Electronic Arts 2001 Annual Report Download - page 9

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E L E C T R O N I C A R T S
7
Worldwide, EA publishes approximately 80 titles which are localized in more than 20 languages and distrib-
uted in 75 countries. In North America, independent sources estimate EA was the leading developer on the
PlayStation 2 and the PC with market shares of 41.5 percent and 21.0 percent, re s p e c t i v e l y, for the fiscal year
based on dollar sales. On the PlayStation, EA was the second leading developer, behind Sony, with a 17.5 per-
cent market share for the fiscal year. In Europe, independent sources and EA estimate the Company had a 35
p e rcent market share on the PlayStation 2 and a 25 percent market share on the PC for the fiscal year. In
Japan, independent sources and EA estimate the Company was the leading We s t e rn publisher and the number
two publisher on the PC for the fiscal year.
Our global publishing reach is a powerful asset at a time when industry economics tend to re w a r d compa-
nies that can produce a game for multiple platforms and publish it across multiple markets.
A great example of this is EA’s smash hit on the PC, The Sims, which has now sold more than four million
units worldwide and spawned line extensions that also perf o rmed well. At the core of this success is a terr i fi-
cally innovative game built by designer Will Wright and the team at our Maxis studio.
EA developed localized content for The Sims and turned it into a worldwide success. Localization goes
beyond the packaging –t h e re were language and cultural nuances built into versions that sold well in Euro p e
and Asia and a marketing campaign that spread the excitement. The result was the biggest PC success in EA
h i s t o ry: our publishing strength took a great game and turned it into a global blockbuster. No other publisher
but EA has that kind of re a c h .
Multiple markets equal bigger pro fits. Our experience shows that titles having appeal in multiple markets
a re typically more successful. Powerful EA global franchises such as The Sims, F I FA Soccer, James Bond
™
a n d
NBA Live o u t p e rf o rm many titles with single market appeal. Globally recognized games can provide a powerf u l
b o nd – a 15-year old gamer in Japan and a 15-year old in France may share an experience that is foreign to non-
gaming classmates.
EA Distribution (EAD) is a division of our company that offers smaller developers access to our world-
wide distribution capability. SquareSoft, LucasArts and NovaLogic – some of the industry ’s most innovative
and popular studios – depend on EA to distribute their products. The arrangement allows developers to spre a d
the success of hit games to other markets, while providing EA additional revenue opport u n i t i e s .
In this industry, success begins with great studios, graphics and gameplay. However, pro fitability often
depends on the ability to get the software into as many languages, markets and stores as possible. That’s
w h e r e EA’s worldwide leadership pays good dividends.
E A PU B L I S H I N G