Redwood City (CA) - Electronic Arts has created EA Casual Entertainment, a new division designed specifically for casual gaming, an area that it has become increasingly interested in over the past few years.

EA, known for its in-depth sports games and extensive PC strategy titles, has turned a lot more devotion to more simple, easy-to-play games this decade.  "All over the world, consumers are playing games that don't require hours of intense concentration," said Kathy Vrabeck, who will head the new EA division.

In 2001, EA acquired casual gaming site Pogo.com, followed by a takeover of mobile gaming outfit Jamdat in 2005.  Most recently it has announced new versions of The Sims that appeal to a more mainstream crowd.

Upcoming casual games from EA include a multi-platform release of The Simpsons and a Wii-specific installment of The Sims.  The video game giant did not say what projects the new Casual Entertainment division will begin working on when it opens up later this year.

They'll still release broken products

Jun 06, 2007 08:37     

EA needs to be fixed before they go and create new divisions. Fix what you've got first!
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ok, lets see your brilliant creations

Jun 06, 2007 09:35     

i wonder what, if any, product life cycle experience you have
sdf report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Re: They'll still release broken products

Jun 06, 2007 10:13     

I agree with you! I know this isn't the case 100% of the time, but I play Battlefield 2 a lot and the game is almost 2 years old now and the game still crashes regularly for over 50% of the players (the the ones I know personally and by those who responded to the polls on the forums). It's ridiculous! EA never bothers addressing the issue and blows it off like it weren't an issue at all.
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re: ok, lets see your brilliant creations

Jun 06, 2007 12:39     

@sdf I'm assuming this was directed at me. This isn't about a product life cycle, but about the good business practice of putting a finished product out to market instead of one that is still riddled with holes.
jason report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

re: ok, lets see your brilliant creations

Jun 06, 2007 13:01     

"Can you do better?" is not a valid argument against "They make bad products". Sorry. I don't know how to make a car, but I can tell you a Ford Pinto is a piece of crap. Don't forget, EA was sued by their employees a few years ago for basically being a sweatshop.
someone report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

EA...

Jun 06, 2007 14:01     

The sweatshop comment is kinda funny since, at least from a developer standpoint, EA has a reputation for being the best company to work for in the VG industry. I went to college about 1 block from their headquarters and I personally know a couple of programmers there and they pay well and have good benefits as well as an enjoyable work environment.
g report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Ruined The Battlfield Series

Jun 06, 2007 15:14     

I completely agree with the first comment. I have been a noble and loyal fan of the Battlefield series since 1942 was released. Ever since then, EA has released Vietnam and then BF2 and most recently 2142. BF2 was handled so poorly in terms of bugs and patches. The game has been out in the public for over 2 years and the game is still broken. Because of EA's lack of everything when it comes to fixing stuff, I have quit purchasing EA products because I'd rather pay for something that works. I wonder how many games in this new division will feature Crash To Desktop as a selling point.

Jeff report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

To gwolfman

Jun 06, 2007 15:24     

I played Battlefield 2 a lot for months (not anymore though) and never had the game crash on me. I doubt your 50% number of people who have the game crash on them. Hell I played the Battlefield 2142 beta and it was rock solid stable. I'm not someone who likes EA, but the Battlefield series isn't made by them. They just bought the developer and are the publisher. Battlefield 1942 was one of the best games ever, especially with the Desert Combat mod.

David report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

money money money

Jun 07, 2007 13:43     

The fact of the matter is that EA considers profit above quality. They provide support if they see an opportunity to increase/maintain profit. Aside from that they buy the exclusive rights to develop games without competition (NFL, Simpsons, etc...) I'm not knocking the game developers themselves, they just do what they are paid to do.
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Re:money

Jun 08, 2007 09:25     

The NFL deal was the NFL's fault. EA was just the highest bidder. The whole exclusive rights thing basically hinders new creations from other companies, and so now we pretty much have Madden. ESPN isn't bad, but it's no Madden. By snatching up the NFL rights, EA has effectively strangled the competition. I dislike EA for many reasons, but if they didn't win it then someone else would.
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Re: To gwolfman &Re: Ruined The Battlefield Series

Jun 08, 2007 10:30     

[quote "Jeff"] BF2 was handled so poorly in terms of bugs and patches. The game has been out in the public for over 2 years and the game is still broken. ... I wonder how many games in this new division will feature Crash To Desktop as a selling point. [end quote] Well put. I know I'm not the only one with the issue.
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