EGM Rumour: EA launches own console in 2010

[Sullla]

Onyxmeth said:
First of all, I don't believe the rumor, so let's get that out of the way. If this were true however, this could actually be a big blow and would pull towards sports fanatics. No other console would have an NFL game, which is a pretty big deal. If it also meant exclusive GTA, yet another blow. EA with the possiblity of a Take Two buyout and the unlikely scenario of a Ubisoft buyout could really have some staying power. I still think they will need someone else to allign with like Apple to manufacture a console and split costs with.

That's actually untrue... EA's exclusive deal with the NFL requires them to put a version of their game on all gaming platforms. If EA were to create a version of Madden and release it only for a single platform, they'd be in violation of that contract.

I don't believe this rumor for one second, by the way. EA's business strategy is entirely configured around producing games for anyone and everyone under the sun. They would have to do some massive restructuring to transform into a Sony- or Nintendo-style first-party publisher.