Dead Space Reportedly Shelved, Could Be Sold by EA
▼ Summary
– Despite the success of the 2023 Dead Space remake, EA currently has no plans to develop a new game in the series.
– EA is reportedly considering selling the Dead Space IP to help manage debt from an upcoming acquisition.
– The company is set to be acquired by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which will own a vast majority stake.
– This acquisition will burden EA with approximately $20 billion in debt, leading to expected asset sales, closures, and layoffs.
– Internal sources indicate Dead Space is “on ice” and is one of several properties that could be sold as a non-core asset.
Despite the critical and commercial success of the 2023 remake, Electronic Arts reportedly has no plans to develop a new Dead Space game. According to sources speaking to Insider Gaming, the publisher has effectively placed the acclaimed horror franchise “on ice.” More strikingly, there is now internal discussion about potentially selling the intellectual property outright. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to manage the significant debt the company will assume following its impending acquisition.
The acquisition deal, led by a consortium including Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is valued at approximately $55 billion. A substantial portion of this sum is financed through debt, which will leave EA shouldering an estimated $20 billion in liabilities once the transaction closes. To address this financial burden, the company’s new ownership is expected to conduct a thorough review of its assets, leading to widespread speculation about potential sales, studio closures, and workforce reductions across the organization.
Within this context, properties like Dead Space are being evaluated as potential sellable assets. The sources indicate that some at EA are hopeful the IP will be transferred to a new owner who might continue its development. The 2023 remake was widely praised for its faithful enhancement of the original’s tense atmosphere and gameplay, making the apparent shelving of the series a surprising decision for many fans and industry observers.
The future of the franchise now hangs in the balance. If the reports are accurate, the iconic survival horror series could soon be seeking a new home, joining other assets that may be divested as EA navigates its post-acquisition financial landscape. This situation underscores the significant impact corporate mergers and acquisitions can have on creative projects, even those with a proven track record of success. The coming months will likely reveal whether the necromorphs will rise again under a different banner or remain in stasis indefinitely.
(Source: PushSquare)
