EA's Strategy: Battlefield 6, The Sims, and Licensed Titles
Laura Miele, President of EA Entertainment, recently gave an interview to Variety, sharing important updates on the company's major projects. These include the upcoming release of Battlefield 6, the future direction of The Sims, and EA's continued work with popular Disney and Marvel licenses.
Battlefield 6 Not Competing with GTA 6
Electronic Arts has announced that the highly anticipated Battlefield 6 will launch on October 10. This release window was previously rumored for Grand Theft Auto VI, but Laura Miele clarified that EA's timing for Battlefield 6 was planned well in advance, long before any changes to Rockstar's schedule.
“We were always completely focused on this autumn release and aimed to deliver work of the highest caliber,” Miele stated. She explained that the Electronic Arts team chose not to play 'what if?' with their release schedule. Instead, they decided to launch Battlefield 6 during what they believed was the optimal period, taking into account the project’s scale and potential. Miele emphasized their dedication to the game:
“We really worked hard with the team and with ourselves, honestly, not to be distracted by what was happening around us. But we always said that with such an investment and the potential of the franchise, we would not jeopardize the project and would not release the game in the influence zone of something very large. We certainly kept that [GTA 6's release] in mind, considered different scenarios, but remained focused and did not allow ourselves to play the 'what if?' game with schedules and development. We told ourselves: no, we need to see this through, because the opportunity is so great, and the potential is so significant for the company.”
The Sims to Evolve, No Sims 5 on the Horizon
Battlefield 6 isn't EA's only major focus. Miele also discussed the ongoing development of a multiplayer version of The Sims, which is set to become a key area for the company's growth. The team is working on updating the technology, adding new game modes, and improving the core user experience, including mobile versions and 'cozy' games.
Instead of creating a traditional sequel like The Sims 5, EA is concentrating on evolving the existing ecosystem. Miele explained the reasoning:
“I wouldn't want gamers to have to start from scratch, lose everything they've created, and give up all the content they've bought over these years. Over the last ten years, we’ve released more than 85 expansion packs for The Sims 4, so devaluing that is not very good towards players and not the best idea for our community.”
Additionally, EA is collaborating with Amazon MGM Studios and Margot Robbie's production company, LuckyChap Entertainment, on a movie based on The Sims—a project that has been discussed for years. Miele noted that Electronic Arts is exploring exciting opportunities for cross-platform interaction between the game and the film, promising a unique experience for fans.
Apex Legends and Other Licensed Projects
Regarding Apex Legends, Miele hinted at a potential television or film adaptation for the franchise. She highlighted the rich history and diverse characters of Apex Legends that could come to life in new media.
Despite the cancellation of the Black Panther game in May, Electronic Arts remains actively engaged with Disney and Marvel licenses. The publisher's current portfolio includes the third installment of Star Wars Jedi, the mobile game Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, the MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, Marvel’s Iron Man, and other announced and unannounced projects.
Miele expressed confidence that EA is maintaining a good balance between its own major series and its partner franchises. “Battlefield, The Sims, Apex, and Skate – these are significant investments and serious work for our teams. We are focused on growing these large communities while effectively collaborating with strong brands,” Miele concluded. This balanced approach suggests that players can look forward to continued development of EA's beloved core franchises alongside new experiences featuring popular characters from other major entertainment brands.
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