Keep Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. Independent
What This Petition is All About -
This petition shows support for Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. as an independent company. The signers of this petition show a desire for Take-
Two to retain its current model of ingenuity and quality. We feel that Take-Two's ability to do this would be hindered by any sort of merger or buy out
with any larger video game production companies. We would like Take-Two to look at the consequences for the video game industry and gamers in general if they were to enter into a merger or buy out by a larger publishing company. Please listen to the people that purchase your product when we say, "Stay independent."
News-
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) has made an unsolicited attempt to acquire Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. for $26 a share. EA is making the offer prior
to the release of Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV), a major video game release.[1][2] While unconfirmed the timing of EA's proposal may be an attempt to cash in on GTA IV.
Information-
While there would be benefits if Take-Two were to accept EA's proposal, there are far too many risks involved for Take-Two and gamers in general.
EA has already established itself as the largest third party publisher and if EA were to acquire Take-Two it would be eliminating one of EA's largest
competitors. EA has proven with its Madden NFL franchise that when there is no competition they are content to get by with bare minimums [A1]. Not
only would the lack of competition affect EA, but it could very possibly affect overall quality of the entire industry, as Take-Two is a company that often "pushes the envelope" and questions conventions (Grand Theft Auto, Bully, etc.). EA has a history of closing acquired studios and forcing their employees to either relocate or quit [3][4][5]. There have been highly publicized complaints of poor employee treatment by EA [6][7]. The article for Electronic Arts Inc on Wikipedia was edited to down play EA's creator Trip Hawkins, who was highly responsible for revolutionizing video game
publishing, while emphasizing the importance of former CEO Larry Probst. The editor also removed information regarding poor treatment of employees and removed multiple paragraphs under "Criticisms. When the IP address of the editor was traced it was found to be coming from an address registered by EA[8].
Take-Two has had many major releases in recent years such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Bioshock, Civilization IV. With these major releases and the upcoming release of GTA IV Take-Two is proving that while being independent they can do more than just "hold their own". By providing high quality and often "envelope pushing" games, Take-Two forces its competitors to increase the quality of their own games to keep up with Take-Two's games.
Additional Information-
[A1] While Madden NFL's 04 and 05 games were among the most highly rated football games once Take-Two's NFL 2k series was out of the picture
the quality and ingenuity of the Madden games have all been highly criticized by critics and gamers alike[9][10][11][12][13].
References-
[1] http://www.eatake2.com/ (EA's press release)
[2] http://taketwovalue.com/home.php (Take-Two's press release)
[3] http://news.softpedia.com/news/EA-Closes-Down-Warrington-Studio-38110.shtml (EA closes down Warrington)
[4] http://www.gamespot.com/news/6159448.html (EA closes down DICE)
[5] http://www.gamepro.com.au/index.php/id;476539124;fp;4;fpid;4 (EA closes down Origin Systems)
[6] http://ea-spouse.livejournal.com/274.html (EA Spouse)
[7] http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-5457274.html (EA overtime)
[8] http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/48482 (EA staff member tries to change Wiki History)
[9] http://xbox.ign.com/objects/494/494891.html (Madden 04 - see "press average")
[10]http://xbox.ign.com/objects/620/620935.html (Madden 05 - see "press average")
[11]http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/742/742471.html (Madden 06 - see "press average")
[12] http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/811/811804.html (Madden 07 - see "press average")
[13] http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/868/868499.html (Madden 08 - see "press average")
What This Petition is All About -
This petition shows support for Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. as an independent company. The signers of this petition show a desire for Take-
Two to retain its current model of ingenuity and quality. We feel that Take-Two's ability to do this would be hindered by any sort of merger or buy out
with any larger video game production companies. We would like Take-Two to look at the consequences for the video game industry and gamers in general if they were to enter into a merger or buy out by a larger publishing company. Please listen to the people that purchase your product when we say, "Stay independent."
News-
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) has made an unsolicited attempt to acquire Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. for $26 a share. EA is making the offer prior
to the release of Grand Theft Auto IV (GTA IV), a major video game release.[1][2] While unconfirmed the timing of EA's proposal may be an attempt to cash in on GTA IV.
