Who Owns Plants vs. Zombies? A Deep Dive into the Ownership of the Popular Franchise
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The question of who owns the Plants vs. Zombies (PvZ) franchise is a crucial one for fans and industry observers alike. To put it simply, Plants vs. Zombies is owned by Electronic Arts (EA). While the game was originally developed by PopCap Games, EA acquired PopCap in 2011, making PvZ a subsidiary property. This acquisition has had a significant impact on the direction and development of the franchise, leading to both praise and criticism from its dedicated fanbase. Let’s delve deeper into the ownership history and related aspects of this beloved video game series.
The Journey to EA Ownership
The Rise of PopCap Games
Before the EA acquisition, PopCap Games was a prominent force in the casual gaming market. Founded in 2000, they rose to fame with addictive and creative titles like Bejeweled and, of course, Plants vs. Zombies. PopCap quickly established itself as a studio known for producing high-quality, accessible games with a unique charm. The initial success of Plants vs. Zombies was astronomical, generating millions in revenue and quickly capturing the hearts of gamers worldwide. The company sold over 300,000 units in just the first nine days, setting a new record for AppStore launches and reaching the $1 million revenue mark.
The EA Acquisition
The landscape changed drastically on July 12, 2011, when Electronic Arts (EA) acquired PopCap Games. This move was significant as it gave EA a strong foothold in the rapidly expanding mobile and social gaming sectors, areas where they had previously struggled. The acquisition cost EA over $1 billion, showcasing the significant value and potential they saw in PopCap’s intellectual property, including Plants vs. Zombies. EA wanted PopCap for its brand recognition and entry into mobile gaming. EA viewed PopCap as a way to “scale [their] games and services” and deliver “more social, mobile, casual fun.”
EA’s Role in the Franchise
Following the acquisition, EA Games became the publisher of all PopCap games, including the Plants vs. Zombies franchise. This move put the future of the series under EA’s direction. Since then, EA has overseen the development and release of numerous Plants vs. Zombies titles and spin-offs. This has included entries like Plants vs. Zombies 2, Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare, and Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville. EA also secured a trademark for the name “Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville”, solidifying their control over the branding.
Understanding Intellectual Property
Copyright and Trademark
It is important to understand that while EA owns the publishing rights, the core creative assets of Plants vs. Zombies are protected by copyright. Copyright automatically protects original works of authorship, such as art, music, literature, and software. This means the game’s designs and characters, including the classic zombie design, are protected. While the “zombie” term cannot be copyrighted, as Marvel tried in 1973 to secure a trademark on it, the specific character designs in PvZ have copyright protection.
The Controversy
While EA owning the PvZ franchise is a fact, the company’s business practices have not gone without criticism. Most notably, the creator of Plants vs. Zombies, George Fan, was fired by Electronic Arts because he reportedly refused to support pay-to-win tactics in the sequel. This decision sparked controversy amongst fans and highlighted concerns about the direction EA was taking the franchise. This illustrates the complex dynamic of corporate ownership and creative control.
The Future of PvZ Under EA
The future of the Plants vs. Zombies franchise continues under EA’s control. EA has announced that Plants vs. Zombies 3 is in development, although they emphasize it is “far from a set date for PvZ 3’s official launch.” EA has also confirmed that the original games are not shutting down, despite rumors to the contrary. John Vechey, one of the cofounders of PopCap, is now the new chief executive of the studio, further showing EA’s continued management of the studio. While there have been cancelled games such as Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville, EA’s continuous investment in the franchise suggests a commitment to its future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does EA still own PvZ?
Yes, Electronic Arts (EA) still owns Plants vs. Zombies. They acquired PopCap Games in 2011, and the franchise has been a subsidiary property ever since.
2. Is PopCap owned by EA?
Yes, PopCap Games is a subsidiary of Electronic Arts (EA). It was acquired in 2011.
3. Is Plants vs. Zombies trademarked?
Electronic Arts has secured a trademark for specific titles, such as “Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville.” This is part of their protection for the branding of the franchise.
4. Does PvZ have copyright?
Yes, the characters, designs, and software of Plants vs. Zombies are protected by copyright. EA, as the owner, has control over these assets.
5. Why was the creator of PvZ fired?
George Fan, the creator of Plants vs. Zombies, was reportedly fired by Electronic Arts for refusing to implement pay-to-win tactics in the sequel, Plants vs. Zombies 2.
6. How much did PvZ sell?
Plants vs. Zombies sold 300,000 units in its first nine days, generating $1 million in revenue and setting a new record for AppStore launches at the time.
7. Who did EA buy out?
In 2021, EA acquired Glu Mobile and Codemasters for a combined $3.2 billion, expanding its portfolio of game developers and studios.
8. Why was PopCap sold?
PopCap was sold to EA to allow the gaming giant to break into mobile and social gaming. PopCap also felt that the move would allow them to scale their games and services.
9. Is there a PvZ 5?
There is not currently a Plants vs. Zombies 5. Plants vs Zombies Volume 5: Petal to the Metal was a comic book. The next game in the franchise is understood to be PvZ 3.
10. Is EA making a new PvZ game?
Yes, EA is developing Plants vs. Zombies 3. While there is no official release date, the game is in active development.
11. Who is the CEO of PopCap?
The current CEO of PopCap Games is John Vechey, one of the company’s cofounders. He took over after Dave Roberts retired.
12. Is PvZ shutting down?
No, Plants vs. Zombies is not shutting down. EA confirmed through live chat support that the game will continue to operate.
13. Why was PvZ BFN Cancelled?
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville (BFN) was cancelled primarily due to lower player counts compared to the Garden Warfare games and poor marketing.
14. Who is the guy in PvZ?
The main human character in Plants vs. Zombies is Crazy Dave, whose full name is confirmed to be Crazetopher David Blazing III.
15. Who made the zombies in Disney?
The zombies in Disney’s Zombies franchise were made by Disney, based on a screenplay by David Light and Joseph Raso. They are not related to the Plants vs. Zombies zombies.