In the last few days, third party behemoth Electronic Arts successfully acquired development studios Pandemic and BioWare. EA stated the reasons for the acquisition concerned the company’s attempts at creating more successful RPG and adventure titles.
News concerning most of the Sonic the Hedgehog fanbase is the involvement of BioWare – as many are aware, the developers of Mass Effect were reported to be creating a Sonic RPG exclusively for the Nintendo DS, in co-operation with SEGA.
The fact that BioWare will now be an EA studio raises questions as to the futures of the studio’s upcoming projects. Microsoft went on record to state that Mass Effect will not be affected by the acquisition (maintaining its XBOX 360 exclusive status) but SEGA has yet to be reached for comment concerning the Sonic RPG.
SEGA’s bitter history with Electronic Arts, and considering the two are rivals in the publishing business, have led many to believe this might put any chance of a Sonic RPG – from BioWare at least – on the rocks.
TSS has asked SEGA for comment – keep an eye on Sonic News for the latest news on this development. It might be a long weekend.