!Studio lifetime after an EA buyout
Using the (admittedly limited) data from the [[https://www.koveras.net/files/tvtropes/ea_timeline.html timeline of studio buy-outs and shut-downs by EA]], it is possible to plot the "time before EA buy-out" against the "time before closure under EA", and use it for statistical analysis. A simple graphic reveals the existence of a distinct [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_sequence "main sequence"]] of EA-owned studios, exemplified by Creator/{{Bullfrog|Productions}}, Creator/{{Westwood|Studios}}, [=NuFX=], Phenomic, Mythic, and Maxis, with Pandemic and Creator/{{Origin|Systems}} as notable outliers (although Origin still fits in, if you count its death from Garriott's resignation).

Applying [[http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=quadratic+fit+%7B8,6%7D+%7B9,7%7D+%7B10,8%7D+%7B11,8%7D+%7B13,5%7D+%7B14,3%7D nonlinear regression]] to the sequence reveals a formula that predicts DICE's dissolution in 2009 (i.e. soon after ''VideoGame/MirrorsEdge'') and Creator/BioWare's, in 2013 (i.e. after ''VideoGame/MassEffect3''). As we know, however, these events didn't happen, so the two of them must be outliers from the main sequence. It is, however, interesting to observe that DICE hasn't produced an original project since ''ME'', while late 2012 was marked by the departure of both remaining [=BioWare=] co-founders -- the first in the [[http://blag.koveras.net/2018/07/27/updated-timeline-bioware-departures/ (second) mass exodus]] from the company seen in recent years. On the other hand, Respawn, according to the formula, has 2-3 years left before its closure at some point in 2021, which will be an interesting test of this theory.

Incidentally, the best point to sell your company to EA to maximize its longevity (if that strikes your fancy) is about 11 years and 8 months after its founding, which would give it a grand total of almost 19 years in the business. Mythic, which came closest to these numbers, should therefore be considered the gold standard for all companies shut down by EA, although Creator/CriterionGames, which was bought by EA in 2004, has been with EA for over 18 years as of 2022[[note]]although they were part of the European division of Canon Inc., the camera and imaging company, from 1996 up until its buyout[[/note]] and remain active today, still making new games.[[note]]Although their original series ''VideoGame/{{Burnout}}'' has not seen a new major entry since [[VideoGame/BurnoutParadise 2008]], and no new original entry at all since [[VideoGame/BurnoutCRASH 2011]], and they didn't develop any games of their own (that wasn't canceled) from 2013 (their collaboration with [[Creator/EAGothenburg Ghost Games]] on ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedRivals'') until 2022 (with the release of ''VideoGame/NeedForSpeedUnbound'').[[/note]]
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