Company Story
1982 - Founded by Trip Hawkins, Electronic Arts (EA) is established with a focus on sports and action video games.
1983 - EA signs its first major league sports contract with the NFL, marking a significant milestone in sports gaming.
1985 - The company goes public with an initial public offering (IPO), raising capital for further expansion.
1987 - EA introduces the EA Sports label, which becomes a flagship brand for the company's sports games.
1990 - EA acquires several game development studios, including Maxis, the creator of SimCity.
1991 - The company releases its first 3D game, 'F-117 Night Storm', showcasing its technological advancements.
1993 - EA establishes a strong presence in Europe with the opening of EA UK, facilitating global expansion.
1998 - EA acquires BioWare, a renowned RPG developer, marking a significant step into role-playing games.
2000 - The company launches its online gaming platform, EA.com, to cater to the growing online gaming community.
2006 - EA acquires Criterion Software, enhancing its capabilities in game development and technology.
2008 - The company faces criticism and a hostile takeover attempt, leading to increased scrutiny and strategic shifts.
2011 - EA acquires PopCap Games, a leading developer of casual games, broadening its portfolio.
2013 - The company announces a significant shift towards digital distribution, reflecting changes in gaming consumption.
2018 - EA acquires Respawn Entertainment, adding 'Titanfall' and 'Apex Legends' to its portfolio.
2020 - The company reports significant growth in its live services and online offerings, highlighting the success of its strategic shift.