EA Acquires Gaming Client Developer

Super Computer International is now a part of game giant Electronic Arts, the ever-growing publisher announced today. The Atlanta-based SCI, not to be confused with Eidos parent company SCi--another speculated EA acquisition target--will be a part of EA's Online Technology Group. "SCI's development expertise is uniquely suited to our online technology needs," said EA VP Nanea Reeves in the announcement. "The team's technical leadership and creative approach is a great fit, and we're thrilled to have them join EA." EA will acquire all of the company's technology assets and the development team members will become EA employees. As such, SCI CEO Jesper Jensen will remain head of the team, directly under EA's Reeves. SCI created PlayLinc, a multiplayer gaming messaging platform that has been customized for new releases from publishers including EA and Ubisoft. It's a safe bet EA will integrate SCI's technology into its PC multiplayer gaming client offerings, so a revamp in this area may arrive in the near future. New York-based telecom provider Verizon actually acquired an equity stake in SCI last year, and used the company's PlayLinc technology in its now defunct Verizon Games Network initiative.