Disney Eyeing EA? Dec 12, 2008
December 11, 2008 - EA spent much of 2008 pursuing an acquisition of Take-Two Interactive, but will EA become the hunted in 2009. That's the speculation that is flying after the "Heard on the Street" column in Wednesday's edition of The Wall Street Journal speculated that the Walt Disney Company might be preparing to bid on EA.. (IGN PC Games)
The Year's Best Funds? Dec 11, 2008
Its top holdings recently included Take-Two Interactive (Nasdaq: TTWO) and Diebold (NYSE: DBD), along with more than 25% of its assets in cash. Forester Value (FVALX): Down just 3. (MSNBC -- Business)
EA cuts outlook on weak holiday sales Dec 10, 2008
December 10, 2008 in. The surprise announcement drove shares of the video game publisher down 10 percent in after-hours trading, on top of an 11. (Scientific American)
EA, Take-Two adopt Nvidia PhysX Dec 10, 2008
Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive Software are adopting Nvidia's PhysX technology, bringing more realistic gaming to the PC. The largest graphics chip supplier announced this week that Electronic Arts and Take-Two have licensed its PhysX technology as a development platform. Nvidia got its physics technology in February. (GameSpot)
Growth of ads in video games still far away Dec 6, 2008
Strauss Zelnick, executive chairman of Take-Two Interactive Inc, maker of the hit "Grand Theft Auto" franchise, said that one problem lies in the chance that recognizing an ad in a game is distracting. Advertising that truly captures the attention of the consumer is going to take that user "out of the entertainment experience," Zelnick said. (Washington Post -- Technology)
Media execs see deal opportunities in downturn Dec 6, 2008
Take Two Interactive Software Inc CEO Strauss Zelnick, who turned down a takeover bid from larger video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc this year, said he expects more innovative dealmaking ahead. "What you may see are stock-for-stock transactions, where people say, 'we don't really care about the stock value because the relevant fundamentals look attractive and there are synergies," he said. (Scientific American)
Industry sales good so far: Take-Two Dec 5, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Black Friday sales for the video games industry were probably better than expected, but that's no guarantee of strong sales for the rest of the holiday season, Take Two Interactive Software Inc Chief Executive Strauss Zelnick said on Thursday. "I think everyone was encouraged by Black Friday," Zelnick told the Reuters Media Summit in New York, referring to the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday that marks the start of the holiday shopping season. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
'Games Are The Convergence Of Everything' Dec 4, 2008
But Levine, creative director of game developer 2K Boston (owned by Take-Two Interactive), is the puppet master behind the 2007 critical hit, which was recently released for the PlayStation 3. He also worked on some of gaming's most treasured cult classics--if not necessarily financial successes--like "System Shock 2" and "Thief." It is an impressive resume for a. (Forbes -- Technology)
David Fleming Nov 21, 2008
In response, Take Two Interactive, a competing video game maker, stepped up offers to retired players to appear in its games ... In a Feb. 22, 2006, e-mail, Walker explained to Paul Cairns, then-vice president for business affairs at Electronic Arts, "The per-player price for most of these guys was tens of thousands of dollars less than what they were guaranteed by Take Two Interactive, so it's a real coup that we were able to pull this off so cheaply;We know that Take Two offered six-figure... (ESPN -- Football News)
2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer to Honor the Pre-Season 2K Sports New York State High School All-Star Team at Championship Game Nov 19, 2008
Source: Take-Two Interactive Software ... NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ), announced today the top 21 high school basketball players selected for the pre-season 2008 2K Sports New York State High School All-Star Team ... About Take-Two Interactive Software. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
National Geographic enters the sea of video games Nov 18, 2008
Chris Mate, previously an executive with Take-Two Interactive Software and Bethesda Softworks, was named GM of NGG.. NGG is expected to focus on building games that further its theme of spreading geographic knowledge. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Sector Snap: Activision, EA decline Nov 16, 2008
"Grand Theft Auto" publisher Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., whose "NBA 2K9" game made it into the top 10 best-selling titles in October, rose 23 cents to $10. 92. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Videogame makers predict jingle bells at registers Nov 14, 2008
