This past week Electronic Arts announced the acquisition of DICE, the well known developer of the [i]Battlefield[/i] series. The merger, effective immediately, makes DICE an integrated part of EA that will still continue to develop it's award wining [i]Battlefield[/i] games the latest release of which, [i]Battlefield 2142[/i], will be released in stores this month. Representatives on both sides did have something to say about the merger. Paul Lee, President of EA Worldwide Studios, offered the comment that EA was "thrilled to officially welcome this team of incredibly talented people” and that "The DICE studio has strong opportunity for growth..”and that “We're confident that our creative approach and business leadership principles are well matched to share future success.” The CEO of DICE, Patrick Soderlund , said that this merger was “a very natural step” for the company as it moves into “the next generation of gaming." Soderlund will become an EA Studio General Manager under the new arrangement, remaining in charge of DICE and it's employees, who will remain in Stockholm. The shareholders will be paid 67.42 dollars per share of stock on October 16th.
Nick McCavitt at nmccavitt@mygamer.com