Take Two acquisition update and no APF 2K9?

by pastapadre
Posted March 11th, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Recently a few new developments have surfaced regarding the potential takeover of Take Two by Electronic Arts. While it has almost seemed to be inevitable, a few more curious events have taken place that seem to be in line with that eventuality.

A severance plan has been created in the case of a sale that would protect employees from unjust firings. Now the two biggest shareholding firms have sold off significant portions of their stock and a shareholder lawsuit against Take Two was filed based on the hiding of the EA offer and the huge salary increase that was slipped for current management. Basically it seems as though the stockholders are likely to elect a new board that is open to the EA sale and that could happen later this month.

Also of note from today’s financial meeting, Take Two laid out the titles they would be releasing for the remainder of the fiscal year. Noticeably absent from the list is any mention of an All-Pro Football sequel while Top Spin 3, Prizefighter, NBA and NHL 2K9 were all listed. While that doesn’t exclude an All-Pro Football 2K9 from being announced at a later date, it is yet another indication that it seems unlikely to happen. (Update: Gamespot has confirmed APF has been taken “off the slate”)

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jake-the-snake

guess thats no suprise about all pro since the first one didnt do all that well. even if they were making it once EA picks up the company i doubt it would ever be released
jake-the-snake

guess thats no suprise about all pro since the first one didnt do all that well. even if they were making it once EA picks up the company i doubt it would ever be released
agent k

APF used old players part of madden is updating the rosters and there is no need for that here so what would change?
agent k

APF used old players part of madden is updating the rosters and there is no need for that here so what would change?
The Saint

All I care about is Prizefighter, and I’m glad it was mentioned. I wonder if it will be released on 2K’s fiscal 3rd quarter,instead of the 2nd quarter as originally promised. Their 2nd quarter ends 4/30/08. I hope they release Prizefighter during the 2nd quarter.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15424"]APF used old players part of madden is updating the rosters and there is no need for that here so what would change?[/quote]

So youre asking what they would add or improve on potentially? Well a franchise mode would be a good start. Obviously they’d have to make the game a lot deeper than the first one was. You’re right though in that it would be a tough sell with that being a big reason why.

With the sales and state of the company I’ve doubted it would happen anyway. Plus prior to 2K8 they stated if it did well it would probably be a bi-yearly title. And it didn’t do well anyway. Just seems pretty unlikely it’ll ever come about.
The Saint

All I care about is Prizefighter, and I’m glad it was mentioned. I wonder if it will be released on 2K’s fiscal 3rd quarter,instead of the 2nd quarter as originally promised. Their 2nd quarter ends 4/30/08. I hope they release Prizefighter during the 2nd quarter.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15424"]APF used old players part of madden is updating the rosters and there is no need for that here so what would change?[/quote]

So youre asking what they would add or improve on potentially? Well a franchise mode would be a good start. Obviously they’d have to make the game a lot deeper than the first one was. You’re right though in that it would be a tough sell with that being a big reason why.

With the sales and state of the company I’ve doubted it would happen anyway. Plus prior to 2K8 they stated if it did well it would probably be a bi-yearly title. And it didn’t do well anyway. Just seems pretty unlikely it’ll ever come about.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15425"]All I care about is Prizefighter, and I’m glad it was mentioned. I wonder if it will be released on 2K’s fiscal 3rd quarter,instead of the 2nd quarter as originally promised. Their 2nd quarter ends 4/30/08. I hope they release Prizefighter during the 2nd quarter.[/quote]

Its listed in the 3rd/4th quarter group. While the release could come in early May, they’ve got Top Spin 3 scheduled for a possible 5/19 release (per gamestop) and they have been already promoting that game more than Prizefighter. Which to me suggests it’s their next game out.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15425"]All I care about is Prizefighter, and I’m glad it was mentioned. I wonder if it will be released on 2K’s fiscal 3rd quarter,instead of the 2nd quarter as originally promised. Their 2nd quarter ends 4/30/08. I hope they release Prizefighter during the 2nd quarter.[/quote]

Its listed in the 3rd/4th quarter group. While the release could come in early May, they’ve got Top Spin 3 scheduled for a possible 5/19 release (per gamestop) and they have been already promoting that game more than Prizefighter. Which to me suggests it’s their next game out.
alex

i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence
alex

i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence
The Saint

[quote comment="15427"][quote comment="15425"]All I care about is Prizefighter, and I’m glad it was mentioned. I wonder if it will be released on 2K’s fiscal 3rd quarter,instead of the 2nd quarter as originally promised. Their 2nd quarter ends 4/30/08. I hope they release Prizefighter during the 2nd quarter.[/quote]

