World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Canadian Politician Petitions Government to Help BioWare Buy Its Way From Under EA
Vancouver Kingsway MP Don Davies is backing a petition asking Canada’s federal government to help BioWare’s employees buy the studio from EA and regain control of its intellectual property. The proposal follows the studio’s closure and reflects concerns that foreign corporate ownership can cost Canadian businesses and workers their jobs.
The petition, started by Burnaby resident Brendan Routh, had 2,861 signatures when the article was written; it needs 500 to be presented to the House of Commons. That is far below a separate fan petition’s 307,000 signatures, and presentation does not guarantee government action. Davies says employees should have the first chance to buy BioWare, with federal support.
In short
- An MP backs a petition for Canada to help BioWare become independent.
- The petition had 2,861 signatures and passed the 500-signature threshold.
- Whether the government will provide funding remains uncertain.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporting the proposal, the studio’s employees have direct knowledge of BioWare’s work and a strong stake in preserving its jobs, expertise and intellectual property in Canada. Federal support could give them a fair chance to acquire the business when they may lack the capital to compete with larger buyers, while helping retain a locally rooted creative industry.
The case against
Opponents could argue that public funds and government effort should not be used to help a particular group purchase a private company, especially when BioWare has already closed and its future viability is uncertain. A government-backed acquisition might expose taxpayers to losses, disadvantage other potential buyers and set a precedent for intervening whenever foreign ownership leads to job losses.
Americas Entertainment Gaming Software Technology