I don't think you realize quite the effect this could have on the industry. EA owns most of the western game development world; they are one of the dominant forces behind bringing western games to Japanese consoles such as the Wii and PS3. Now, I'm sure you're well aware of the fact that the Japanese videogame business isn't exactly in a healthy condition. Considering the fact that EA is such a megaton and the fact that Japan's game market isn't healthy at all, this could very well mean a devastating blow to both Nintendo and Sony. In fact, it could very well mean that Nintendo and Sony would no longer find it profitable to develop their consoles for a worldwide market (That's how big of a mark EA left on the game industry, whether they're a shitty company that produces shitty games or not). If Microsoft were to purchase EA, they are only one step-- Activision-Blizzard-- away from holding a monopoly over the western game industry.
A monopoly buying a monopoly, why not? Anyways, it's not gonna happen: "Microsoft's corporate PR manager David Denis has said that "there is no truth to this rumor," and that "[Microsoft has] no plans to purchase EA.""
Activision has been making EA look like a *crag*ing peanut farmer for a while now, they really don't have that much influence outside of Madden. That's a game that already has a predominantly 360 fanbase anyway. Mass Effect is already exclusive, what else do they even have? If they were that well off, Microsoft wouldn't be trying to buy them. Yeah they have some more popular main steam brands, but those haven't been selling well at all as of late. EA got knocked off it's pedestal a long time ago.
Also EA may be big as a publisher, but not as a developer. People will seek out other companies, because most developers like Harmonix and Double Fine NEED multiplatform sales to stay popular.
It isn't like EA puts out anything...Oh wait they bought good companies.
Shit.
Now, I'm sure you're well aware of the fact that the Japanese videogame business isn't exactly in a healthy condition. Considering the fact that EA is such a megaton and the fact that Japan's game market isn't healthy at all, this could very well mean a devastating blow to both Nintendo and Sony.
In fact, it could very well mean that Nintendo and Sony would no longer find it profitable to develop their consoles for a worldwide market (That's how big of a mark EA left on the game industry, whether they're a shitty company that produces shitty games or not).
If Microsoft were to purchase EA, they are only one step-- Activision-Blizzard-- away from holding a monopoly over the western game industry.