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EA Buys Mobile Developer IronMonkey Studios

by Matt Helgeson on February 22, 2010 at 02:01 PM

2,062 Views

EA is betting big on the mobile and social gaming space, as evidenced by its $400 million acquisition of PlayFish in 2009. Today, the Australian gaming industry site Tsumea reports that EA has purchased the Melbourne based mobile developer IronMonkey Studios. The terms of the deal are unknown.

IronMonkey is known as one of the most reliable mobile developers in the industry, having worked with EA on adaptations of some of its biggest franchises like The Sims 2, Fight Night, and Need for Speed. IronMonkey also developed Kung Fu Panda and SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Mobile Recon for mobile platforms.

It appears that EA thinks that mobile is the future. What do you think? Do you enjoy playing mobile games?

Via Tsumea

Email the author Matt Helgeson, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.

Filed under: News, EA, Electronic Arts, Mobile Gaming, The Sims 2, IronMonkey Studios

Comments

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by Sev Monday, February 22, 2010 at 02:05 PM

Even after laying off so after people, EA just keeps hiring more. Where's the logic?
by Kyate Monday, February 22, 2010 at 02:06 PM

Yea, I don't get it. They just laid off and closed a lot of great game developers, bought PlayFish for millions and now this...wtf O.o?
by AMSacco91090 Monday, February 22, 2010 at 02:15 PM

I can't stand playing mobile games on my palm centro at all.
by **BANNED** Monday, February 22, 2010 at 02:22 PM

EA has lost the plot. The futre is not mobile gaming. Some people do enjoy mobile gaming but its not a massive group.

I guess if IronMonkey is going to work on EA mobile titles it might be cheaper in the long run.
by George Stancer Monday, February 22, 2010 at 02:29 PM

here is ea's strategy lately layoffs, layoffs, buy, layoffs, layoffs, buy. im confused are they in financial trouble or not
by Peter Monday, February 22, 2010 at 03:06 PM

They seem to be making a lot of...strange financial moves now. "The future is in social gaming," now they think the future of gaming lies in mobile games? They're investing in the two branches of gaming that probably make the least amount of money. After all their financial problems, you'd think they wouldn't dig themselves into a deeper hole.
by TheSwordofDoom Monday, February 22, 2010 at 03:17 PM

What people don't understand is that the companies they are purchasing will just make them more money. That is why they fired people and all yet are still buying companies. They never said they were too cash strapped to keep those studios open, or if they did it was because those studios aren't profitable. Ultimately, EA is only worried about how bold of black their bottom line is. It sucks, but you can't fault them...that is how profitable companies are run.
by Ghostpig Monday, February 22, 2010 at 03:22 PM

Way to sell out, IronMonkey. You can kiss you mobile gaming street cred goodbye.
by sack boy fan Monday, February 22, 2010 at 03:44 PM

EA better be careful before it becomes the next Activision
by linktriforce...ridin in the roflcopter Monday, February 22, 2010 at 04:08 PM

NO NOT AT ALL
by Frogman1975 Monday, February 22, 2010 at 04:12 PM

I only play mobile games when I'm waiting for my girlfriend to shop and try on clothes, if at all (I've got a tiny little phone).
by havoc_91 Monday, February 22, 2010 at 05:58 PM

why can't EA just DIE already like a bad company should
by SightofTwilight Monday, February 22, 2010 at 06:49 PM

I wish they would stop firing then buying.I know business is business, but at some you have to draw the line.
by Conner Monday, February 22, 2010 at 07:08 PM

What the heck kind of name is iron monkey.
by The One Who Knocks Monday, February 22, 2010 at 07:33 PM

If it makes them money to support the important work, then am all for it.
by massvideogamer Monday, February 22, 2010 at 08:30 PM

good for them?
by Master Asazi Monday, February 22, 2010 at 08:45 PM

I guess they're putting their money on mobile gaming. I know with current technology that a lot of cool things can be done on mobile platforms but for me a HD setup at home is more appealing.
by IG-88 Monday, February 22, 2010 at 09:00 PM

They just booted Pandemic and now their doing this! WTF!
by IG-88 Monday, February 22, 2010 at 09:03 PM

Oh yeah. What's the whole point of mobile gaming if you can buy a DS or PSP, or PSP Go?
by Victor Martin Monday, February 22, 2010 at 10:27 PM

I thought EA was having financial issues and was in danger of being acquired by other companies. I feel like EA is buying companies with reckless abandon based on a business plan that has failed them so far.