Strauss Zelnick, executive chairman of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc, maker of the blockbuster "Grand Theft Auto" series, said overall holiday shopping "doesn't look very promising" for those who do not have huge hits on the shelves. "I'm concerned that it's going to be a pretty rough holiday season," he said. (Scientific American)
Cold Reality For Video Games Nov 13, 2008
Rivals Take-Two Interactive fell 9. 7 percent, or 1. (New York Post -- Business)
2K Sports Signs National League Cy Young Award Winner Tim Lincecum of San Francisco Giants(R) as Cover Athlete for Major League Baseball(R) 2K9 Nov 12, 2008
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ), announced today that National League Cy Young Award winner, Tim Lincecum of the San Francisco Giants, will be featured as the cover athlete and spokesman for next year's highly anticipated baseball video game, Major League Baseball 2K9 ... About Take-Two Interactive Software ... Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer,... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Buy Quality in Quantity Nov 5, 2008
When Take-Two Interactive (Nasdaq: TTWO) sold $500 million worth of Grand Theft Auto IV in its first week on the market back in April, it became the fastest-selling video game of all time. Take-Two's reward. (MSNBC -- Business)
Gaming Gets A Tail Clip Nov 4, 2008
(For example, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" continues to sell well for Take-Two Interactive Software (nasdaq: - - ), even though a newer version of the franchise is available. . (Forbes -- Technology)
Electronic Arts Lowers Forecast, Plans Job Cuts Oct 31, 2008
"Longer term, we are very bullish on the game sector overall and on EA in particular. The industry is growing double-digits on the strength of three new game consoles and increases in the number of homes with broadband internet connections, Riccitiello said. EA pursued talks to buy rival Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) earlier in the year, but negotiations fell apart in September. The Grand Theft Auto creator rejected EAs $2 billion offer saying it was too low. The companys... (Fox News)
EA Warns of Slowdown, Cuts; Shares Sink Oct 31, 2008
" The company said the work-force cuts will save about $50 million before taxes annually. Job cuts had been expected after EA decided about a month ago to end production of its "Tiberium" game. The job cuts Electronic Arts announced won't be focused on one particular area of Electronic Arts, Brown said. In September, Electronic Arts ended its $2 billion bid for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (TTWO), publisher of the hit "Grand Theft Auto" game series. EA had hoped the acquisition would boost... (SmartMoney)
EA Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2009 Results Oct 31, 2008
Electronic Arts incurred significant legal, banking and other consulting fees related to the Companys proposed acquisition and related cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. On August 18, 2008, the Company allowed the tender offer to expire without purchasing any shares of Take-Two and, on September 14, 2008, the Company announced that it had terminated discussions with, and would not be making a proposal to acquire, Take-Two. The costs... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Preschool Play Date Oct 30, 2008
October 28, 2008 - , a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), and Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids, today announced the debut of the popular Dora the Explorer character on the Wii home video game system from Nintendo ... About Take-Two Interactive Software ... Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC,... (IGN PS2)
EA Banks On Spore, Madden Oct 29, 2008
Even though EA's plans to take over "Grand Theft Auto IV" publisher Take-Two Interactive (nasdaq: - - ) fizzled out in September, Electronic Arts is still on target to meet the goal laid out by Chief Executive John Riccitello of $6 billion in annual revenues by fiscal year 2011, Pachter says. The end of the year will see more strong EA products: The company is selling its first bundle of creature parts for "Spore"--virtual items that offer more customizing options for the game's creature... (Forbes -- Technology)
What should Apple do with all its extra cash? Oct 28, 2008
Apple needs to acquire Take-Two Interactive Software and Sega. The reason why is quite simple: there's no differentiation in the video game market, unless first-party games or exclusives make their way to particular consoles. (CNET News)
Q-Tip and The Cool Kids to Headline 4th Annual 2K Sports Bounce Tour Oct 28, 2008
Source: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ... NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ), announced today details for the 4th annual Bounce Tour, the latest addition to 2K Sports series of live events celebrating the convergence of music, sports and video game culture ... About Take-Two Interactive Software. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Retired NFL players suing over Madden royalties Oct 20, 2008
