game company, announced Monday that it had acquired Playfish, one maker of the social-network-based games that have become so popular this year.
Electronic Arts Acquires Playfish for $300M
PC Mag
Chloe Albanesius
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355641,00.asp
Electronic Arts on Monday announced that it has acquired social network gaming company Playfish for $300 million.
Electric Arts’ net loss grows in second quarter
Market Watch
Dan Gallagher
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/electronic-arts-net-loss-grows-in-second-quarter-2009-11-09
Electronic Arts Inc. said Monday afternoon that its net loss grew in the second fiscal quarter as sales of its video game titles declined from the same period last year, though the results beat Wall Street’s expectations.
What EA Sees in Social Gamer Playfish
Business Week
Jack Ewing
http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/nov2009/gb2009119_311117.htm
Electronic Arts’ acquisition of London-based Playfish shows what a powerhouse social networking has become for the video game industry
Electronic Arts picks up social gaming leader Playfish
San Francisco Chronicle
Ryan Kim
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/techchron/detail?&entry_id=51293#ixzz0WRb0dwMp
Electronic Arts is getting in on the social gaming trend in a big way by buying Playfish for $275 million in cash with $25 million thrown in for an “equity retention arrangement.”
UPDATE 3-Electronic Arts buys social game maker Playfish
Reuters
Franklin Paul
http://www.reuters.com/article/asiaMergersNews/idUSN0928293120091110
Electronic Arts Inc maker of the “Madden NFL” series of video games, bought venture capital-backed Playfish for $275 million in cash plus other consideration, seeking to expand into the growing social gaming sector.
Coverage Scan – 9th November 6pm
Playfish COO: On Joining EA, and how it avoided using ‘scammy’ offer ads
Paid Content
Tameka Kee
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-playfish-coo-on-joining-ea-and-how-it-avoided-using-scammy-offer-ads-/
In the midst of the EA acquisition news, paidContent managed to corral Sebastien de Halleux, Playfish’s COO, to get more details on how the deal came about—as well as how the company avoided getting tainted by the stigma of deceptive ads in social games.
Accel Partners and Index Ventures announce Exit of portfolio company Playfish
PR Newswire
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accel-partners-and-index-ventures-announce-exit-of-portfolio-company-playfish-to-electronic-arts-69571277.html
Index Ventures and Accel Partners, two leading global venture capital firms, today announce the sale of portfolio company Playfish Inc. to Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS). Playfish was acquired for a consideration of up to $400 million including an earnout of up to $100 million and excluding cash balances.
Electronic Arts Acquires Playfish Games
IGN
Jim Reilly
http://uk.games.ign.com/articles/104/1043271p1.html
In an effort to gain traction in the growing social gaming and digital spaces, Electronic Arts announced today a $300 million dollar deal to acquire developer Playfish, a company that focuses on creating games for the Facebook, iPhone and Android platforms, among many others.
EA: $100m at stake on Playfish performance
Develop
Rob Crossley
http://www.develop-online.net/news/33221/100m-at-stake-on-Playfish-performance
Playfish’s price tag could peak at $400 million. Electronic Arts’ could pay out as much as $400 million in total for its acquisition of social network game studio Playfish.
Playfish CEO, July 2009: “EA is a Dinosaur- But that was before $300 million”
Techcrunch
Mike Butcher
http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/11/09/playfish-ceo-july-2009-ea-is-a-dinosaur-%e2%80%94-but-that-was-before-300-million/
Ever since an exclusive gathering of startups and VCs at a Hampshire Hotel last year, Kristian Segerstrale, CEO and Co-founder of Playfish, has made no secret of his desire to take the social gaming fight into the very heart of the established gaming industry.
Electronic Arts hooks Playfish
Yahoo
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/20091109/tc_afp/lifestyleusbritaincompanyvideogameseaplayfish
US videogame publisher Electronic Arts announced on Monday it has acquired London-based social network game maker Playfish in a deal that could be worth up to 400 million dollars. EA said it had bought Playfish, which makes games for Facebook, MySpace and other social networks, for 275 million dollars in cash and 25 million dollars in equity retention arrangements for employees.
EA to pay $275m cash for Playfish
Financial Times
Tim Bradshaw and David Gelles
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a56b5e52-cd4a-11de-a748-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=4dce8136-4a24-11da-b8b1-0000779e2340.html
Electronic Arts has entered the fast-growing market for games on social networks with its $400m purchase of Playfish. Playfish, known for games on Facebook such as Pet Society and Restaurant City, will join EA’s interactive division. EA’s deal is comprised of around $275m in cash and $25m in shares, with a further $100m dependent on performance until the end of 2011.