Its listed in the 3rd/4th quarter group. While the release could come in early May, they’ve got Top Spin 3 scheduled for a possible 5/19 release (per gamestop) and they have been already promoting that game more than Prizefighter. Which to me suggests it’s their next game out.[/quote]

Technically, the summer does not officially start until mid-June or so, so as long as Prizefighter comes out before that, 2K will still make good on their “Spring release” promise for Prizefighter. Still, that’s a mid-year release, a far cry from an “early 2008″ release.
The Saint

[quote comment="15427"][quote comment="15425"]All I care about is Prizefighter, and I’m glad it was mentioned. I wonder if it will be released on 2K’s fiscal 3rd quarter,instead of the 2nd quarter as originally promised. Their 2nd quarter ends 4/30/08. I hope they release Prizefighter during the 2nd quarter.[/quote]

Its listed in the 3rd/4th quarter group. While the release could come in early May, they’ve got Top Spin 3 scheduled for a possible 5/19 release (per gamestop) and they have been already promoting that game more than Prizefighter. Which to me suggests it’s their next game out.[/quote]

Technically, the summer does not officially start until mid-June or so, so as long as Prizefighter comes out before that, 2K will still make good on their “Spring release” promise for Prizefighter. Still, that’s a mid-year release, a far cry from an “early 2008″ release.
stephan cwynar

does this mean that ea can make baseball games again?
stephan cwynar

does this mean that ea can make baseball games again?
O’rly

[quote comment="15428"]i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence[/quote]
but yet $60 of a debacle called madden 08 or 09 is?
O’rly

[quote comment="15428"]i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence[/quote]
but yet $60 of a debacle called madden 08 or 09 is?
pastapadre

[quote comment="15435"][quote comment="15428"]i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence[/quote]
but yet $60 of a debacle called madden 08 or 09 is?[/quote]

exaggerate much?

btw Gamespot has pretty much confirmed APF is dead as of this moment. I don’t see many scenarios where it gets revived.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6187563.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3
pastapadre

[quote comment="15435"][quote comment="15428"]i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence[/quote]
but yet $60 of a debacle called madden 08 or 09 is?[/quote]

exaggerate much?

btw Gamespot has pretty much confirmed APF is dead as of this moment. I don’t see many scenarios where it gets revived.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6187563.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3
Details

I was hoping we’d have at least one more year with the superior football simulation.

I understand that some people really like the vision cone, glowing rocket icons, bench pressing, and the lone radio announcer, but for some, it’s all about simulating the game of football.

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you, please deliver a game that at least doesn’t require a significant patch the day it’s released.
Details

I was hoping we’d have at least one more year with the superior football simulation.

I understand that some people really like the vision cone, glowing rocket icons, bench pressing, and the lone radio announcer, but for some, it’s all about simulating the game of football.

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you, please deliver a game that at least doesn’t require a significant patch the day it’s released.
DA Yankees Win

APF had really good game play actually . It had some very nice animations and was very realistic.
DA Yankees Win

APF had really good game play actually . It had some very nice animations and was very realistic.
DLaren

[quote comment="15439"]

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you.[/quote]

Don’t forget about Backbreaker.
DLaren

[quote comment="15439"]

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you.[/quote]

Don’t forget about Backbreaker.
Details

[quote comment="15443"]Don’t forget about Backbreaker.[/quote]

True, but so little is known about this game. I hope Backbreaker is a sound alternative to Madden, but it’s too early to tell. There’s a lot of potential, but I’m not sure how much of a simulation it aims to be.
Details

[quote comment="15443"]Don’t forget about Backbreaker.[/quote]

True, but so little is known about this game. I hope Backbreaker is a sound alternative to Madden, but it’s too early to tell. There’s a lot of potential, but I’m not sure how much of a simulation it aims to be.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15443"][quote comment="15439"]

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you.[/quote]

Don’t forget about Backbreaker.[/quote]

theres also the new Tecmo Bowl for the PS3/360 at some point this year.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15443"][quote comment="15439"]

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you.[/quote]

Don’t forget about Backbreaker.[/quote]

theres also the new Tecmo Bowl for the PS3/360 at some point this year.
CrimsonVoodoo

That’s really disappointing – APF was easily one of my favorite football titles of the past couple years. Played through a couple leagues with it and had a great deal of fun – it was refreshing to play teams that were evenly matched every game and determine where you could attack and/or where you were vulnerable – instead of playing Madden and seeing the same damn 5-6 teams get played to death

