EA Moving Away From Wii Development?

25 Nov 2009 at 12:51:00 by Andy Alderson

EA has stated it will prioritise “big, blockbuster-type titles” over Wii development.

EA Montreal’s Alain Tascan told Edge that the label will shift its focus to HD quality titles, rather than the casual titles aimed at the Wii audience.

"The Wii market is a little bit unpredictable these days," said Tascan.

"We’re going to see how Christmas is going to do and while with the Wii we have had very successful titles, we are going to focus on big, blockbuster-type titles. It doesn't mean that we are going to abandon the Wii, but as a studio we want to be ready for new challenges."  

Tascan’s comments echo those made by EA CEO john Riccitiello recently when he expressed his disappointment at Wii sales in an earnings call.

“To be honest with you, I think the Wii platform has been a little weaker than we had certainly anticipated. And there is no lack of frustration to be doing that at precisely the time where we have the strongest third-party share," he said told GamesIndustry.biz. 

"Frankly, I think they need more beats in the year than they get out of a first-party slate – to be able to have the Wii software platform perform as well as they would like. We are building the products that I think the most highly rated on the platform and at this point in time, generating the most revenue of any third-party platform."

The change in focus would also fit in with EA’s recent acquisition of social network gaming company Playfish, indicating a move away from the Wii for casual titles.

Do you think EA is right to pursue this strategy? Let us know in the comments section.

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