Wed, Aug 04, 2010 | 09:09 BST
Riccitello: EA’s “got a shot” at taking shooter crown, won’t “topple” Reach or Black Ops

EA CEO John Riccitello said last night during the company’s Q1 FY11 conference call it’s “got a shot” at glory in taking back first place in the FPS category
So far in 2010, the publisher’s seen a massive surge in the genre with Battlefield: Bad Company 2, which sold 2.3 million units in its first two weeks on sale in Europe and North America.
For the rest of the year, it has Medal of Honor in October from Danger Close and DICE, while the latter also “craft” away at Battlefield 3, with an invite to a planned beta at some point next year included with MoH.
Meanwhile, Crytek’s Crysis 2 is set to release via EA Partners, but was delayed from autumn into Q4 FY2011 last night, while Epic and People Can Fly’s Bulletstorm launches next February.
“Between Battlefield and Medal of Honor, we’re going to see a substantial increase in our share against the FPS sector in 2010 compared to years past,” said Riccitello.
“I think we’ve got a shot at getting back into a leadership position over the next couple years. Just watch this space on news we’ll bring you on future titles in 2011 and beyond.”
But as far as this year goes, Riccitello admitted it won’t be beating Halo: Reach or Call of Duty: Black Ops.
“Make no mistake, we think we’ve got the people and brands to take the leadership back in the FPS space, and we’re intending to make a good, positive share gain this year,” he said.
When asked on if the publisher had a chance against Reach and Black Ops, Riccitello added: “I don’t expect to topple either Halo of Call of Duty this year.”
Thanks, IGN.


10 comments
#1
loki
04/08/10, 9:46 am
JUST LOL
#2
Hunam
04/08/10, 9:50 am
Explains why Crysis 2 was delayed, they are going to go batshit for MOH advertising.
#3
Crysis
04/08/10, 10:03 am
i dont like EA that much, but i like them alot more than ActiVision, CoD is highly overrated & they’ve only brought out 2 games in the past several years i’ve actually enjoyed, prototype & the newest transformers game which is actually alright
#4
alimokrane
04/08/10, 11:29 am
I used to despise EA before but I have to admit that in recent years, they have been investing quite a bit of money creating new franchises and original IPs. They have been quite successful to a certain degree. Dead Space and Mirror’s Edge in particular have been the highlight for me.
#5
CaptPierce
04/08/10, 12:38 pm
Most of my friends say they are getting tired of Call of Duty: same mix mashed thing every year with little to no innovation. Wasn’t a fan of the beta, but it was just a beta. Can’t wait to try it out.
#6
DeSpiritusBellum
04/08/10, 1:50 pm
The more I see of Medal of Honor, the more I like it. I don’t get why people bitch at the beta, I thought it was pretty good, ‘cept for the lack of autobalance and the ridiculous interface. Apparently they let the moron from BC2 design that one.
But it certainly seems like EA are going for quantity in shooters rather than quality.
#7
theevilaires
04/08/10, 2:13 pm
Why couldn’t that headline have said Riccitello got shot instead
#8
endgame
04/08/10, 5:21 pm
no, u don’t have a shot. as long as u will design games for a mature and intelligent audience, for ppl who like teamplay and realism over arcade u will never have a shot. u can’t compete versus cod because the retards strongly outnumber the smart players. not that I acre though. I’m happy with what your doing right now EA. keep up the good work!
#9
DeSpiritusBellum
04/08/10, 5:33 pm
@8 Yeah, especially not when those “mature”, “intelligent” games don’t exist.
What’s realistic about any of EAs shooters? And where are all the teamplayers?
#10
walk_star
04/08/10, 6:59 pm
1. Own ERTS stock
2. Own ATVI stock
3. Play Valve games
4. PROFIT