Information-
While there would be benefits if Take-Two were to accept EA's proposal, there are far too many risks involved for Take-Two and gamers in general.
EA has already established itself as the largest third party publisher and if EA were to acquire Take-Two it would be eliminating one of EA's largest
competitors. EA has proven with its Madden NFL franchise that when there is no competition they are content to get by with bare minimums [A1]. Not
only would the lack of competition affect EA, but it could very possibly affect overall quality of the entire industry, as Take-Two is a company that often "pushes the envelope" and questions conventions (Grand Theft Auto, Bully, etc.). EA has a history of closing acquired studios and forcing their employees to either relocate or quit [3][4][5]. There have been highly publicized complaints of poor employee treatment by EA [6][7]. The article for Electronic Arts Inc on Wikipedia was edited to down play EA's creator Trip Hawkins, who was highly responsible for revolutionizing video game
publishing, while emphasizing the importance of former CEO Larry Probst. The editor also removed information regarding poor treatment of employees and removed multiple paragraphs under "Criticisms. When the IP address of the editor was traced it was found to be coming from an address registered by EA[8].
Take-Two has had many major releases in recent years such as Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Bioshock, Civilization IV. With these major releases and the upcoming release of GTA IV Take-Two is proving that while being independent they can do more than just "hold their own". By providing high quality and often "envelope pushing" games, Take-Two forces its competitors to increase the quality of their own games to keep up with Take-Two's games.
Additional Information-
[A1] While Madden NFL's 04 and 05 games were among the most highly rated football games once Take-Two's NFL 2k series was out of the picture
the quality and ingenuity of the Madden games have all been highly criticized by critics and gamers alike[9][10][11][12][13].
References-
[1] http://www.eatake2.com/ (EA's press release)
[2] http://taketwovalue.com/home.php (Take-Two's press release)
[3] http://news.softpedia.com/news/EA-Closes-Down-Warrington-Studio-38110.shtml (EA closes down Warrington)
[4] http://www.gamespot.com/news/6159448.html (EA closes down DICE)
[5] http://www.gamepro.com.au/index.php/id;476539124;fp;4;fpid;4 (EA closes down Origin Systems)
[6] http://ea-spouse.livejournal.com/274.html (EA Spouse)
[7] http://news.zdnet.com/2100-3513_22-5457274.html (EA overtime)
[8] http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/48482 (EA staff member tries to change Wiki History)
[9] http://xbox.ign.com/objects/494/494891.html (Madden 04 - see "press average")
[10]http://xbox.ign.com/objects/620/620935.html (Madden 05 - see "press average")
[11]http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/742/742471.html (Madden 06 - see "press average")
[12] http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/811/811804.html (Madden 07 - see "press average")
[13] http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/868/868499.html (Madden 08 - see "press average")
All Concerned,
We, the undersigned feel that the negative impact of a merger or buy out of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. by a larger publishing company would far out weigh the positive impact. We hope to dissuade Take-Two from, not only accepting a buy out by Electronic Arts Inc., but also from venturing into any future deals with other production companies which require Take-Two to give up its independence.
We would like to thank all of those at Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. who have taken time out of their schedule to read the concerns of their fans and consumers.
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GTA, Manhunt, and Bully are some examples of what make Take-Two unique, special, and in a lot of ways different from very many of the other game developers out there. The ONLY video game series in my personal opinion that could hold a candle to GTA is Metal Gear. The only company being Konami. But nevermind about that. Getting to the point, I don't want to see GTA after GTA turned up on a yearly basis. Rushed, half-assed, and even worse than it's predecessor(s). The time that goes into this series alone is well worth the money, and the hours slaved over it. And for EA to buy them out just to fill their own greedy pockets would be shameful, and I would lose ALL respect for Take-Two if they allowed themselves to fall into their hands. In addition, I, as one of their most devoted fans, would never touch another game from them again. A lot of you reading this are of the same mentality, I'm sure. So for the sake of quality video games, sign the petition.
I for one don't want a crappy GTA game every year.
