Electronic Arts Inc. has announced an agreement to acquire Firemint Pty Ltd., a leading independent mobile development studio. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Firemint brings a proven powerhouse of creative talent to EAi says EA, with original hits Flight Control and Real Racing for iPhone® and iPad™, and an attractive future slate of games. The deal is not material to EA overall and is expected to close within four weeks. Financial details are not disclosed. The acquisition is estimated between $20-$40 million.
“The Firemint team is remarkable for its critical and commercial success,” EA Interactive general manager Barry Cottle says.“Having them as part of EAi will accelerate our position as worldwide leader in game development for mobile devices and online gaming platforms.”
The move by EA comes as various entertainment conglomerates attempt to grow their share of the burgeoning mobile market. EA recently acquired mobile development company Mobile Post Production to manage its focus on mobile and tablet gaming markets.
Murray started Firemint in 1999 after he graduated from the University of Queensland with an engineering degree. He initially did programming work for other firms until he discovered the iPhone and its lucrative app store.
