Who Owns Plants vs. Zombies Now? A Deep Dive into the PvZ Universe
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The short answer is: Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ) is currently owned by Electronic Arts (EA). However, the story behind that ownership is a bit more intricate, involving acquisitions, creative differences, and a significant shift in the gaming landscape. Understanding the full picture requires a look into the history of the franchise and the companies involved.
The Genesis of PvZ and the Rise of PopCap Games
Plants vs. Zombies wasn’t always under the EA umbrella. It began its life as a project of PopCap Games, a company founded on July 18, 2000, by John Vechey, Brian Fiete, and Jason Kapalka. PopCap established itself as a successful developer of casual games, creating titles like Bejeweled, Zuma, and Peggle that resonated with a broad audience.
In 2009, PopCap released Plants vs. Zombies, a tower defense game that quickly became a massive hit. Its charming graphics, quirky characters, and addictively simple yet strategic gameplay catapulted the game to success. Plants vs. Zombies achieved the $1 million revenue mark within nine days of its launch, selling 300,000 units and setting a new record for App Store launches. The game’s popularity soon led to expansions, ports to other platforms, and established it as a major franchise.
The Acquisition by Electronic Arts
On July 12, 2011, a significant change occurred: Electronic Arts (EA) acquired PopCap Games for $650 million in cash and $100 million in stock. This acquisition made PopCap a subsidiary of EA, one of the leading game development companies. At the time, EA aimed to bolster its digital business, and PopCap, known for its casual games, seemed a perfect fit. Additionally, the deal included the potential for a further $550 million in bonuses for PopCap, contingent on hitting specific financial goals, highlighting EA’s confidence in their new acquisition. EA’s CEO John Riccitiello stated that PopCap would be instrumental in their goal to generate $1 billion in digital revenue.
What This Means for PvZ
As a subsidiary of EA, PopCap maintains development control over the Plants vs. Zombies franchise, but EA is now the publisher and ultimately the owner. This means that while PopCap’s creative team is still responsible for crafting the gameplay and narratives, all financial decisions, marketing strategies, and distribution ultimately fall under EA’s umbrella.
This acquisition has been a mixed bag for fans. On one hand, EA’s resources have enabled the franchise to expand into sequels and spinoffs across multiple platforms. On the other, some fans feel that EA’s involvement has led to decisions like introducing pay-to-win mechanics in certain games, which some perceive as detracting from the core gameplay experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Plants vs. Zombies
To further clarify the ownership and history of PvZ, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Is Plants vs. Zombies still being developed?
Yes, Plants vs. Zombies is still being actively developed by PopCap Games, a subsidiary of Electronic Arts. New games and content updates are occasionally released.
2. When did EA buy PopCap?
EA acquired PopCap Games on July 12, 2011.
3. What was the sale price of PopCap to EA?
The initial sale price was $650 million in cash and $100 million in stock, with the possibility of an additional $550 million in bonuses.
4. Who created the first Plants vs. Zombies game?
The original Plants vs. Zombies game was developed by PopCap Games.
5. When was the first PvZ game released?
The first version of the game was released on May 5, 2009, initially for Windows and macOS. A physical version came out on August 18, 2009.
6. Why was Michael Jackson removed from PvZ?
The “dancing zombie” was removed due to concerns that it too closely resembled Michael Jackson, following objections from his estate. PopCap made a business decision to retire the original character.
7. Why did the creator of PvZ get fired from EA?
George Fan, the creator of the original Plants vs. Zombies, was reportedly fired by Electronic Arts because he refused to support pay-to-win tactics in the sequel of the game. This highlights some of the tensions between creative integrity and corporate directives within the gaming industry.
8. Is there a Plants vs. Zombies 5?
There isn’t a main series Plants vs. Zombies 5. However, there are various spin-offs and other PvZ titles, such as Plants vs. Zombies Volume 5: Petal to the Metal, which is a race-themed installment in the franchise.
9. Is EA making a new PvZ game?
Yes, EA is actively working on PvZ 3. It’s currently in development, and EA is providing updates on its progress, inviting gamers to test and explore its new features.
10. Who is the old man in PvZ?
The quirky character known as the “old man” is Crazy Dave. He is a recurring character and the deuteragonist in the Plants vs. Zombies series.
11. What is the oldest version of PvZ?
The first and oldest version of the game is the original Plants vs. Zombies, released in 2009 for Windows and macOS.
12. Why did PopCap sell to EA?
According to PopCap’s CEO, Dave Roberts, they chose to partner with EA because EA was reframing their culture towards making great digital games. They also felt that working with EA would allow them to scale their games to a larger audience.
13. Did Billie Eilish use Plants vs. Zombies in her music?
Yes, Billie Eilish has confirmed that her hit song “Bad Guy” samples a part of Plants vs. Zombies’ main theme. This demonstrates how the game’s influence extends beyond the gaming world into pop culture.
14. Is Plants vs. Zombies only a mobile game?
No, while Plants vs. Zombies has a strong presence on mobile platforms, the game has also been released on PC, consoles, and handheld devices, making it accessible across a wide range of gaming platforms.
15. What happened to the original Plants vs. Zombies game?
The original Plants vs. Zombies mobile game has been removed and is no longer available after November 18th, 2020. However, PvZ 2 continues to be supported and is available for players to enjoy.
Conclusion
In summary, while the creative roots of Plants vs. Zombies lie with PopCap Games, the franchise is ultimately owned and published by Electronic Arts (EA). This acquisition has led to a significant shift in how the game is developed, distributed, and monetized. Though fans have varied opinions on the impact of EA’s ownership, the legacy and popularity of Plants vs. Zombies remain a testament to its enduring appeal within the gaming community. The future of the franchise, with PvZ 3 in development, continues to be something players look forward to.