DICE (company)#DICE Canada

Digital Illusions was founded in May 1992 by Olof "Olle" Gustafsson, Markus Nyström, Fredrik Liljegren and Andreas Axelsson, four friends and former members of The Silents, a demogroup that developed for Amiga systems.{{cite web |url=https://hype.se/2017/09/09/digital-illusions-fyller-25-ar/ |title=Digital Illusions fyller 25 år |trans-title=Digital Illusions turns 25 years |author=Gunner |date=9 September 2017 |website=Hype.se |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103131412/https://hype.se/2017/09/09/digital-illusions-fyller-25-ar/ |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} The four studied at Växjö University, thus DICE was established in Växjö.

In 2000, DICE acquired developer Refraction Games (developers of Codename Eagle).{{cite web |url=https://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/digital-illusions-taisteluni/ |title=Digital Illusions – taisteluni |trans-title=Digital Illusions – My Struggle |author=nnirvi |date=2 November 2006 |website=Pelit |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801084943/http://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/digital-illusions-taisteluni/ |archive-date=1 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} From the acquisition, DICE inherited the in-development Battlefield 1942. Patrick Söderlund, who had founded Refraction Games in 1997, subsequently joined DICE as chief executive officer.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ea-chief-design-officer-patrick-soderlund-leaves-company-1202904465/ |title=EA Chief Design Officer Patrick Soderlund Leaves Company |first=Brian |last=Crecente |date=14 August 2018 |website=Variety |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103170537/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/ea-chief-design-officer-patrick-soderlund-leaves-company-1202904465/ |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} This was followed with the merger of Sandbox Studios in April 2001.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/06/digital-illusions-and-sandbox-studios-merge |title=Digital Illusions and Sandbox Studios Merge |author=IGN Staff |date=6 April 2001 |website=IGN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210101/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/06/digital-illusions-and-sandbox-studios-merge |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Sandbox Studios added 50 employees to DICE's staff, amounting to 150 total employees.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/11/digital-illusions-nabs-sandbox-studios |title=Digital Illusions Nabs Sandbox Studios |author=IGN Staff |date=11 April 2001 |website=IGN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103170537/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/11/digital-illusions-nabs-sandbox-studios |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} In September 2004, DICE also merged with Trauma Studios in New York City.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/digital-illusions-acquires-trauma-studios |title=Digital Illusions Acquires Trauma Studios |first=Simon |last=Carless |date=1 September 2004 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210322/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95192/Digital_Illusions_Acquires_Trauma_Studios.php |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/33345/dice-buys-trauma-studios |title=DICE Buys Trauma Studios |first=Maarten |last=Goldstein |date=1 September 2004 |website=Shacknews |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103170526/https://www.shacknews.com/article/33345/dice-buys-trauma-studios |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Trauma Studios employed nine people at the time.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/01/digital-illusions-embraces-trauma |title=Digital Illusions Embraces Trauma |first=David |last=Adams |date=1 September 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210631/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/09/01/digital-illusions-embraces-trauma |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

In November 2004, Electronic Arts (EA) announced their intent to purchase all outstanding shares in DICE at a price of {{SEK|61|link=yes}} per share, with the deal's closing deadline scheduled for 27 December.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/15/ea-to-buy-digital-illusions |title=EA to Buy Digital Illusions |first=David |last=Adams |date=15 November 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210701/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/15/ea-to-buy-digital-illusions |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} At the time, EA owned 18.9% in DICE.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news151104eadice |title=EA tables bid to take over Digital Illusions |author=GamesIndustry International |date=15 November 2004 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210553/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news151104eadice |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Initially, the offer was rejected by shareholders representing 28% of DICE's ownership on 15 December,{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/digital-illusions-shareholders-reject-ea-buyout |title=Digital Illusions shareholders reject EA buyout |first=Rob |last=Fahey |date=15 December 2004 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210505/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/digital-illusions-shareholders-reject-ea-buyout |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} after which EA adjusted its offer on 20 December, intending to only purchase 44.5% at the same price per share, extending the offer deadline to 20 January 2005.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/20/ea-adjusts-offer-for-digital-illusions |title=EA Adjusts Offer For Digital Illusions |first=Andrew |last=Brunes |date=20 December 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210711/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/20/ea-adjusts-offer-for-digital-illusions |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} On 25 January 2005, shareholders agreed to the acquisition, and EA raised their ownership in DICE to 59.8%.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/10235/ea-gains-controlling-interest-of-digital-illusions |title=EA Gains Controlling Interest of Digital Illusions |first=Daniel |last=Bloodworth |date=25 January 2006 |website=Nintendo World Report |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210559/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/10235/ea-gains-controlling-interest-of-digital-illusions |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/digital-illusions-shareholders-accept-ea-offer |title=Digital Illusions shareholders accept EA offer |first=Rob |last=Fahey |date=26 January 2006 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210425/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/digital-illusions-shareholders-accept-ea-offer |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

