Codemasters is now part of Electronic Arts. The acquisition became official today.
In a press release, Electronic Arts announced the completion of its acquisition. The deal values Codemasters at $1.2 billion. The company is best known for its racing games, including Formula 1, Dirt, and GRID. Codemasters also owns Project CARS developer Slightly Mad Studios.
“This is the beginning of an exciting new era for racing games and content as we bring together the talented teams at Electronic Arts and Codemasters,” says EA CEO Andrew Wilson.
EA already has a strong foothold in the racing genre. In the early 2000s, the company’s Need for Speed franchise was a top-selling game every year. They also own another major racing series in the form of Burnout. So the acquisition of Codemasters makes EA a racing gaming juggernaut.
The acquisition almost didn’t happen. In November, it was announced that Take-Two would purchase Codemasters for $1 billion. However, in a surprise move, EA outbid them in December. Take-Two owns Rockstar Games and 2K.
EA has been on a buying binge as of late. The company just announced earlier this month that it is buying Glu Mobile in a deal worth $2.1 billion.