I’m guessing that while they may be fun, neither Tecmo or Backbreaker will be particularly “sim” like leaving football fans holding the bag in the area of choices this fall
CrimsonVoodoo

That’s really disappointing – APF was easily one of my favorite football titles of the past couple years. Played through a couple leagues with it and had a great deal of fun – it was refreshing to play teams that were evenly matched every game and determine where you could attack and/or where you were vulnerable – instead of playing Madden and seeing the same damn 5-6 teams get played to death

I’m guessing that while they may be fun, neither Tecmo or Backbreaker will be particularly “sim” like leaving football fans holding the bag in the area of choices this fall
Anthony

[quote comment="15443"][quote comment="15439"]

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you.[/quote]

Don’t forget about Backbreaker.[/quote]

I still predict that Backbreaker will get canned and never see light. Just a hunch I have.

I’m surprised to see mention of NHL 2K9.
Anthony

[quote comment="15443"][quote comment="15439"]

EA, now that we’re seemingly stuck with you.[/quote]

Don’t forget about Backbreaker.[/quote]

I still predict that Backbreaker will get canned and never see light. Just a hunch I have.

I’m surprised to see mention of NHL 2K9.
Eski

Wow….I am surprised not to see a whole lot of EA hating…Actually, it is a pleasant surprise.

I think the purchase is inevitable which will be a sad day for sports gamers everywhere. Not so much that I fear what EA may do, or not do, with its newly found resources, but more for the fact that some of the best sports franchises will no longer exist.

Either way, the innovation is what will be missed most. What amazed me most wasn’t that 2K had all of the extras in its games, but the leaps it made each year.

While we still wait for Madden to add classic jerseys, stadiums and announcers after three years, 2K improved visually and in its presentation and not marginally but vastly….

EA was the original pioneer in regards to sports games and licenses. Let’s hope EA goes back to its roots and brings back the innovation it once had.

I remember the original Madden and NHL for the Genesis had in-game highlights….I haven’t seen it in any game since….

Anyhow, if this sale goes through 2K sports games will be missed.
Eski

Wow….I am surprised not to see a whole lot of EA hating…Actually, it is a pleasant surprise.

I think the purchase is inevitable which will be a sad day for sports gamers everywhere. Not so much that I fear what EA may do, or not do, with its newly found resources, but more for the fact that some of the best sports franchises will no longer exist.

Either way, the innovation is what will be missed most. What amazed me most wasn’t that 2K had all of the extras in its games, but the leaps it made each year.

While we still wait for Madden to add classic jerseys, stadiums and announcers after three years, 2K improved visually and in its presentation and not marginally but vastly….

EA was the original pioneer in regards to sports games and licenses. Let’s hope EA goes back to its roots and brings back the innovation it once had.

I remember the original Madden and NHL for the Genesis had in-game highlights….I haven’t seen it in any game since….

Anyhow, if this sale goes through 2K sports games will be missed.
Darren

I hope the reason take two took APF off the slate was because they wised up and threw out the legends. Just make a game with all generic players but FULLY customizable. And then have 2k share be in the game. But I highly doubt they will do this and we’ll probaly not see another 2k football game for a while or maybe never.
Darren

I hope the reason take two took APF off the slate was because they wised up and threw out the legends. Just make a game with all generic players but FULLY customizable. And then have 2k share be in the game. But I highly doubt they will do this and we’ll probaly not see another 2k football game for a while or maybe never.
http://www.easports.com/nbalive08 Clueminati017

I’ve seen a lot of comments about Facebreaker, but that game questions me. For me being a moderator for EA Sports NBA LIVE Forum. I’ve seen a preview of it,and a couple of questions popped up in my head like….

Would this game sit well for Fight Night fans when the game 2K Prize Fighter is coming out?

Would this game possibly bring back the Dreamcast owners who brought the game Ready 2 Rumble?

Facebreaker to me is actually very similar to the game Ready 2 Rumble, but with more facial movements on the character getting hit in the face. I’ll play the game regardless no matter what.
http://www.easports.com/nbalive08 Clueminati017

I’ve seen a lot of comments about Facebreaker, but that game questions me. For me being a moderator for EA Sports NBA LIVE Forum. I’ve seen a preview of it,and a couple of questions popped up in my head like….

Would this game sit well for Fight Night fans when the game 2K Prize Fighter is coming out?

Would this game possibly bring back the Dreamcast owners who brought the game Ready 2 Rumble?

