EA Puts Significant Investment in Developing "Games as a Platform"
However, the company says that despite this focus, it will still continue to release standalone titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
Electronic Arts has stated that it envisions its future in the development of "games as a platform," leveraging the success it has had with live service models in games like FIFA, The Sims, and Apex Legends.
During an earnings call that followed the company's recent financial results, answering an investor's question about the influence of macroeconomic uncertainty on consumer spending, EA CEO Andrew Wilson noted that during such times, some consumers gravitate towards familiar brands, which works in EA's favor.
"What we typically see is consumers move towards the biggest brands and the biggest titles and the most recognizable experiences. And that really comes down to kind of general consumer behavior, which is they have less money that they're willing to risk against new things or smaller things or unknown things," Wilson said. "And typically, our brands like FIFA, like Madden, like The Sims have performed very well at these times."
The head of EA, however, acknowledged the potential for new titles and brands to emerge as consumer spending increases. He also pointed out that the gaming industry is evolving, with the definition of a "game" expanding to encompass more comprehensive social ecosystems that serve as platforms.
"As we think about building [EA Sports] FC for the future, The Sims, Battlefield, Apex, Skate and other properties in our portfolio, we really think about that in the context of building games as a platform or content as a platform to drive these long-term businesses across [our pillars of] play, watch, create, connect," Wilson said.
"We think this will be longer-lasting than the present kind of macroeconomic climate. And certainly, that's where we're investing meaningful parts of our time, money and resources over the coming years."
Wilson, however, emphasized that this does not mean EA is disregarding the potential for launching individual titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. He clarified that while a significant portion of the company's investment will be directed towards games that appeal to large online communities, it will still "follow up with a more focused, deliberate investment against telling blockbuster interactive stories."
You can learn more by reading the full transcript of EA's earnings call here. Also, don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.
