From Next Generation Online:
>> Eidos Buys Crystal Dynamics; Psygnosis Next?
Eidos has confirmed its impending purchase of Crystal
Dynamics for $47.5 million. Rumors are flying that Eidos will
soon buy Psygnosis from Sony.
September 9, 1998
At the recent ECTS, Eidos announced
officially that it will purchase Crystal
Dynamics. The purchase will leave Crystal's
name and identity intact. This ending
speculation that the House that Lara Built
would soon have neighbors.
However, a source close to Sony has
informed Next Generation Online that Eidos
won't be stopping there. According to the source, Eidos plans to purchase
Psygnosis for an undisclosed sum from its parent corporation Sony
Corporation. The source tells NGO that the purchase will result in Eidos
taking all of Psygnosis' titles and its UK studios. Psygnosis' fairly new San
Francisco studios, however, would be merged with Sony Computer
Entertainment's 989 Studios, the source explained.
An Eidos spokesman told NGO he has "no knowledge" of any such
purchase, and Psygnosis is similarly mum. However, everyone at Psygnosis
has heard the same rumors, with one of the San Francisco staffers
categorizing the situation as "up in the air," with no official word coming from
on high.
989 Studios, on the other hand, is neither hemming nor hawing. A 989
spokeswoman told NGO today that "989 has no intention of being involved
in any kind of business with Psygnosis." This passed down from Kelly Flock
himself.
Some wonder what Eidos' goal in these acquisitions might be in the first
place. John Taylor, an analyst from Arcadia Investment Corporation explains,
"I think what they're looking for is an opportunity to expand their revenue
base away from Tomb Raider." In other words, while the company has done
an impressive job creating a monster hit with Lara, it needs more franchises.
The acquisition of Crystal Dynamics is a good one for Eidos in this case,
adding at least two recognizable brands -- Gex and Legacy of Kain to Eidos'
stable. A Psygnosis purchase would yield Drakan, one of ECTS' tastiest
morsels, Wipeout, and of course those adorable little Lemmings.<<
next-generation.com
Andrew |
