Major video games publisher Electronic Arts (EA) is in advanced talks to buy social games network Rupture for USD30m, reports Techcrunch. Rupture, which is the third startup venture by Napster founder Shawn Fanning, is expected to finalise terms with EA "imminently", says the report.
Rupture was created in 2006 and released in beta mode but was never launched publicly. The platform was designed for gamers to build video game-based personal profiles, which automatically update with level and score information. Through the social network users can communicate with friends and track their progress. Initially the site was mainly based around Blizzard's 'World of Warcraft' title, although an acquisition could see EA incorporate Rupture's technology to form its social platform.
Fanning's last venture, music service Snocap, was acquired by Imeem in Feb. Although the price was not disclosed, poor performances prior to the sale led analysts to claim it was bought for a relatively insignificant sum.
EA is currently involved in a takeover bid for 'Grand Theft Auto' games publisher Take-Two Interactive. EA has extended its bid for Take-Two to May 16, after an initial USD2bn offer was rejected.
A spokesperson for EA was not immediately able to comment on the Rupture takeover.
StrategyEye's related categories: Gambling - Gambling Service Delivery, Social Networks - Consumer, Games Portals - News
StrategyEye's related companies: Snocap, Napster, Rupture, Inc., Electronic Arts, Blizzard Entertainment, imeem
