OS Roundtable: The Activision/Take Two Saga -- Where do you see it going?'
Caley Roark: Like the Comcast-NBC transaction, Activision buying Take-Two would mark the continuing decline of corporate diversity in the technology landscape. While this is normally bad for consumers, there may be a positive when it comes to sports gaming.
First, the financial and marketing power of Activision-Blizzard would provide huge benefits to 2K's line of sports games. The money would exist for riskier developments, like the continuation of the Bigs franchise or an HD version of Power Pros. We might see a return of College Hoops, or even another non-NFL football game (an OSer's dream come true).
Secondly, this backing would mean 2K represents more competition for Activition's rival EA. This may translate to quality games, but it may simply mean that exclusive licenses become more sought after, and therefore longer lasting. Perhaps the MLB rights remain at 2K afterall. Of course, these both rely on Activision having an interest in supporting 2K Sports. I suppose there is the possibility that Activision dismantles the 2K sports lineup, or even rolls it into a new Activision Sports brand. From what I understand, 2K Sports is not the big fish at Take-Two. Plus, maybe annual titles are not worth the risk to a new owner.
That said, the Call of Duty franchise release schedule is not that dissimilar from an annual sports title, beyond the fact that the series has two developers working simultaneously. Regardless, I would say that franchise has had a little bit of success.
Read More - OS Roundtable: The Activision/Take Two Saga, Where do you see it going?
Caley Roark: Like the Comcast-NBC transaction, Activision buying Take-Two would mark the continuing decline of corporate diversity in the technology landscape. While this is normally bad for consumers, there may be a positive when it comes to sports gaming.
First, the financial and marketing power of Activision-Blizzard would provide huge benefits to 2K's line of sports games. The money would exist for riskier developments, like the continuation of the Bigs franchise or an HD version of Power Pros. We might see a return of College Hoops, or even another non-NFL football game (an OSer's dream come true).
Secondly, this backing would mean 2K represents more competition for Activition's rival EA. This may translate to quality games, but it may simply mean that exclusive licenses become more sought after, and therefore longer lasting. Perhaps the MLB rights remain at 2K afterall. Of course, these both rely on Activision having an interest in supporting 2K Sports. I suppose there is the possibility that Activision dismantles the 2K sports lineup, or even rolls it into a new Activision Sports brand. From what I understand, 2K Sports is not the big fish at Take-Two. Plus, maybe annual titles are not worth the risk to a new owner.
That said, the Call of Duty franchise release schedule is not that dissimilar from an annual sports title, beyond the fact that the series has two developers working simultaneously. Regardless, I would say that franchise has had a little bit of success.
Read More - OS Roundtable: The Activision/Take Two Saga, Where do you see it going?
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