EA has acquired one of Australia’s largest developers, Firemint.
The developer behind such megahits as Flight Control and Real Racing on the iPhone, became one of Australia’s largest developer following the demise of Krome earlier this year. It also itself made an acquisition – picking up fellow Melbourne developer, Infinite Interactive (the guys behind the awesome Puzzle Quest series).
The acquisition is expected to be completed in a few weeks, and boosts EA’s iPhone and mobile gaming credentials, having already taken over iOS publishing specialists, Chillingo.
What the publisher will set Firemint to do remains at this stage unknown. That said, by looking at the Chillingo acquisition, we’re predicting EA will rule with a light touch. It seems to be making acqusitions to broaden its portfolio, not dictate to it.
Looks like EA is really throwing a lot of money at this iOS business. It’s good to see an Australian developer rise to global significance again. Rockstar’s Sydney-based Team Bondi was looking a little lonely out there by itself at the top.