Electronic Arts to buy Playfish for up to $400 million
Barrons Online
Eric Savitz
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/11/09/electronic-arts-to-buy-playfish-for-up-to-400-million/
Electronic Arts (ERTS) this morning said it will acquire Playfish, a creator of social network games. Terms call for ERTS to pay $275 million in cash and about $25 million equity retention agreements; the company will pay out up to another $100 million in cash contingent on certain performance milestones through the end of 2011.
Electronic Arts acquires Playfish for $275M
The Toronto Star
http://www.thestar.com/business/article/723217–electronic-arts-acquires-playfish-for-275m
As its packaged video games business lags, Electronic Arts Inc. has snapped up Playfish Inc., the creator of popular social networking games such as “Who Has the Biggest Brain” and “Pet Society,” for $275 million in cash. With the acquisition, EA is diving further into the lucrative world of social online games, which tens of millions of people play on Facebook, MySpace, the iPhone and other platforms.
EA aquires Playfish for $300 Million
Digital Battle
http://www.digitalbattle.com/2009/11/09/ea-acquires-playfish-for-300-million/
EA has announced that they’ve acquired social network game developer PlayFish for 300 million dollars. PlayFish, which makes games for social networks such as Facebook and Myspace, will receive an additional $100 million if certain sales/revenue goals are met before 2012.
EA buys Playfish for $400 million, jumps into social games
LA Times
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/11/ea-buys-playfish-for-400-million.html
Electronic Arts, looking to jump into the exploding market for games on social networks, this morning said it has agreed to buy Playfish in a deal valued at $400 million.
Electronic Arts acquires Playfish for $275 million
BusinessWeek
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9BS339O2.htm
Video game publisher Electronic Arts says it has acquired Playfish, a privately held company that makes social network games, for $275 million in cash.
Coverage Scan – 9th November 5pm
Electronic Arts Acquires Playfish
Business Wire
http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20091109005868&newsLang=en
‘Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced it has acquired Playfish™, a leading creator of social network games. The acquisition accelerates EA’s position in social entertainment and strengthens its focus on the transition to digital and social gaming’.
Electronic Arts buys Playfish for $275 mln cash
MarketWatch
http://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/ERTS?siteid=rss
‘Electronic Arts Inc. said Monday morning that it has acquired Playfish, a maker of social network games, for $275 million in cash’.
Electronic Arts buys Playfish for $275 million
MSN Money
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&date=20091109&id=10683218
‘Electronic Arts says it has acquired Playfish, a privately held company that makes social games, for $275 million in cash. Electronic Arts says the purchase will help it transition into gaming among online communities’.
It’s true: EA buys Playfish
Develop Magazine
Michael French
http://www.develop-online.net/news/33220/Its-true-EA-buys-Playfish
‘Reports of $250m+ acquisition confirmed after weeks of speculation. Electronic Arts has confirmed plans to buy social games firm Playfish for over $250m’.
Not Playing around. EA buys Playfish for $300 million, plus a $100 million earnout
Techcrunch
Erick Schonfeld
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/11/09/not-playing-around-electronic-arts-buys-playfish-for-275-million/
‘After lengthy negotiations, Electronic Arts closed its anticipated acquisition of social gaming startup Playfish for $275 million in cash. An additional $25 million in stock will be set aside for retaining the top talent at the startup, and another $100 million in earnouts are part of the deal as well if the business hits certain milestones’.
Electronic Arts aquires social networking games company Playfish for $275 million in cash
Orlando Sentinel
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/nationworld/sns-ap-us-electronic-arts-playfish,0,2792102.story
‘Electronic Arts says it has acquired Playfish, a privately held company that makes social games, for $275 million in cash. Electronic Arts says the purchase will help it transition into gaming among online communities’.
EA buys Playfish
MCV UK
Michael French
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/36423/EA-buys-Playfish
‘Reports of $250m+ acquisition confirmed after weeks of speculation. Electronic Arts has confirmed plans to buy social games firm Playfish for over $250m’.
EA confirms $300m Playfish acquisition
Games Industry.biz
Matt Martin
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-confirms-USD300m-playfish-acquisition
‘Electronic Arts has confirmed that it has acquired social games company Playfish for USD 275 million in cash and USD 25 million in equity retention arrangements. EA also said that the sellers are entitled to up to USD 100 million if they achieveme “certain performance milestones through December 31, 2011.’
EA confirms $300 million Playfish Acquisition
Gamasutra
Leigh Alexander
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25995
‘Electronic Arts finally broke its silence on weeks of speculation today, confirming its acquisition of social gaming giant Playfish. The deal is valued at $275 million — plus $25 million in equity retention arrangements, even higher than the $250 million originally rumored.’
