EA casts its net further, acquires PopCap

In what’s looking to be a huge year for Electronic Arts, the goliath publisher has acquired Bejeweled and Plants vs. Zombies developer PopCap for $750 million. This comes on the heels of EA launching its re-branded digital distribution service, Origin. Given the much publicized disappearance of Crysis 2 from Steam over “business terms” – specifically, the requirement that DLC and updates be processed through Steam servers – along with the impending launch of Battlefield 3 (which is also only available for pre-order on Origin), appears to indicate a triumvirate of big business expansions this year. With the acquisition of PopCap, EA have positioned themselves well to dominate the core and casual markets, no doubt aiming their sights firmly at Activision Blizzard and Zynga.

“We picked EA because they have recast their culture around making great digital games,” said PopCap CEO David Roberts of the acquisition. “By working with EA, we’ll scale our games and services to deliver more social, mobile, casual fun to an even bigger, global audience.” EA CEO John Riccitellio echoed Roberts’ sentiment, noting that “EA”s global studio and publishing network will help PopCap rapidly expand their business to more digital devices, more countries, and more channels.”

[Gamasutra: Electronic Arts Confirms $750M PopCap Acquisition, $550M Earnout]