The WSJ reported yesterday that Disney's CFO Tom Staggs may be looking at someone exactly like EA for a future acquisition. Staggs didn't come right out and say it, reports the Motley Fool, instead hinting that a "strategic and attractive" purchase would be "a possibility."

It's not close to confirmation, but when Wall Street Journal editors ask "Is Walt Disney Co. preparing a bid for Electronic Arts?" they're probably not asking for their health.

With EA's stock down more than 25% since the original suggestion by WSJ, even if EA's not looking "attractive" it's looking a hell of a lot like more of a bargain. Plus, they've got Brütal Legend now. What company in its right mind would pass on Brütal Legend?

Oh... right.

5 Reasons Disney Should Buy Electronic Arts [Motley Fool]

"We are thrilled to be joining forces with SouthPeak to continue to bring great original titles from independent developers to market with a stronger sales and distribution reach,” said Mike Wilson, CEO of Gamecock. “We have followed each other's progress closely over the last two years, and combining our team with theirs results in a very strong and well-rounded force in the market."

The feverish coupling should have no effect on Gamecock's upcoming titles, with Legendary and Mushroom men still slated for release this quarter. Phew, I need a cigarette.

SouthPeak Interactive Corporation Acquires Gamecock Media Group

MIDLOTHIAN, Va.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—SouthPeak Interactive Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: SOPK; SOPKU; SOPKW; SOPKZ), one of the fastest growing videogame publishers, today announced the acquisition of Austin-based Gamecock Media Group.

Commenting on the acquisition, Melanie Mroz, CEO of SouthPeak, stated, “Gamecock brings us a solid slate of upcoming titles, including Legendary, Mushroom Men and Velvet Assassin and supports our strategy of working with independent developers. We are excited to give the Gamecock titles a bigger platform to succeed.”

"We are thrilled to be joining forces with SouthPeak to continue to bring great original titles from independent developers to market with a stronger sales and distribution reach,” said Mike Wilson, CEO of Gamecock. “We have followed each other's progress closely over the last two years, and combining our team with theirs results in a very strong and well-rounded force in the market."

SouthPeak expects to ship Legendary and Mushroom Men in the current quarter.

Game industry acquisitions are often followed by management changes, the departures of talented veterans and sometimes studio closures. But game development is so volatile and chaotic, it's unlikely that any aftershocks will stand out, industry observers say.

"Merger mania is in the air," said David Cole, senior analyst of San Diego-based video game market research firm DFC Intelligence. "There was another period of consolidation like this 10 years ago. In the end, it was the startups of that time that grew to become the big ones of today.

"This could open doors for some of today's startups."

Merger fever may spell doom for studios thanks to experienced heavyweights jumping ship, but the threat of studio closures is not hanging heavy over the San Diego industry.

Video game industry seeing multiple acquisitions; effect may hit S.D. cluster [SignOnSanDiego]