The Deal’s Done: EA Acquires Playfish for $275 Million Up-Front, Plus $100 million earnout
Paidcontent
Tameka Kee
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-the-deals-done-ea-acquires-playfish-for-275-million-up-front-plus-100-m/
‘Playfish said no once, twice … but perhaps the third time was the charm. The hot social gaming company has been acquired by Electronic Arts, in a deal potentially worth $400 million’.
It’s true: EA buys Playfish
Casualgaming.biz
Michael French
http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/29453/Its-true-EA-buys-Playfish
‘Electronic Arts has confirmed plans to buy social games firm Playfish for over $250m. The news confirms reports from last month that the games publisher was acquiring the Facebook experts.’
EA Acquires Pet Society Creator Playfish
Kotaku
Mike Fahey
http://kotaku.com/5400333/ea-acquires-pet-society-creator-playfish
‘And you thought you spent a lot of money on Pet Society. EA just spent $300 million on leading social network game creator Playfish, the team behind Pet Society, Restaurant City, and Country Story.’
Electronic Arts Buys Playfish For At Least $275 Million
Global Finance Magazine
http://www.gfmag.com/latestnews/latest-news.html?newsid=3574189.0
‘Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) acquired social-network games maker Playfish for at least $275 million as the videogame company looks to strengthen its position in the growing Internet and wireless gaming segment. Playfish will become part of EA’s interactive business, which includes its EA Mobile unit.’
Electronic Arts Acquires Social Network games maker Playfish
I4Unews
Luigi Lugmayr
http://www.i4u.com/article28214.html
‘Electronic Arts today announced it has acquired Playfish, a creator of social network games. Playfish will operate within EA Interactive, a division of EA focused on the web and on wireless.’
EA to Acquire Playfish for $275 Million
Wall Street Journal
Tess Stynes
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704402404574525473636440080.html
‘Electronic Arts Inc. agreed to acquire social-network games maker Playfish for at least $275 million as the videogame publisher looks to strengthen its position in the growing Internet and wireless gaming segment.’
EA Acquires Facebook Game Maker Playfish for up to $400 Million
Mashable
Ben Parr
http://mashable.com/2009/11/09/ea-acquires-playfish-2/
‘If you needed proof that social gaming is huge business, look no further than today’s blockbuster news.Video gaming giant Electronics Arts (EA for short) just announced that it has acquired the social gaming company Playfish for a deal that could be worth up to $400 million.’
Electronic Arts acquires Playfish for (maybe) $400 million
Webpronews
Doug Caverly
http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2009/11/09/ea-acquires-playfish-for-maybe-400-million
‘Social network games – and by extension, social networks themselves – received a strong endorsement this morning as a major acquisition was announced. Electronic Arts has bought Playfish, a maker of said games, for at least $300 million.’
EA buys social gaming firm Playfish for $400m
Brand Republic
http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/965321/EA-buys-social-gaming-firm-Playfish-400m/
‘Electronic Arts has Acquired social networking games firm Playfish, which has developed games for Facebook and MySpace, for as much as $400m. EA said the acquisition strengthened its social entertainment offering and increased its focus on the transition from to digital and social gaming.’
EA confirms Playfish Acquisition
Mobile Entertainment
Stuart O’Brien
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/34986/EA-confirms-Playfish-acquisition
‘The news confirms reports from last month that the games publisher was acquiring the Facebook experts. Playfish will operate within EA Interactive, a division of EA focused on the web and on wireless.’
Electronics Arts buys Social game maker Playfish
Reuters
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5A83HH20091109?rpc=401
‘Electronic Arts Inc has acquired privately held Playfish for $275 million in cash plus other considerations, as the maker of the “Madden NFL” series extends into the growing social gaming sector. Two-year-old Playfish, headquartered in London, makes games for people to play on computers with their family and friends, unlike traditional video games that need dedicated consoles.’
Electronics Arts buys social game maker Playfish
Interactive Investor
http://www.iii.co.uk/news/?type=afxnews&articleid=7617621&action=article
‘Electronic Arts Inc has acquired privately held Playfish for $275 million in cash plus other considerations, as the maker of the “Madden NFL” series extends into the growing social gaming sector. Two-year-old Playfish, headquartered in London, makes games for people to play on computers with their family and friends, unlike traditional video games that need dedicated consoles.’
Electronic Arts Acquires Playfish for $400 Million
Bloomberg
Adam Satariano and Ari Levy
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601204&sid=aKWEhsOwQmCI
‘Electronic Arts Inc., the world’s second largest video-game publisher, will acquire Playfish Inc., a maker of games played on Facebook’s Web Site, for $400 million in a bet that social networking will be a platform for growth.’
