SCi takes over Eidos; Eidos board of directors resign

"Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:1116735481.556644.163140@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com
> Found this article posted in LCO.
>
> Eidos Board Resigns in Wake of SCi Acquisition
> by gamasutra.com
> Saturday, May 21, 2005
>
> With the purchase of UK-headquartered Tomb Raider publisher Eidos by
> fellow UK publisher/developer SCi complete, the board of directors for
> Eidos has resigned, to be replaced by representatives from SCi.
>
> A short press statement revealed that current board members David
> Adams, Stuart Cruickshank, Jonathan Kemp, John van Kuffeler, Ian
> Livingstone, Michael McGarvey, Victor Steel, and Allen Thomas have
> stepped down. In their place, Jane Cavanagh (CEO of SCi), Bill Ennis,
> and Rob Murphy have been appointed to the board for the transition
> period.
>
> The takover comes in the wake of SCi exchanging $114 million in SCi
> shares in exchange for the company's brands and products. "This
> acquisition ensures that Britain will have a strong presence in the
> global video games market at a time of continued growth in the
> industry," said Jane Cavanagh, chief executive of SCi. "This is an
> exciting time for everyone connected with SCi and Eidos and we are
> looking forward to working together to create a major player in the
> industry."
>
> The SCi's group current stable of in-development games include
> Conflict: Global Terror, 25 to Live, Total Overdose, Just Cause,
> Commandos: Strike Force, Reservoir Dogs, and now titles including Tomb
> Raider: Legend, with ownership of Bay Area-headquartered Legacy Of
> Kain creator Crystal Dynamics (now creating the aforementioned Tomb
> Raider sequel) a particular bright spot for SCi.
>
>
> I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.

We've known for quite some time that EIDOS was in deep trouble. EIDOS
forced the untimely release of AoD so that its books would reflect
positive revenue. This occurred and forstalled a very possible breakup
that year. Some months ago, I learned that EIDOS was indeed up for
grabs. However, SCi wasn't mentioned at that time. There was a failed
bid for takeover. EIDOS main deck was awash and that company was dead
in the water. For some months then, I have BEEN worried about whether
we'd even see the actual Tombraider: Legend game. I think now we will
definitely see our game finished and released. So, SCi already owns
Crystal Dynamics? Things are perhaps brighter for Tombraider than you
think Paul.

I've discovered that TombraiderChronicles.com is a good news page to
keep up with daily
McG.

Is this gonna affect the outcome of Legend?
Man, I'm already stoked abot it coming out in November (hopefully).

<big sigh>

Dani


"Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1116735481.556644.163140@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Found this article posted in LCO.
>
> Eidos Board Resigns in Wake of SCi Acquisition
> by gamasutra.com
> Saturday, May 21, 2005
>
> With the purchase of UK-headquartered Tomb Raider publisher Eidos by
> fellow UK publisher/developer SCi complete, the board of directors for
> Eidos has resigned, to be replaced by representatives from SCi.
>
> A short press statement revealed that current board members David
> Adams, Stuart Cruickshank, Jonathan Kemp, John van Kuffeler, Ian
> Livingstone, Michael McGarvey, Victor Steel, and Allen Thomas have
> stepped down. In their place, Jane Cavanagh (CEO of SCi), Bill Ennis,
> and Rob Murphy have been appointed to the board for the transition
> period.
>
> The takover comes in the wake of SCi exchanging $114 million in SCi
> shares in exchange for the company's brands and products. "This
> acquisition ensures that Britain will have a strong presence in the
> global video games market at a time of continued growth in the
> industry," said Jane Cavanagh, chief executive of SCi. "This is an
> exciting time for everyone connected with SCi and Eidos and we are
> looking forward to working together to create a major player in the
> industry."
>
> The SCi's group current stable of in-development games include
> Conflict: Global Terror, 25 to Live, Total Overdose, Just Cause,
> Commandos: Strike Force, Reservoir Dogs, and now titles including Tomb
> Raider: Legend, with ownership of Bay Area-headquartered Legacy Of Kain
> creator Crystal Dynamics (now creating the aforementioned Tomb Raider
> sequel) a particular bright spot for SCi.
>
>
> I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.
>

"Paul E Kiefer Jr"
snip
>
> I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.

