We just got word from EA that their two mobile-focused studios, Firemint and IronMonkey will be merging into the single cleverly named “Firemonkeys" studio. Firemint, if you’re unfamiliar, are the developers behind Flight Control ($0.99), Real Racing ($2.99), and other sequels in the series. Similarly, IronMonkey is responsible for games like Mass Effect Infiltrator ($4.99) and Dead Space ($4.99).
Interestingly enough, combining these two studios is going to form Australia’s largest game development studio. As far as the reasoning behind the merger, according to EA’s PR:
By aligning the strategy of IronMonkey and Firemint, EA is able to create an even more focused team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to developing high-quality mobile game experiences. This merge in the mobile space is resulting in positive overall growth for the Firemonkeys team, as the studio is now hiring for several positions. Fans should expect to see progressive development efforts with upcoming launch and project announcements in 2012.
We’ll have to wait to see what actual benefits we see as iOS gamers from this merger, but if there’s one thing you can bet on, it’ll be a lot of internet comments regarding how EA has “ruined" Firemint. Personally, I’m excited for this, as Firemonkeys now has a lot of talent under one roof. Surely something rad will come out of it eventually.
