EA: Respawn will be "key part" of EA Partners business
Deal with West and Zampella "fell into our laps" says Gibeau
EA Games president Frank Gibeau has said that the deal struck between Respawn, the new studio of sacked Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella, and EA was "spectacular" for the publisher.
"Infinity Ward - what they were was a spectacular development organisation," Gibeau told Gamasutra.
"Jason and Vince and their team there clearly created and did things in the entertainment business that have never been done before in gaming. So lots of respect to them. Those guys are big players."
"The fact that we were able to take advantage of an opportunity that came our way and partner with Respawn and create a relationship with them has been spectacular, something that we're very excited about. It's a key part of how we're growing our EA Partners business going forward," he added.
"That was something that fell into our laps after they were terminated and announced they were free and independent, and we went for it. The fact that those guys are doing what they're doing, we're very excited."
West and Zampella announced the formation of their new independent development studio Respawn Entertainment and a distribution deal with EA Partners last month.
Earlier today it was reported that 15 Infinity Ward employees have now left the Activision-owned studio to work at Respawn.