Electronic Arts is shifting the focus of its Originals imprint from independent studios to larger projects and AAA titles.
Jeff Gamon, CEO of EA Partners and Originals Brand Supervisor, said in a recent interview (thanks, GamesIndustry.biz) that following their success with It Takes Two, they’re “stepping away from the niche and into the mainstream.” bold and daring.”
“We discovered a desire for bigger, better, and more innovative titles to complement EA’s portfolio. We started with smaller indie games. Now we’re moving into indie games of all shapes and sizes, scope and of any budget.”
This raises some questions about the ethos of EA Originals, with its guiding goal of bringing public attention to smaller studios. Now, it looks like those studios and their projects could be scrapped in favor of profit margins.
“We talk about our reputation. I think EA Originals is unique in the industry in the way we partner with studios. We invest not only commercially, but also emotionally.”
One wonders what success under the EA Originals banner means for studios, as Respawn Entertainment succeeded through a partnership with EA and was later acquired.
With EA Originals partnerships, the intent is meant to strengthen areas where indie studios fall short, allowing them to succeed in an increasingly competitive market, even if it’s later in a title’s life via the EA Originals service. EA subscription EA Play.
While this may mark the start of a change in philosophy in the practices of EA Originals, Gamon seems determined to stay true to its founding values, so we’ll have to wait and see what the future holds for the label.
