"EA is trying to get into the online games through acquisitions. They bought Playfish, and Popcap this past summer," said Williams. Still, he thinks EA has a long way to go to establish itself as an online player.
"They need to take the brands they have and bring them over to social world," he said. "It's a major challenge — navigating through a different business model."
If EA succeeds in making the switch, it will effectively be going from a big ticket packaged goods model, to a recurring revenue stream from micro-transactions.
Williams' outlook for 2012 is positive.
"The stock will trade certainly in the mid to high 20s, and the investments they have made will add to the dividend, but most critical in the near term is what's happening with Star Wars."
Additional News: Zynga Lures Mobile Gaming Exec From Rival EA
Additional Views: Electronic Arts Banking on Football Franchise
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Disclosures:
Edward Williams does not own shares in EA.
Disclaimer