Originally posted by Quarto
So why go with E&B in spite of this, rather than continue a successful, proven series? There probably was at least several factors behind this decision, but it would be naive indeed to think that the Movie's failure didn't do its part in finishing off POL.
I think the #1 reason that EA is allowing E&B to continue is that Westwood is still able to remain a largely independent studio due to their financial success. Bad FMV or no, Westwood has managed to release a string of successful games with their Command and Conquer series, and the financial success of that series has prompted EA to let them alone for the time being.
Given time, and problems within the series (such as those that hit Origin's flagship single player Ultima games), and I think EA would nip off any such multi-player projects in the bud.
Even as things stand now, I wouldn't be completely surprised if, a few years from now (assuming E&B is still running then), EA decided to move E&B to Origin as part of a move to consolidate MMOG titles.