I just *listened* to that interview with Riley. I think that Legend
has turned out to be a bright spot for SCI/CD and they all WANT this gem
brought out and they want it to be a huge success with us. I'm getting
eager to see it now

McG.

Pistol Whipped wrote:
>
> In the dead of night, a faint whisper from Paul E Kiefer Jr was heard,
> at about 05/22/2005 12:18 AM, and I could have sworn it said ...
> > Found this article posted in LCO.
> >
> > Eidos Board Resigns in Wake of SCi Acquisition
> > by gamasutra.com
> > Saturday, May 21, 2005
> >
> > With the purchase of UK-headquartered Tomb Raider publisher Eidos by
> > fellow UK publisher/developer SCi complete, the board of directors for
> > Eidos has resigned, to be replaced by representatives from SCi.
> >
> > A short press statement revealed that current board members David
> > Adams, Stuart Cruickshank, Jonathan Kemp, John van Kuffeler, Ian
> > Livingstone, Michael McGarvey, Victor Steel, and Allen Thomas have
> > stepped down. In their place, Jane Cavanagh (CEO of SCi), Bill Ennis,
> > and Rob Murphy have been appointed to the board for the transition
> > period.
> >
> > The takover comes in the wake of SCi exchanging $114 million in SCi
> > shares in exchange for the company's brands and products. "This
> > acquisition ensures that Britain will have a strong presence in the
> > global video games market at a time of continued growth in the
> > industry," said Jane Cavanagh, chief executive of SCi. "This is an
> > exciting time for everyone connected with SCi and Eidos and we are
> > looking forward to working together to create a major player in the
> > industry."
> >
> > The SCi's group current stable of in-development games include
> > Conflict: Global Terror, 25 to Live, Total Overdose, Just Cause,
> > Commandos: Strike Force, Reservoir Dogs, and now titles including Tomb
> > Raider: Legend, with ownership of Bay Area-headquartered Legacy Of Kain
> > creator Crystal Dynamics (now creating the aforementioned Tomb Raider
> > sequel) a particular bright spot for SCi.
> >
> >
> > I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.
> >
>
> I doubt they would change the direction of Legend at this point ... but
> I have to agree, it does not bode well for the future direction of the game.
>
> Far too many violent games on their roster for them not to do something
> *stupid* with TR!

As if Eidos hasn't or couldn't? :/

I think this could go either way. But based on the tone of the
end of the article, Tomb Raider and Lara are part of the crown
jewels. I doubt they'd want to do something that'd ruin it.
OTOH, it's happened before... Infogrames completely blew it with
Master of Orion 3 once they got their hands on it.

-- G

"Gary Mitchell" <wb6yru DeleteThis @ix.nospam.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:429059F1.87995949@ix.nospam.netcom.com
> Pistol Whipped wrote:
>>
>> In the dead of night, a faint whisper from Paul E Kiefer Jr was
>> heard,
>> at about 05/22/2005 12:18 AM, and I could have sworn it said ...
>>> Found this article posted in LCO.
>>>
>>> Eidos Board Resigns in Wake of SCi Acquisition
>>> by gamasutra.com
>>> Saturday, May 21, 2005
>>>
>>> With the purchase of UK-headquartered Tomb Raider publisher Eidos by
>>> fellow UK publisher/developer SCi complete, the board of directors
>>> for Eidos has resigned, to be replaced by representatives from SCi.
>>>
>>> A short press statement revealed that current board members David
>>> Adams, Stuart Cruickshank, Jonathan Kemp, John van Kuffeler, Ian
>>> Livingstone, Michael McGarvey, Victor Steel, and Allen Thomas have
>>> stepped down. In their place, Jane Cavanagh (CEO of SCi), Bill
>>> Ennis, and Rob Murphy have been appointed to the board for the
>>> transition period.
>>>
>>> The takover comes in the wake of SCi exchanging $114 million in SCi
>>> shares in exchange for the company's brands and products. "This
>>> acquisition ensures that Britain will have a strong presence in the
>>> global video games market at a time of continued growth in the
>>> industry," said Jane Cavanagh, chief executive of SCi. "This is an
>>> exciting time for everyone connected with SCi and Eidos and we are
>>> looking forward to working together to create a major player in the
>>> industry."
>>>
>>> The SCi's group current stable of in-development games include
>>> Conflict: Global Terror, 25 to Live, Total Overdose, Just Cause,
>>> Commandos: Strike Force, Reservoir Dogs, and now titles including
>>> Tomb Raider: Legend, with ownership of Bay Area-headquartered
>>> Legacy Of Kain creator Crystal Dynamics (now creating the
>>> aforementioned Tomb Raider sequel) a particular bright spot for SCi.
>>>
>>>
>>> I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.
>>>
>>
>> I doubt they would change the direction of Legend at this point ...
>> but
>> I have to agree, it does not bode well for the future direction of
>> the game.
>>
>> Far too many violent games on their roster for them not to do
>> something *stupid* with TR!
>
> As if Eidos hasn't or couldn't? :/
>
> I think this could go either way. But based on the tone of the
> end of the article, Tomb Raider and Lara are part of the crown
> jewels. I doubt they'd want to do something that'd ruin it.
> OTOH, it's happened before... Infogrames completely blew it with
> Master of Orion 3 once they got their hands on it.
>
> -- G

