EA buys Respawn for $315 million

Respawn Entertainment will soon be part of EA's wholly-owned ring of development studios.

EA today announced that it has agreed to buy Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment for a total of $315 million, with considerations for up to $164 million more provided their games do well enough. The publisher will pay $151 million in cash to acquire the studio, and up to $164 million in stock options along with an "additional variable cash consideration of up to $140 million that is contingent upon achievement of certain performance milestones, relationg to the development of future titles, through the end of calendar 2022."

Respawn is currently developing a number of projects, including a brand new war-based VR game as well as a third-person action Star Wars game.

"We started Respawn with the goal to create a studio with some of the best talent in the industry, and to be a top developer of innovative games," said Vince Zampella, CEO of Respawn Entertainment. "We felt that now was the time to join an industry leader that brings the resources and support we need for long term success, while still keeping our culture and creative freedom. EA has been a great partner over the years with Titanfall and Titanfall 2, and we're excited to combine our strengths. This is a great next step for Respawn, EA, and our players."

"We've seen firsthand the world-class caliber of Respawn as a development studio with incredible vision, deep talent and an inspiring creative mindset," said Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts. "Our longtime partnership is grounded in a shared desire to push the boundaries and deliver extraordinary and innovative new experiences for players around the world. Together, we've brought this to life in the Titanfall franchise, and now with the Respawn team joining EA, we have exciting plans to accomplish even more amazing things in the future."