Early last year, NFLPA executive Clay Walker told union lawyer Joe Nahra that he forged a deal that gave EA exclusive rights to the Hall of Fame players at "significantly below market." Walker said that Take Two Interactive probably would have paid more to the Hall of Famers to create a rival video game. Union trial lawyer Jeffrey Kessler defended the deal. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Is Google's CEO Aiding The Enemy? • New Video Games Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Oct 14, 2008
They include Activision's "Call of Duty: World at War" and "World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King," Bethesda Softworks' "Fallout 3," Take-Two Interactive Software's () "Midnight Club: Los Angeles," THQ's () "Saints Row 2," and Ubisoft's "Far Cry 2" and "Prince of Persia.". Console Makers Tout Exclusives. (Investors Business Daily)
The CAPS Screen: 5 Stocks on a Roll Oct 10, 2008
Take-Two Interactive (Nasdaq: TTWO). $13. (MSNBC -- Business)
INTERVIEW: Q&A: Nintendo of America chief on game industry competition Oct 7, 2008
VB: title coming from Take-Two Interactive for the DS has the anti-violence and anti-drug activists concerned. Mad World is coming for the Wii. (USA Today -- Tech)
Ex-McAfee executive clear of illegal option dating Oct 5, 2008
The scandal over improper options-related accounting led to investigations at hundreds of companies and criminal charges against 21 people, including executives at Broadcom Corp., Comverse Technology Inc., Monster Worldwide Inc. and Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.. Eight of those executives have pleaded guilty. (Yahoo News)
The Week's Winners And Losers Oct 5, 2008
Shares of video game publisher Take-Two Interactive tank after CEO fails to find merger partner. lect. (New York Post -- Business)
Royalties for digital song downloads unchanged Oct 3, 2008
After dismissing Electronic Arts Inc.'s takeover attempts, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., publisher of the Grand Theft Auto game series, said it had decided to remain an independent company. The decision concludes a "strategic review" the New York-based game publisher initiated after the unsolicited $2-billion offer from EA. After being repeatedly rebuffed, EA walked last month. (Los Angeles Times)
Take-Two Interactive to remain independent Oct 3, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Take-Two Interactive Software Inc, until recently an acquisition target of bigger rival Electronic Arts Inc, plans to remain an independent company, the makers of the popular "Grand Theft Auto" series said on Thursday. Take-Two said the decision followed detailed discussions with "various interested parties" over the last five months. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
EA signs game deal with 300 director Oct 3, 2008
At the same time, popular games with rich stories are being made into feature films, including "Max Payne," a movie based on the Take-Two Interactive Software Inc game, which opens in theaters next month. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Movies)
Single-Player Game Oct 3, 2008
Video-game publisher Take-Two Interactive has decided to play by itself for the foreseeable future. The company yesterday ended its formal search for another merger partner, less than a month after talks fell apart on a proposed 2 billion combination with rival Ele 00004000 ctronic Arts. (New York Post -- Business)
Business News Oct 3, 2008
Video-game publisher Take-Two Interactive has decided to play by itself for the foreseeable future. The company yesterday ended its formal search for another merger partn 000024C9 er, less than a month. (New York Post -- Business)
Rockstar Games and Microsoft Present the Grand Theft Auto IV Xbox LIVE(R) Weekend Sep 20, 2008
Source: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ... NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ), and Microsoft proudly present the Grand Theft Auto IV LIVE Weekend exclusively on Xbox LIVE online entertainment network beginning Friday, September 26 through Sunday, September 28 in the United States and Canada ... About Take-Two Interactive Software. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
* World Business Quick Take Sep 17, 2008
Shares of Take-Two Interactive plunged on Monday after Electronic Arts (EA) ended its seven-month pursuit of the maker of Grand Theft Auto. In midday trading in New York, Take-Two shares fell 23 percent to US$16. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Americans Are Certain Lehman Is Bad News, Just Not Sure It's Bad for Them Sep 17, 2008
Referring to the Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. video game, he said, ``I mean, `Grand Theft Auto' did half a billion in seven days. So the economy's not that bad. (Bloomberg)
Meltdown on Wall Street Sep 16, 2008
Electronic Arts (ERTS) ended its marathon efforts to acquire Take-Two Interactive (TTWO), the video game publisher of "Grand Theft Auto." Shares of Take-Two lost one-quarter of their value Monday. EA, which makes "Madden" and other video games, had entered into confidential talks with Take-Two last month after dropping a hostile bid for its rival. (Fox News)