Facebreaker to me is actually very similar to the game Ready 2 Rumble, but with more facial movements on the character getting hit in the face. I’ll play the game regardless no matter what.
http://www.zshare.net/download/6518525cdd035a/ shoeprint

I will believe this when i see the report from 2k… why would they sell if the only games that hasnt done well is APF 2k8 and College 2k8? Still got GTA 4, and a crapload of others… I will make a comment when they sell, but selling to EA is a good thing as long as they bring 2K’s people in and rearrage those graphics… Like I said before, im into gun/military games for good if this crap happens. But for now its just B.S. too me? And what is making EA so profitable besides Madden? This is why I will believe it when I see it…
http://www.zshare.net/download/6518525cdd035a/ shoeprint

I will believe this when i see the report from 2k… why would they sell if the only games that hasnt done well is APF 2k8 and College 2k8? Still got GTA 4, and a crapload of others… I will make a comment when they sell, but selling to EA is a good thing as long as they bring 2K’s people in and rearrage those graphics… Like I said before, im into gun/military games for good if this crap happens. But for now its just B.S. too me? And what is making EA so profitable besides Madden? This is why I will believe it when I see it…
pastapadre

[quote comment="15456"]I’ve seen a lot of comments about Facebreaker, but that game questions me. For me being a moderator for EA Sports NBA LIVE Forum. I’ve seen a preview of it,and a couple of questions popped up in my head like….

Would this game sit well for Fight Night fans when the game 2K Prize Fighter is coming out?

Would this game possibly bring back the Dreamcast owners who brought the game Ready 2 Rumble?

Facebreaker to me is actually very similar to the game Ready 2 Rumble, but with more facial movements on the character getting hit in the face. I’ll play the game regardless no matter what.[/quote]

The boxing titles are spaced out enough that I don’t really see them having much affect on one another. Prizefighter coming up here in a few months, Facebreaker looking like November, and Fight Night Rd. 4 probably shooting for Spring 2009.
pastapadre

[quote comment="15456"]I’ve seen a lot of comments about Facebreaker, but that game questions me. For me being a moderator for EA Sports NBA LIVE Forum. I’ve seen a preview of it,and a couple of questions popped up in my head like….

Would this game sit well for Fight Night fans when the game 2K Prize Fighter is coming out?

Would this game possibly bring back the Dreamcast owners who brought the game Ready 2 Rumble?

Facebreaker to me is actually very similar to the game Ready 2 Rumble, but with more facial movements on the character getting hit in the face. I’ll play the game regardless no matter what.[/quote]

The boxing titles are spaced out enough that I don’t really see them having much affect on one another. Prizefighter coming up here in a few months, Facebreaker looking like November, and Fight Night Rd. 4 probably shooting for Spring 2009.
O’rly

[quote comment="15436"][quote comment="15435"][quote comment="15428"]i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence[/quote]
but yet $60 of a debacle called madden 08 or 09 is?[/quote]

exaggerate much?

btw Gamespot has pretty much confirmed APF is dead as of this moment. I don’t see many scenarios where it gets revived.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6187563.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3/quote
no i would exaggerate if i would forget like most consumers do that madden 08 was horrible in the sense of quality..people can say whatever they wish about apf.but the fact of the matter was that it at least gave consumers a choice..even if most pro madden sites didnt. thats the outlook and the fact that this company cannot make a good football game when the same issues on a wishlists for 4 straight years are never answered. When EA changes their schemes of making cold hard unqualified products then i will change what i say and the point of how i see them.Ie..the uniform errors.
O’rly

[quote comment="15436"][quote comment="15435"][quote comment="15428"]i certintly wouldnt be upset with APF 2k9 coming out. that was a waste of 50 dollars. maybe if they had active players it would be a good game but i realize they dont have the liscence[/quote]
but yet $60 of a debacle called madden 08 or 09 is?[/quote]

exaggerate much?

btw Gamespot has pretty much confirmed APF is dead as of this moment. I don’t see many scenarios where it gets revived.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6187563.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3/quote
no i would exaggerate if i would forget like most consumers do that madden 08 was horrible in the sense of quality..people can say whatever they wish about apf.but the fact of the matter was that it at least gave consumers a choice..even if most pro madden sites didnt. thats the outlook and the fact that this company cannot make a good football game when the same issues on a wishlists for 4 straight years are never answered. When EA changes their schemes of making cold hard unqualified products then i will change what i say and the point of how i see them.Ie..the uniform errors.
The Saint

