Just as an independant and stylish developer comes out from under a rock, the gaming industry’s biggest corporation swoops down and snatches them up. Thankfully EA hasn’t purchased the German studios Crytek (developer of Farcry) , but who knows where this will lead.

I hope that EA doesn’t keep them from doing more risky/innovative projects. Who would have thought the Cry Engine was possible?? I bet those tie-wearers at EA wouldn’t have.

Chertsey, UK. – July 23rd, 2004 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS), the world’s leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced a worldwide strategic partnership to develop and publish a new game franchise with developer Crytek GmbH. The agreement builds on Crytek’s success with its first title, the chart-leading first-person shooter, Far Cry, and brings together the creative talent of Crytek with the publishing expertise and unrivalled reach of Electronic Arts. The highly regarded German developer will create an exciting new game franchise for the PC based on original intellectual property. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Bringing original intellectual property to the interactive entertainment market is a key focus for EA,” said Frank Sagnier, vice president, EA Partners Europe. “EAP’s partnership agreement with Crytek is a testament to our commitment to nurturing creative development and we are delighted to be working with one of the brightest talents in Europe to create what we believe will be an innovative gaming experience.”

Cevat Yerli, president of Crytek said, “We are looking forward to this partnership with EA. Our advanced technology and creativity, together with EA’s production support, marketing and sales, means that we have a great opportunity to bring an original gaming experience to our consumers, as well as grow our business. We are thrilled to see this development get underway”.