EA to Buy Criterion

IGN:Takes one step closer to ruling the world.
July 28, 2004 - In an announcement that shocked everyone today, it has been confirmed that software giant Electronic Arts has entered an agreement to acquire the UK-based Criterion Software -- the creators of the widely used RenderWare middleware, and cross-platform hits like Burnout and TrickStyle, and the upcoming first-person shooter, Black.

Scary headline!