[quote comment="15459"]I will believe this when i see the report from 2k… why would they sell if the only games that hasnt done well is APF 2k8 and College 2k8? Still got GTA 4, and a crapload of others… I will make a comment when they sell, but selling to EA is a good thing as long as they bring 2K’s people in and rearrage those graphics… Like I said before, im into gun/military games for good if this crap happens. But for now its just B.S. too me? And what is making EA so profitable besides Madden? This is why I will believe it when I see it…[/quote]

To me it’s obvious that $2 billion is a small price for EA to pay to get rid of its only competition. I believe that 2K Sports is on the verge of taking over EA Sports. 2K may be hurting financially, but EA Sports’ reputation is going down the tubes fast. EA is working off of its strengths, which is marketing. I think that EA ralizes that even if their acquisition of Take Two never materializes, that 2K’s public image would’ve been tarnished already. EA is just plain playing dirty, trying to cause panic among the stockholders of Take Two.
The Saint

[quote comment="15459"]I will believe this when i see the report from 2k… why would they sell if the only games that hasnt done well is APF 2k8 and College 2k8? Still got GTA 4, and a crapload of others… I will make a comment when they sell, but selling to EA is a good thing as long as they bring 2K’s people in and rearrage those graphics… Like I said before, im into gun/military games for good if this crap happens. But for now its just B.S. too me? And what is making EA so profitable besides Madden? This is why I will believe it when I see it…[/quote]

To me it’s obvious that $2 billion is a small price for EA to pay to get rid of its only competition. I believe that 2K Sports is on the verge of taking over EA Sports. 2K may be hurting financially, but EA Sports’ reputation is going down the tubes fast. EA is working off of its strengths, which is marketing. I think that EA ralizes that even if their acquisition of Take Two never materializes, that 2K’s public image would’ve been tarnished already. EA is just plain playing dirty, trying to cause panic among the stockholders of Take Two.
http://www.zshare.net/download/6518525cdd035a/ shoeprint

[quote comment="15466"][quote comment="15459"]I will believe this when i see the report from 2k… why would they sell if the only games that hasnt done well is APF 2k8 and College 2k8? Still got GTA 4, and a crapload of others… I will make a comment when they sell, but selling to EA is a good thing as long as they bring 2K’s people in and rearrage those graphics… Like I said before, im into gun/military games for good if this crap happens. But for now its just B.S. too me? And what is making EA so profitable besides Madden? This is why I will believe it when I see it…[/quote]

To me it’s obvious that $2 billion is a small price for EA to pay to get rid of its only competition. I believe that 2K Sports is on the verge of taking over EA Sports. 2K may be hurting financially, but EA Sports’ reputation is going down the tubes fast. EA is working off of its strengths, which is marketing. I think that EA ralizes that even if their acquisition of Take Two never materializes, that 2K’s public image would’ve been tarnished already. EA is just plain playing dirty, trying to cause panic among the stockholders of Take Two.[/quote]

Take two has GTA 4 dropping! WTF? I swear I think this is a hoax, why isnt EA trying to cop smaller companies that make good selling games, I dont believe this stuff… When it happens it happens, but Bioshock/Bully/GTA4/a couple 2k games are big titles, I still want pasta to reitterate how EA can buy a whole company off the strength of Madden? Live selling? Fight night? what other title makes EA money like that? I will be glad when it is over…
http://www.zshare.net/download/6518525cdd035a/ shoeprint

[quote comment="15466"][quote comment="15459"]I will believe this when i see the report from 2k… why would they sell if the only games that hasnt done well is APF 2k8 and College 2k8? Still got GTA 4, and a crapload of others… I will make a comment when they sell, but selling to EA is a good thing as long as they bring 2K’s people in and rearrage those graphics… Like I said before, im into gun/military games for good if this crap happens. But for now its just B.S. too me? And what is making EA so profitable besides Madden? This is why I will believe it when I see it…[/quote]

To me it’s obvious that $2 billion is a small price for EA to pay to get rid of its only competition. I believe that 2K Sports is on the verge of taking over EA Sports. 2K may be hurting financially, but EA Sports’ reputation is going down the tubes fast. EA is working off of its strengths, which is marketing. I think that EA ralizes that even if their acquisition of Take Two never materializes, that 2K’s public image would’ve been tarnished already. EA is just plain playing dirty, trying to cause panic among the stockholders of Take Two.[/quote]

Take two has GTA 4 dropping! WTF? I swear I think this is a hoax, why isnt EA trying to cop smaller companies that make good selling games, I dont believe this stuff… When it happens it happens, but Bioshock/Bully/GTA4/a couple 2k games are big titles, I still want pasta to reitterate how EA can buy a whole company off the strength of Madden? Live selling? Fight night? what other title makes EA money like that? I will be glad when it is over…