Does EA have its eye on Valve?

EA is no stranger to acquisitions.  The monolithic mega-corporation has been snatching up other gaming companies for years, much to the chagrin of gamers and the satisfaction of stockholders.  As a result, EA has earned an unflattering reputation specifically among its detractors as a big, bad monopoly - similar to how some think of Microsoft’s computer business.  Unsurprisingly, EA could have a new target in mind: Valve.  Known for its epic Half Life series, the creative giant isn’t exactly prolific.  Could this change if they set up shop under the enormous EA banner?  Or will the next Portal game feature burly linebackers tackling each other through tears in the time-space continuum while John Madden mumbles lethargically?  Wait…that actually sounds kind of cool.

Doug Lombardi, Vice President of Valve, has stated to potential buyers that he is “happy to have that conversation.”  Considering Valve’s recent collaboration with EA (the game giant will be publishing Valve’s soon-to-be-released 360/PC online zombie shooter, Left 4 Dead), Lombardi certainly has it in mind.

As much as gamers may fear for the sanctity of Valve’s other franchises if EA comes into the picture permanently, it’s difficult to imagine much would change at the critically-acclaimed development house.  After all, according to Lombardi, “EA was very progressive about saying, ‘We understand who you guys are. We understand what Steam is. We don’t want Steam to go away.’”  Though this may not calm all naysayers, it’s still too early to break out the pitchforks; nothing official has been announced.

EA is hot off the heels of its $860 million acquisition of BioWare (Mass Effect) and Pandemic (Mercenaries 2: World in Flames).  Could another buy-out be in the cards?  Keep your eyes peeled and your stock options open.