PC gaming news: EA to acquire Codemasters, close Star Wars hotel
Key Points:
- Electronic Arts (EA) is set to acquire Codemasters, the renowned British racing game developer, for $1.2 billion.
- EA plans to expand its racing game offerings with Codemasters’ key franchises, such as F1, Dirt, and Project Cars.
- However, the acquisition is still subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearance, and other customary closing conditions.
- In a surprising move, EA also announced that it will shut down its upcoming Star Wars-themed immersive hotel, which was being developed in collaboration with Disney.
- The hotel, called Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, was supposed to open in 2021 near Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. No reason was given for the cancellation.
Hot Take:
EA continues to make bold moves in the video game industry, as it seeks to cement its leading position in the PC gaming market. While the acquisition of Codemasters may raise concerns about consolidation and creative freedom, it also promises to elevate the quality and innovation of racing games for PC players. On the other hand, the cancellation of the Star Wars hotel is a blow to fans who were eagerly anticipating an immersive experience in a galaxy far, far away. Perhaps EA should focus on delivering great games first before branching out into ambitious but risky ventures.
Original article: https://www.pcmag.com/news/disney-scraps-plans-for-billion-dollar-orlando-office-complex