Take-Two Seeks New Act Sep 16, 2008
The future has suddenly become cloudy for Take-Two Interactive Software. Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick had played a game of chicken with the videogame publishing giant Electronic Arts (nasdaq: - - ), holding firm to his minimum per share price, and lost. (Forbes -- Technology)
Take Two shares plunge after EA pulls bid Sep 16, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Shares of U.S. video game publisher Take Two Interactive Software Inc (TTWO.O) plunged nearly 30 percent in premarket trading on Monday after larger rival Electronic Arts Inc (ERTS.O) abandoned its takeover bid. ADVERTISEMENT. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Tomb Raider firm unveils losses ahead of new Lara Croft saga Sep 16, 2008
In a separate announcement, a major rival to SCI, Electronic Arts said it had decided not to continue takeover talks with the games company, Take-Two Interactive. Take-Two Interactive, that makes the top selling computer game Grand Theft Auto, said it was now considering its options. (BBC News -- Business)
Take-Two Down After EA Ends Acquisition Talks Sep 16, 2008
NEW YORK Shares of video game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software plunged 24% Monday, to 16. 57, after larger rival Electronic Arts () abandoned its takeover bid. (Investors Business Daily)
EA withdraws $2 billion bid for Take-Two Sep 15, 2008
Electronic Arts said Sunday that it had withdrawn its $2 billion hostile takeover bid for Take-Two Interactive, ending an eight-month struggle involving two of the biggest names in the video game business. Electronic Arts said its interest in the deal had eroded in part because it would be unable to absorb Take-Two in time for the holiday season. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Electronic Arts Backs Away From Take-Two Sep 15, 2008
"Grand Theft Auto" publisher Take-Two Interactive Software says Electronic Arts seriously undervalued the company during buyout negotiations, which ended on Sept. 14, 2008 ... (AP) Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. said Sunday it ended talks to buy smaller rival Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., best known for the "Grand Theft Auto" series of games. (CBS News)
Electronic Arts ends merger talks with Take Two Sep 15, 2008
September 15, 2008 in. On Sunday, EA said it ended private negotiations with Take Two about a potential transaction and had decided to no longer pursue an acquisition. (Scientific American)
VMware Tries to Expand Throughout the Data Center Sep 15, 2008
- September 14, 2008 EA is giving up on its attempt to acquire rival Take-Two Interactive. Latest Expert Blogs. (PC World)
Lehman, Merrill Sink Futures Sep 15, 2008
Electronic Arts () dropped its bid for Take-Two Interactive Software (), the firm. The move brought a seven-month courtship to a close and left the Madden football brand separate from the Grand Theft Auto franchise. (SmartMoney)
Electronic Arts ends talks to buy smaller rival Take-Two Sep 15, 2008
By Alex Pham, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer September 15, 2008 Electronic Arts Inc. said Sunday that it had terminated talks to acquire Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., ending a nearly yearlong effort by the world's largest video game company to buy the publisher of the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The two companies had been locked in a standoff for months ever since Take-Two rejected EA's $2-billion offer as too low. (Los Angeles Times)
U.S. video game publisher EA ends bid for Take-Two Sep 15, 2008
BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Video game publisher Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) said Sunday, after a "careful consideration," it had withdrawn its takeover bid for Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., according to U.S. media reports Monday. Two of the biggest names in the video game business: EA, the publisher of games such as "Madden NFL 09" and "Spore;" Take-Two, best known for the "Grand Theft Auto" series of games, had had the struggle for eight months, said the reports. (Xinhuanet, China)
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Comments on EA Announcement Sep 15, 2008
Source: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ... NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ) today responded to Electronic Arts Inc.s (NASDAQ: - ) announcement that it does not intend to pursue an acquisition of Take-Two at this time ... About Take-Two Interactive Software. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Electronic Arts Terminates Discussions with Take-Two Sep 15, 2008
--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) (NASDAQ: - ) today announced that while EA continues to have a high regard for Take-Twos creative teams and products, after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials provided by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (Take-Two) (NASDAQ: - ), EA has decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with Take-Two. ADVERTISEMENT. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Wall Street's Bloody Sunday Sep 15, 2008