In March 2006, EA announced a new plan to acquire all outstanding shares in DICE for {{SEK|67.50}} per share.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-and-dice-announce-new-merger-plan |title=EA and DICE announce new merger plan |first=Tom |last=Bramwell |date=17 March 2006 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210701/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-and-dice-announce-new-merger-plan |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} The acquisition was completed on 2 October, with 2.6 million shares in DICE transferred to EA in exchange for a total of {{SEK|175.5 million}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-rolls-dice-for-23-million/1100-6159171/ |title=EA rolls DICE for $23 million |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |date=2 October 2006 |website=GameSpot |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008134613/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-rolls-dice-for-23-million/1100-6159171/ |archive-date=8 October 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-completes-dice-acquisition |title=EA completes DICE acquisition |first=Matt |last=Martin |date=2 October 2006 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210653/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-completes-dice-acquisition |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Shortly following the acquisition, on 5 October, EA closed Digital Illusions Canada, DICE's Ontario-based studio.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-confirms-dice-canada-closure |title=EA confirms DICE Canada closure |first=Matt |last=Martin |date=5 October 2006 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210711/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/ea-confirms-dice-canada-closure |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} The 25 employees working at the studio at the time were given the option to transfer to DICE's headquarters in Stockholm or any other EA studio.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/05/digital-illusions-canada-closes |title=Digital Illusions Canada Closes |first=David |last=Adams |date=5 October 2006 |website=IGN |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103210718/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/05/digital-illusions-canada-closes |archive-date=3 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} DICE co-founder Liljegren announced on 16 October that he established RedJade as a successor to Digital Illusions Canada.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/redjade-opens-for-business |title=REDJADE Opens for Business |author=GamesIndustry International |date=16 October 2006 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104010032/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/redjade-opens-for-business |archive-date=4 November 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

In May 2013, EA opened a new Los Angeles-based division for DICE known as DICE LA, helmed by former senior staff of EA's previously closed studio Danger Close Games.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/16/dice-la-from-the-ashes-of-medal-of-honor |title=DICE LA: From the Ashes of Medal of Honor |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |date=May 16, 2013 |website=IGN |access-date=21 September 2019 |archive-date=21 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921092847/https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/16/dice-la-from-the-ashes-of-medal-of-honor |url-status=live }} DICE LA had generally been involved with support of DICE and other EA games and had not generated any title on their own. Vince Zampella of Respawn Entertainment (another EA studio) was named as the studio's new lead in January 2020. Zampella had indicated at this time that they would likely become separate from DICE, and change their name to reflect this.{{cite web | url = https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-01-02/respawn-went-from-titanfall-to-star-wars-and-is-just-getting-started | title = From 'Titanfall' to 'Star Wars,' the evolution of game studio Respawn mirrors our search for story | first = Todd | last = Marten | date = January 2, 2020 | access-date = January 2, 2020 | work = Los Angeles Times | archive-date = 2 January 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200102174521/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-01-02/respawn-went-from-titanfall-to-star-wars-and-is-just-getting-started | url-status = live }} DICE LA announced their new name, Ripple Effect Studios, in July 2021, but otherwise under management by Zampella, and while they will finish work on Battlefield 2042, will move in a new direction following its release.{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/dice-la-ripple-effect-studios-christian-grass-news | title = Exclusive: EA's DICE LA is Changing Its Name to Ripple Effect Studios And Developing An Unannounced Game | first = Kat | last = Bailey | date = July 7, 2021 | accessdate = July 7, 2021 | work = IGN | archive-date = 7 July 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210707173316/https://www.ign.com/articles/dice-la-ripple-effect-studios-christian-grass-news | url-status = live }}

On 2 December 2021 Electronic Arts announced that Vince Zampella, co-founder of Respawn Entertainment and head of Ripple Effect Studios, will oversee the Battlefield series going forward, with Ripple Effect leading the way in developing the franchise's "new experiences", instead of DICE.{{cite web|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/respawn-head-vince-zampella-now-leading-battlefield-franchise|website=Windows Central|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 3, 2021|title=Respawn head Vince Zampella now leading Battlefield franchise, announces connected universe|first=Samuel|last=Tolbert|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203124502/https://www.windowscentral.com/respawn-head-vince-zampella-now-leading-battlefield-franchise|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/2/22814517/ea-battlefield-vince-zampella-apex-legends-respawn-boss-ceo-shakeup|website=The Verge|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 3, 2021|title=EA puts Apex Legends boss in charge of Battlefield as part of internal shakeup|first=Jay|last=Peters|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203124503/https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/2/22814517/ea-battlefield-vince-zampella-apex-legends-respawn-boss-ceo-shakeup|url-status=live}} Along with the announcement, it was reported that DICE General Manager Oskar Gabrielson would be leaving EA, with Rebecka Coutaz, formerly Managing Director of Ubisoft Annecy, taking his place in the role.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-battlefield-series-is-now-in-the-hands-of-respawn-co-founder-vince-zampella/|magazine=PC Gamer|date=December 2, 2021|access-date=December 3, 2021|title=The Battlefield series is now in the hands of Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella|first=Tyler|last=Wilde|archive-date=3 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203000215/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-battlefield-series-is-now-in-the-hands-of-respawn-co-founder-vince-zampella/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Frostbite (game engine)}}

1. {{note|b}}Co-developed with Easy Studios
2. {{note|c}}Co-developed with Criterion Games
3. {{note|d}}Co-developed with Neowiz Games
4. {{note|e}}Co-developed with Danger Close Games
5. {{note|f}}Co-developed with Visceral Games
6. {{note|a}}Cancelled in 1994 but eventually revived by Strictly Limited Games and released in 2019

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• {{Official website|https://www.dice.se/}}

{{Battlefield series}}

{{Electronic Arts}}

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Category:Battlefield (video game series)

Category:Electronic Arts subsidiaries

Category:Video game companies established in 1992

Category:Video game companies of Sweden

Category:Companies based in Stockholm

Category:Video game development companies

Category:2006 mergers and acquisitions

Category:Swedish companies established in 1992