For a long time, EA’s games in South Africa were the cheapest you’d find. Very nearly a year ago, we told you that would be changing – and that EA South Africa’s office would be shutting. Distribution of our EA games then moved on to Apex. Less than 12 months later, and it could be changing again.
Peg this as a rumour, but we’ve received word from no fewer than 2 independent, industry sources that Apex Interactive will no longer be distributing EA’s game. While no new distributor has been named, likely candidates are Prima Interactive and Ster Kinekor Entertainment.
Prima already distributes Disney games, the educational Leapfrog consoles and games as well as Xbox games and hardware. They certainly know a thing or two about distribution and they’re a likely candidate.
The other name being thrown around is Ster Kinekor Entertainment, who as you know distributes PlayStation everything, along with games from Warner Bros Interactive entertainment and Bethesda, among others.
In the end, this change should mean very little to you the consumer, though margins from each distributor may differ somewhat. As I’ve iterated before, say what you will about EA and its business practices, but the company is still responsible for some great games – and it would be a shame if we were left with no local EA distribution.
EA’s Marketing Manager for South Africa has told us that he’s unaware of any distribution changes – but he understandably wasn’t all that forthcoming last year either. Prima Interactive’s Ian Hepplewhite has also stated there’s no truth to the rumour that Prima will be handling EA.
Why then, are we still posting this? Our sources are good ones – and we have an overwhelming hunch that there’s some veracity to this.
We’ve contacted all of the other relevant parties for information and will keep you updated as we hear anything from Apex and Ster Kinekor.
Last Updated: April 22, 2014
Admiral Chief in Space
April 22, 2014 at 11:15
What does that mean for us, the gamer-consumer-person-people?
Gavin Mannion
April 22, 2014 at 11:16
as long as someone competent picks it up it shouldn’t be a problem…
Steven
April 23, 2014 at 08:48
So hopefully not Ster Kinekor then.
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 22, 2014 at 11:17
O_O Why are you consuming gamers? Hannibal Chef in Space :/
Admiral Chief in Space
April 22, 2014 at 11:18
All your gamersgamesthings belong to mah belleh
Viking Of Science
April 22, 2014 at 11:18
There’ll be a different sticker on the plastic on the game boxes….
Rince the Unhuggable
April 22, 2014 at 11:20
It rubs the lotion in at a slightly more expensive retail price? 0-o
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 22, 2014 at 11:16
If not for my EA boycott I might have felt some SORROW. ahahahaha. What?
Umar's Sin
April 22, 2014 at 11:20
What is EA good for in anycase? I hear talk of good games but what games are those? Bugfield 4? Fifa++?
Hammersteyn
April 22, 2014 at 11:21
Titanfall isn’t that bad at least, oh wait.
Umar's Sin
April 22, 2014 at 11:22
BELIEBE THE HYPE!!!
Admiral Chief in Space
April 22, 2014 at 11:20
…damn song is stuck in my head now, thanks Geoff
Hammersteyn
April 22, 2014 at 11:22
Better than what’s on the radio these days.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 22, 2014 at 11:22
What’s “radio” precious?
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 22, 2014 at 11:26
It’s that thing you plug your flash drive into in the car to play your music.
Admiral Chief in Space
April 22, 2014 at 11:28
Oh that thing, thanks Trev!
Viking Of Science
April 22, 2014 at 11:29
I heard a rumour that you don’t need plug in a usb drive to get it to play music…..
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 22, 2014 at 11:32
I’m not a savage.
CAE9872
April 22, 2014 at 11:50
Better than “Everything is awesome” from Lego Movie 🙂 Sorry my son playing the game (and watched the movie) so its all he sings!!!
Hammersteyn
April 22, 2014 at 11:21
One blue and one brown.
b1nd3r
April 22, 2014 at 12:16
Maybe i will be able to buy something on origin since thier credit card system just gives me the finger everytime i try purchase something >.<
oVg Errorist
April 22, 2014 at 13:12
R900 per game.
bluegoon
April 22, 2014 at 16:19
I wonder how well thought out the whole $90 a game in South Africa thing was. Bet you sales are you to tank fucking HARD locally thanks the gouging.
Jeez I mean, even on PS4, Trials Fusion is $30, a $20 digital game is fucking $30. I called Playstation SA out on it, their response? Talk to Partserve.
oVg Errorist
April 23, 2014 at 11:10
Its such a small market over here that it is normally the Elite few that can support this hobby in a 1st 3rd world country. They all seem to have money as I have not seen any complaints.
Most of the South African gamers just resort to piracy.
I for one cannot afford to keep the gaming spark going on the 7th gen let alone jump to the 8th gen.
Sigh… first world problems. It is cheaper switching to another hobby like RC aircraft.
Sk3tz0
April 22, 2014 at 13:58
LOL.. Hope Pick and Pay takes it.. atleast then you can get double ur money back from Mr Ackerman if its a kak game with bugs especially where EA is involved 😛 plus then i cant get points on my Shopper Card .. lol..