Electronic Arts took a seven-month-long look at rival video game maker Take-Two Interactive Software before bid. The move to combine a stable of hit games such as EA's Madden football and Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto series (talk about spicing up the NFL commentator's weekly cross-country commute) would have "united two of the largest publishers of videogames," the WSJ writes. (Slate)
EA Pulls The Plug On Its $2B Take-two Bid Sep 15, 2008
It's game over for the merger talks between Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive. EA late yesterday dropped its 2 billion bid for the publisher of the wildly popular "Grand Theft Auto" franchise amid continued disagreement with Take-Two management over the value of its offer. (New York Post -- Business)
2K Sports Provides an Adrenaline Filled Soundtrack for NHL(R) 2K9 Sep 13, 2008
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ), today announced details regarding the soundtrack for NHL 2K9, which was released yesterday ... About Take-Two Interactive Software ... Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games for the PC, PLAYSTATION3 and PlayStation2 computer entertainment... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
2K Sports' NHL(R) 2K9 Skates onto Retail Store Shelves Sep 11, 2008
Source: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ... NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Sports, the sports publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ), announced today that the highly anticipated hockey title, NHL 2K9, is now available on retail store shelves in North America for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii home video game system from Nintendo, and PLAYSTATION3 and PlayStation2 computer entertainment systems ... About Take-Two... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Game news: 'GTA IV' hits 10 million, EA meets ESPN Sep 9, 2008
Take-Two Interactive announced that it has sold 10 million copies of the game since its April 29 launch. To put that in perspective, 2007's best-selling video game, "Halo 3," sold just 4. (The Trentonian, NJ)
Take-Two Sees Accelerated Sales Sep 6, 2008
Take-Two Interactive Software's screeching sales of the company's notorious game Grand Theft Auto IV helped it tear through expectations, dashing fears that thrifty consumers would stop buying videogames as food and gas prices rise ... At mid-August, Take-Two Interactive Software (nasdaq: - - ) sold more than 10 million copies of the larcenous fantasy. (Forbes -- Markets)
HMV Sales Growth Weakens to 1.3% as Fewer Non-Fiction Books Are Released Sep 6, 2008
Sales of games such as Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s `Grand Auto Theft 4' grew by 50 percent, Chief Executive Officer said on a conference call today. Music revenue fell 7 percent, he said. (Bloomberg -- UK)
EARNINGS WATCH Updates, advisories and surprises Sep 5, 2008
8 million profit (4:08 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (:TTWO, , , Last. Delayed quote data. (MarketWatch)
Toll Brothers swings to loss in third quarter Sep 5, 2008
Take-Two Interactive Software Inc., the video game publisher in acquisition talks with Electronic Arts Inc., reported a third-quarter profit that exceeded analysts' projections on sales of Grand Theft Auto IV.. Net income of $51. (Los Angeles Times)
Take Two Profits Strong on "Grand Theft Auto" Lift Sep 5, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Video game publisher Take Two Interactive Software made a higher-than-expected quarterly profit on strong "Grand Theft Auto 4" sales, but cut its current-quarter outlook due to the delayed release of a new game. Nevertheless, the ongoing popularity of "GTA4" and expectations of strong holiday-season sales gave Take Two enough confidence to raise its full-year outlook to above Wall Street estimates, which pushed its shares up 2 percent in extended trade. (ABC News -- Wire)
Street Looks Ahead To Jobs Data Sep 5, 2008
In earnings news, Take-Two Interactive Software (nasdaq: - - ) said it swung to a profit of $51. 8 million, or 67 cents per share, in the third quarter, versus a loss of $58. (Forbes -- Markets)
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Reports Record Third Quarter Fiscal 2008 Financial Results Sep 5, 2008
Source: Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. ... NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: - ) today announced financial results for its third quarter ended July 31, 2008, which exceeded the Companys previously issued guidance ... About Take-Two Interactive Software. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Take-Two Gets 'GTA IV' Lift Sep 5, 2008
Strong sales of "Grand Theft Auto IV" helped Take-Two Interactive swing to a third-quarter profit of 51. 8 million. (New York Post -- Business)