Gary, I think that Legend already looks better than the problem with
Orion3. The only thing I'm concerned about at this point is something
that PW and I both love to hate in AoD. The controls. AoD control
problems stemmed from two things: one is that the code for them is high
level that's easily ported between platforms, hence overall sluggishness
in how sharply Lara responds That code is not very well optimized for
the PC for sure. Not sure how they work out for the PS2. The other is
that there is some AI built into the controls so that Lara will
automatically do certain things in some situations. The first part with
sluggishness is still doable, that second part makes for a hideous mess
in some situations and is just plain irritating at the very best.
I'm starting to think that while they may well have optimized the code
for the controls and general sluggishness may be eliminated in this new
engine, they seem to have implemented some control AI in Legend as
well. We won't know what we think of THAT stuff until we get our hands
on the game itself. They're developing Legend on 3 platforms
simultaneously. Legend may be dumbed down for the PC from the start
because of that. They will likely release an averaged out grade game in
terms graphics and sounds to keep it more on a parr with the consoles.
It already looks like B grade materiel to me. That will thoroughly piss
me off. I also hope they have a Laras Home area like TR1-3 have!
Well, one can still hope for certain goodies, right?
McG.

"Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:1116735481.556644.163140@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Found this article posted in LCO.
>
> Eidos Board Resigns in Wake of SCi Acquisition
> by gamasutra.com
> Saturday, May 21, 2005
>
> With the purchase of UK-headquartered Tomb Raider publisher Eidos by
> fellow UK publisher/developer SCi complete, the board of directors for
> Eidos has resigned, to be replaced by representatives from SCi.
>
> A short press statement revealed that current board members David
> Adams, Stuart Cruickshank, Jonathan Kemp, John van Kuffeler, Ian
> Livingstone, Michael McGarvey, Victor Steel, and Allen Thomas have
> stepped down. In their place, Jane Cavanagh (CEO of SCi), Bill Ennis,
> and Rob Murphy have been appointed to the board for the transition
> period.
>
> The takover comes in the wake of SCi exchanging $114 million in SCi
> shares in exchange for the company's brands and products. "This
> acquisition ensures that Britain will have a strong presence in the
> global video games market at a time of continued growth in the
> industry," said Jane Cavanagh, chief executive of SCi. "This is an
> exciting time for everyone connected with SCi and Eidos and we are
> looking forward to working together to create a major player in the
> industry."
>
> The SCi's group current stable of in-development games include
> Conflict: Global Terror, 25 to Live, Total Overdose, Just Cause,
> Commandos: Strike Force, Reservoir Dogs, and now titles including Tomb
> Raider: Legend, with ownership of Bay Area-headquartered Legacy Of Kain
> creator Crystal Dynamics (now creating the aforementioned Tomb Raider
> sequel) a particular bright spot for SCi.
>
>
> I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.
>

I wouldn't.

