Chillingo hot property as EA splashes the cash

by Steven Mostyn - Oct 21 2010, 06:38

With the massive success of Angry Birds and Cut the Rope helping to spotlight the portfolio of UK-based mobile game publisher Chillingo, it was perhaps only a matter of time before a bigger fish happened along with an open mouth and an open checkbook.

In this particular case of acquisition, that bigger fish is third-party publishing giant Electronic Arts (EA), which has successfully snapped up Chillingo and promptly labelled the independent publisher part of its ever-expanding EA Mobile unit.

“Chillingo is widely recognized for publishing highly original and successful games from the developer community,” announced EA in an official release. “EA is committed to preserving Chillingo's independence enabling them to manage and cultivate their great network of relationships to deliver the optimal gaming experience for consumers.”

In reacting to Chillingo's purchase via micro-blogging site Twitter, mobile developer Rovio (creator of Angry Birds) said it is “not worried” by EA's presence, insisting that “we call our own shots.” Notably, the game maker will also retain full rights to any Angry Birds sequels.

Popular mobile software creations offered via Chillingo for devices such as the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad include Helsing's Fire, Predators, Ice Age, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Minigore, iDracula, and Modern Conflict.

Financial details of the purchase have not been divulged, although reports suggest Chillingo's buying price was around $20 million USD.

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