Riccitiello: EA Gunning For FPS Category Crown

Make no mistake -- Electronic Arts is gunning for Call of Duty. On the company's quarterly results call to investors, CEO John Riccitiello stressed the company's objective to publish the number one shooter. "We're not going to be happy until we've taken the leadership back in the first person shooter category," said Riccitiello. The "tip of the spear," according to the exec, is the one-two punch comprised of the Battlefield: Bad Company and Medal of Honor brands. That's one of the reason it's important that the two games share tech, said Riccitiello. EA DICE topped 2 million units sold in its first month with Bad Company 2, and has since hit five million. An EA DICE team is developing the online component of upcoming Medal of Honor alongside single player development taking place at EA LA, as detailed in this Gamasutra interview. "We've made great strides with Bad Company, and we expect to make further strides with Medal of Honor, and we have strong plans for years to come," Riccitiello said -- EA's specific goal is "taking marketshare precisely here."