1) The SCi deal has been going on for ages.

http://www.gamespot.com/x360/action/tombraidervii/news_6125871.html

http://www.gamespot.com/x360/action/tombraidervii/news_6121303.html

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/29/news_6121243.html

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/22/news_6120868.html

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/03/21/news_6120834.html

2) As you can see, Eidos has been bought by a UK company (as oppossed to
US-based Elevation). This makes me feel much better, knowing that at the end
of the bay, a British producer is holding the purse strings to TR.

3) Eidos has been in trouble. Which is no surprise. It's better than their
going out of business and TR finishing for ever...something that would have
been highly unlikely, but you never know.

4) Perhaps the scariest part is the resignation of the board. However,
there's no indication of whether the resignations were internal, forced,
asked, or made in defiance. It sounds to me as if SCi and board came to an
agreement. Which is fine in terms of internal cohesion regarding the
takeover.

5) It will have little if no bearing on the TR franchise. Eidos were already
doing a pretty lousy job...

Dragoncarer wrote:
>
> 2) As you can see, Eidos has been bought by a UK company (as oppossed to
> US-based Elevation). This makes me feel much better, knowing that at the end
> of the bay, a British producer is holding the purse strings to TR.

I don't care what nationality it is. As long as it's doing the job
right, I'm happy with that.

"Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:1117077422.216055.228290@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Dragoncarer wrote:
> >
> > 2) As you can see, Eidos has been bought by a UK company (as oppossed to
> > US-based Elevation). This makes me feel much better, knowing that at the
end
> > of the bay, a British producer is holding the purse strings to TR.
>
> I don't care what nationality it is. As long as it's doing the job
> right, I'm happy with that.
>

Well, if it was American chances are you'd lose the already heavily
Americanised brittish voice and witticisms and the whole mindset behind the
character would be screwed.
It also means the company would be more likely to hire American staff rather
than English - thus removing another piece of a non-US country's
individuality.
And the profits would be reimbursed into either an American or at least
International stock market/ economy.

My main point is that if it wasn't British, it's more than likely it
*wouldn't* do the job right.

IMHO.

In article <42957748.RemoveThis@dnews.tpgi.com.au>, "Dragoncarer" <woops.RemoveThis@no.sorry>
wrote:

> "Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr.RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:1117077422.216055.228290@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > Dragoncarer wrote:
> > >
> > > 2) As you can see, Eidos has been bought by a UK company (as oppossed to
> > > US-based Elevation). This makes me feel much better, knowing that at the
> end
> > > of the bay, a British producer is holding the purse strings to TR.
> >
> > I don't care what nationality it is. As long as it's doing the job
> > right, I'm happy with that.
> >
>
> Well, if it was American chances are you'd lose the already heavily
> Americanised brittish voice and witticisms and the whole mindset behind the
> character would be screwed.
> It also means the company would be more likely to hire American staff rather
> than English - thus removing another piece of a non-US country's
> individuality.
> And the profits would be reimbursed into either an American or at least
> International stock market/ economy.
>
> My main point is that if it wasn't British, it's more than likely it
> *wouldn't* do the job right.
>
> IMHO.

Isn't Core Design based in LA ?

From what I've read -

The other bidder for Eidos (Elevation Partners - some media people
including that 'All American' U2 singer Bono - who got together JUST for
this purpose...) wanted to take Eidos private so that it wouldn't be
subject to the whims of the stock market/stock holders (Or so they said
at the time...). They'd already been accepted by the Eidos Board when
SCi came along and offered more... Eidos stock went up, some stock
holders group objected to the original bid and 'Elevation Partners'
didn't want to pay that much more for it. So SCi ended up with Eidos.

Of course, when you're watching all of this from the sidelines... it's
hard to know who would have been the better choice... or how accurate
the media was about all of this...