EA if your buy out Take-Two me and lots of other people will Boycott you. your games suck. Things like Midnight club and gta will suck, if you even keep making them.
I love the way GTA is made and i know if EA is introduced then the games will lose their respect and quailty
Don't let the fascist pigs take you down!
Yo EA!!! get ur hands off Take 2 ehh!!! i dunn wanna be playinn a game dat has EA's name on it
we don't like u ea back off.
I love GTA games because of what they are, and who makes them. I *like* EA games, because they are extremely different. What I am trying to say is: RockStar Games + EA Games = Worst Game Ever.
EA cannot & should not be allowed to buy out T2, it would be the begining off the end of all the great things T2 have done in the past.
I think yall should stay independent. You don't need EA games. You can keep your GTA series going and upgrading and getting better and better. Ya money gunna keep on flowin no matter what.
EA make games at the VERY minimum. Their games can barely be called games. They are definitly NOT entertaining. If they manage to get there hands on Take-Two i will NEVER buy any EA game again... including GTA, Midnight Club, Manhunt (if EA allow it with there child friendly SH*T) and any other games by these Dirtbags!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Independent companies are HARD to come by...I ONLY give my highest level of respect to these companies....HOW HARD is it to create a game without nearly as much money as those monopolizing high end producers who only think...OH NO we have to get this game out before xmas...RIGHT after the movie releases to bank on it!!!...not...well lets work on the game to the point where the people will talk about it...and gamespot will give it more than a 6 rating...EA fails
EA has been a disgrace to the gaming community by robbing everyone of their money with yearly and poor releases of titles. If they buy T2 it will only ruin great franchises like GTA and all the 2k sports titles.
If EA takes over take-two I will make sure I never buy any EA product again. And I will seriously reconsider buying any more GTA games. Take-Two is doing a great job, I am sure to buy all of the future GTA's if you stay on. Don't let GTA die out.....
I really dont want EA to take over T2 because EA are bad and would end up making a game like GTA:Street Soccer or something. I hope alot more people sign this petition.
Look EA why would u do this!!!! I mean Why!!!!! I heard the president of EA loves GTA so why would u scar it for life! pz pz pz dont do this!!
Take-Two is an icon and does not need help from EA games to make it better!
Don't give in Take two, tell them where to go!!
The gaming world needs more companies like T2 and less like EA. Please dont let them get their grubby mits on you.
Please don't sell to EA , they did a horrible job on godfather and they WILL ruin the gta franchise!
Don't sell T2! EA are a useless studio
Take Two Rocks. Dare EA buy it.
Well, eveyone knows EA are a bunch of evil kikes(well they are, not that all jews are evil or bad) who know NOTHING about making games, they only want they're money.I think they have gotten in the wrong place, becasue game too are art.I feel no special sympathy towards T2, because after all you are prinicipally just a publisher.I do not like it one bit that you buy out development houses(you recently bought illusion software :( ), but currently you are certainly the lesser evil of the two.I hope that will not change for the worse if you 'beat' EA.
Only by remaining independent can Take Two, and Rockstar Games, continue to have creative freedom. Being bought out by another developer, such as EA, could limit what they are allowed to do and future games will suffer as a result.
EA, they do make decent sports games, but they are far too soft to be able to take the reigns of GTA...they dont have the stomach for the controversy that GTA brings. if they do get Take Two, not only will i never buy another EA game, but i will cut every copy of FIFA i have in half.
Take Two is fine the way they are. I may...or may not....be a share holder. That is classified. One thing I do not want to see, is EA's bid go through. By the way, what has happened with Pandemic Studio's release of Mercenaries 2? For one, Pandemic was bought by EA. I sincerely do not want to see the Grand Theft Auto franchise ruined by Electronic Arts.
Please don't sell out to EA. Your company means so much to so many gamers. 'GTA III' was the first game I ever played. The reason I am such an avid gamer is because of the innovative product you take such time and care to develop/Publish. A buyout by EA can only hinder that...
Take-Two Don't give In. EA Are destroying the games industry in a simular way to micro$oft, Through greed.
