Running a business in California is expensive.  EA is looking to cut back as much money as they can.  By moving some of their staff to another location, they have a chance to save quite a bit of money in the long term.  It’s rumored that one of these new locations is Georgia – either Atlanta or Savanah.  I have to admit, it’d be pretty cool knowing there is an EA Studio 5 hours away – makes even a better chance for a job possibility as well while being close to home!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3035859421_7dfcc66b9a.jpgEA spokesman Jeff Brown confirmed the company is considering the Peach State, in addition to Louisiana and Florida, as it seeks to relocate work from high-cost areas like California. Texas had also been in contention, but was dropped.

Brown declined to speculate on employment and investment details, the Georgia sites being looked at, or when a decision might be made.

EA, famous for its Madden NFL and Rock Band franchises, develops and publishes interactive software for video game systems, personal computers, cell phones and the Internet.

The company has a large development operation in Orlando, Fla. EA is considering Georgia for a game development and support center that will work on an undisclosed franchise, Brown said.

The center would employ developers, testers, customer service reps and others.

EA “would be a very big boost to the gaming industry in Atlanta,” said Han Reichgelt, dean of Southern Polytechnic State University’s School of Computing and Software Engineering. “It’s one of these things that will get [gaming companies and developers] to look at Atlanta as a possible destination.”

What studios would they move to Georgia? No clue – it’s all rumor at this point until EA goes public on their decision…Too bad Will wasn’t still with Maxis, considering he was originally from Atlanta I’d have to wonder if the thought of moving would of crossed his mind.

Source of article:  Atlanta Business Chronicle