-Andy- wrote:
>
> In article <42957748.DeleteThis@dnews.tpgi.com.au>, "Dragoncarer" <woops.DeleteThis@no.sorry>
> wrote:
>
> > "Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
> > news:1117077422.216055.228290@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> > > Dragoncarer wrote:
> > > >
> > > > 2) As you can see, Eidos has been bought by a UK company (as oppossed to
> > > > US-based Elevation). This makes me feel much better, knowing that at the
> > end
> > > > of the bay, a British producer is holding the purse strings to TR.
> > >
> > > I don't care what nationality it is. As long as it's doing the job
> > > right, I'm happy with that.
> > >
> >
> > Well, if it was American chances are you'd lose the already heavily
> > Americanised brittish voice and witticisms and the whole mindset behind the
> > character would be screwed.
> > It also means the company would be more likely to hire American staff rather
> > than English - thus removing another piece of a non-US country's
> > individuality.
> > And the profits would be reimbursed into either an American or at least
> > International stock market/ economy.
> >
> > My main point is that if it wasn't British, it's more than likely it
> > *wouldn't* do the job right.
> >
> > IMHO.
>
> Isn't Core Design based in LA ?

Core Design
55 Ashbourne Road
Derby DE22 3FS
England

At least that used to be the case. :/

-- G


> From what I've read -
>
> The other bidder for Eidos (Elevation Partners - some media people
> including that 'All American' U2 singer Bono - who got together JUST for
> this purpose...) wanted to take Eidos private so that it wouldn't be
> subject to the whims of the stock market/stock holders (Or so they said
> at the time...). They'd already been accepted by the Eidos Board when
> SCi came along and offered more... Eidos stock went up, some stock
> holders group objected to the original bid and 'Elevation Partners'
> didn't want to pay that much more for it. So SCi ended up with Eidos.
>
> Of course, when you're watching all of this from the sidelines... it's
> hard to know who would have been the better choice... or how accurate
> the media was about all of this...

So, it would seem that the making of TR-7 has a decidedly American
flavor to it, yet they brought in Toby Gerard.

Gee, maybe we DO know what we're doing after all, hmmm? 9_9

> -Andy- wrote:

> > Isn't Core Design based in LA ?

Oops... I meant 'Crystal Dynamics' - the company (owned by Eidos since
98 - see: http://games.ign.com/objects/025/025018.html ) making TR VII.
They are a California company (Unless they've moved).

Not sure why I mixed them up...

-Andy-

"Paul E Kiefer Jr" <pkieferjr.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1116735481.556644.163140@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> Found this article posted in LCO.
>
> Eidos Board Resigns in Wake of SCi Acquisition
> by gamasutra.com
> Saturday, May 21, 2005
>
> With the purchase of UK-headquartered Tomb Raider publisher Eidos by
> fellow UK publisher/developer SCi complete, the board of directors for
> Eidos has resigned, to be replaced by representatives from SCi.
>
> A short press statement revealed that current board members David
> Adams, Stuart Cruickshank, Jonathan Kemp, John van Kuffeler, Ian
> Livingstone, Michael McGarvey, Victor Steel, and Allen Thomas have
> stepped down. In their place, Jane Cavanagh (CEO of SCi), Bill Ennis,
> and Rob Murphy have been appointed to the board for the transition
> period.
>
> The takover comes in the wake of SCi exchanging $114 million in SCi
> shares in exchange for the company's brands and products. "This
> acquisition ensures that Britain will have a strong presence in the
> global video games market at a time of continued growth in the
> industry," said Jane Cavanagh, chief executive of SCi. "This is an
> exciting time for everyone connected with SCi and Eidos and we are
> looking forward to working together to create a major player in the
> industry."
>
> The SCi's group current stable of in-development games include
> Conflict: Global Terror, 25 to Live, Total Overdose, Just Cause,
> Commandos: Strike Force, Reservoir Dogs, and now titles including Tomb
> Raider: Legend, with ownership of Bay Area-headquartered Legacy Of Kain
> creator Crystal Dynamics (now creating the aforementioned Tomb Raider
> sequel) a particular bright spot for SCi.
>
>
> I don't know about you guys, but I'd be worried at this point.
>

I should feel right at home, I started working for a Co. in Aug. last, they
were bought out in Nov. last, by a company whose 'growth' policy seems to be
to buy up other companies. Sounds the same Hmm? Not same companies tho.

Inu-Yasha
Feh!!