The Command and Conquer series has been a staple of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre for decades, captivating gamers with its engaging gameplay, rich storyline, and memorable characters. However, the question of who owns the Command and Conquer franchise has been a topic of interest and debate among fans and industry enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into the history of the franchise, explore the various companies involved, and uncover the current ownership of Command and Conquer.
A Brief History Of Command And Conquer
The Command and Conquer series was first introduced in 1995 by Westwood Studios, a renowned game development company founded in 1985 by Brett Sperry and Louis Castle. The first game in the series, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Dawn, was a groundbreaking RTS title that set the standard for future games in the genre. The game’s success led to the creation of several sequels, expansions, and spin-offs, including Command & Conquer: Red Alert, Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun, and Command & Conquer: Generals.
Westwood Studios And Electronic Arts (EA)
In 1998, Westwood Studios was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA), one of the largest and most influential video game publishers in the industry. Under EA’s ownership, Westwood Studios continued to develop and publish Command and Conquer games, including Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 and Command & Conquer: Renegade. However, in 2003, EA closed Westwood Studios and relocated its assets to EA Los Angeles (EALA), which would later become the primary developer of the Command and Conquer series.
The Rise Of EA Los Angeles (EALA)
EALA, formerly known as Westwood Pacific, was established in 1998 as a subsidiary of EA. After the closure of Westwood Studios, EALA became the primary developer of the Command and Conquer series, releasing several successful titles, including Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3, and Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight. EALA’s work on the series helped to maintain its popularity and critical acclaim.
Victory Games And The Cancellation Of Command & Conquer (2013)
In 2010, EA announced the formation of Victory Games, a new studio dedicated to developing Command and Conquer games. Victory Games was tasked with creating a new Command and Conquer title, which was initially announced as Command & Conquer: Generals 2. However, in 2013, EA cancelled the game, citing a shift in the company’s strategy and a desire to focus on other projects.
The Current Ownership Of Command And Conquer
So, who owns Command and Conquer today? The answer lies with Electronic Arts (EA), which has retained ownership of the franchise since its acquisition of Westwood Studios in 1998. Although the series has undergone significant changes and developments over the years, EA remains the sole owner of the Command and Conquer intellectual property (IP).
Petroglyph Games And The Remastered Collection
In 2018, EA announced a partnership with Petroglyph Games, a studio founded by former Westwood Studios employees, to develop a remastered collection of classic Command and Conquer games. The Command & Conquer Remastered Collection, released in 2020, features updated versions of the original games, including Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in the franchise’s history, as it brought together the original creators of the series with the current owner, EA.
Conclusion
The Command and Conquer franchise has undergone significant changes and developments over the years, with various companies contributing to its growth and success. However, one thing remains constant: Electronic Arts (EA) is the sole owner of the Command and Conquer IP. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how EA chooses to develop and expand the franchise in the future.
| Company | Role in Command and Conquer | Years Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Westwood Studios | Original developer and publisher | 1995-2003 |
| Electronic Arts (EA) | Current owner and publisher | 1998-present |
| EA Los Angeles (EALA) | Primary developer (2003-2010) | 2003-2010 |
| Victory Games | Developer (2010-2013) | 2010-2013 |
| Petroglyph Games | Developer (Remastered Collection) | 2018-present |
In conclusion, the ownership of Command and Conquer is a complex and fascinating topic that reflects the ever-changing landscape of the video game industry. As the franchise continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how EA chooses to develop and expand the series in the future.
Who Currently Owns The Command And Conquer Franchise?
The Command and Conquer franchise is currently owned by Electronic Arts (EA), a renowned American video game developer and publisher. EA acquired the rights to the franchise as part of its purchase of Westwood Studios, the original developer of the series, in 1998.
Since then, EA has been responsible for publishing and distributing Command and Conquer games, as well as overseeing the development of new titles in the series. Despite some changes in the franchise’s direction and gameplay over the years, EA has continued to support the series and release new games, including remastered versions of classic titles.
What Happened To Westwood Studios, The Original Developer Of Command And Conquer?
Westwood Studios was a video game development company founded in 1985 by Brett Sperry and Louis Castle. The studio was best known for developing the Command and Conquer series, as well as other popular games such as the Lands of Lore series. In 1998, Westwood Studios was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) for $122.5 million.
After the acquisition, Westwood Studios continued to operate as a subsidiary of EA, but it eventually closed its doors in 2003. Many of the studio’s employees went on to form a new company called Petroglyph Games, which has since developed several games, including Star Wars: Empire at War and Grey Goo.
Has The Ownership Of Command And Conquer Changed Hands Over The Years?
Yes, the ownership of the Command and Conquer franchise has changed hands over the years. The franchise was originally developed by Westwood Studios, which was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 1998. Since then, EA has retained ownership of the franchise and has been responsible for publishing and distributing Command and Conquer games.
However, in 2018, it was announced that Petroglyph Games, a studio founded by former Westwood Studios employees, would be developing a new Command and Conquer game titled Command and Conquer: Remastered. This marked a return to the franchise’s roots, with the original developers involved in the creation of new content.
What Is The Current Status Of The Command And Conquer Franchise?
The Command and Conquer franchise is currently active, with new games and content being developed and released. In 2020, EA released Command and Conquer: Remastered, a remastered version of the original game and its expansion pack. The game was developed by Petroglyph Games and featured updated graphics and gameplay.
In addition to the remastered game, EA has also announced plans to develop new Command and Conquer games, including a new mainline title and a mobile game. The franchise continues to be popular among fans, and EA is committed to supporting and growing the series in the years to come.
Can I Still Play Classic Command And Conquer Games?
Yes, it is still possible to play classic Command and Conquer games. Many of the original games in the series are available for purchase and download through digital storefronts such as Origin, Steam, and GOG.com. These games have been updated to run on modern operating systems and hardware, making it easy for fans to revisit classic titles.
In addition, EA has also released remastered versions of some classic Command and Conquer games, including Command and Conquer: Remastered. These remastered games feature updated graphics and gameplay, making them a great option for fans who want to experience the classic games with modern visuals and sound.
Are There Any Plans For New Command And Conquer Games?
Yes, there are plans for new Command and Conquer games. EA has announced plans to develop a new mainline Command and Conquer game, as well as a mobile game. The new mainline game is currently in development, but details are scarce. The mobile game, titled Command and Conquer: Rivals, was released in 2018 and features a more casual take on the franchise’s gameplay.
In addition to these new games, EA has also expressed interest in exploring other areas of the Command and Conquer franchise, including potential spin-offs and expansions. The company is committed to supporting and growing the series, and fans can expect to see new content and games in the years to come.
How Has The Ownership Of Command And Conquer Impacted The Franchise?
The ownership of Command and Conquer has had a significant impact on the franchise over the years. When EA acquired Westwood Studios in 1998, it marked a significant change in the direction of the franchise. EA brought more resources and support to the series, allowing for more ambitious and complex games to be developed.
However, some fans have argued that EA’s ownership of the franchise has also led to a more commercialized and formulaic approach to game development. The company’s focus on releasing games with broad appeal has sometimes resulted in games that lack the innovation and creativity of earlier titles in the series. Despite this, the franchise remains popular, and EA continues to support and grow the series.