The world of gaming had its very own soap opera this year, with EA and Take-Two playing the role of on-again, off-again couple who just so happen to be fighting an evil twin while suffering from a rare and incurable cancer, only to have the illness wiped away by a freak bolt of lightning that leaves one of them in a deep coma. Tragically, unlike a real soap opera our ride has come to an end, as EA is walking away from the deal, leaving Take-Two standing alone looking at the horizon, wondering if anyone will ever love her again.

EA has not given a specific reason for their decision, issuing a statement that merely reads, "after careful consideration, including a management presentation and review of other due diligence materials... EA has decided not to make a proposal to acquire Take-Two and has terminated discussions with Take-Two." Not much to go on eh? Well let’s play conspiracy theorist for a moment then.

One of the prevailing notions around the industry is that EA backed out because they were not convinced that Rockstar will remain a part of the Take-Two family for much longer. The super-profitable developer is set to begin contract talks with Take-Two in February, and there is a fair chance Rockstar may jump ship and ink a deal with another publisher. There is speculation that EA will make a play for Rockstar, which is really the crown jewel they were gunning for with this whole merger in the first place. Of course, now they don’t have to buy the cow to get the milk, which is good because cows are smelly.

And so we close this chapter of Gaming Days of Our Lives with EA and Take-Two storming off in opposite directions, wondering what might have been. As they depart, we see a single tear run down John Riccitiello’s face, while Strauss Zelnick turns and reaches out for John. Strauss can’t bring himself to call out though, and so he resumes his lonely march home.