Electronic Arts has acquired J2MSoft Inc., a Korean company that develops free online games that are monetized through micro-transactions and advertising. Titles created by and wholly owned by J2MSoft include RayCity, TAAN and Debut. The acquisition closed on Dec, 2. Terms of the agreement were not released.
‘This is a significant step in EA’s strategic plan for developing and publishing online games in Asia,’ says Jon Niermann, president of EA Asia. ‘J2M is an experienced team of developers and we can’t wait to have them start creating online games based on new properties and powerful EA franchises.’
‘Korean developers have created a unique style of online games that is growing in popularity all over Asia,’ adds J2M founder and CEO KyungMin Bang. ‘Joining EA presents our team with an opportunity to significantly expand our based with players throughout Asia and around the world, as well as to be at the forefront of online gaming.’
Popular online games launched in Asia by EA include EA SPORTS FIFA Online and NBA STREET Online. Other EA titles in development for web play in the continent include Warhammer: Age of Reckoning, Need For Speed and Battlefield Heroes. EA SPORTS FIFA Online debuted in Korea in 2006 and is currently among the top ten online games in the country. In the months ahead, EA expects to announce other popular franchises going online in Asia.
While valuations are not yet complete, EA does not expect the acquisition to have a material impact on its financial results in fiscal 2009.EA SPORTS and Need for Speed are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Battlefield Heroes is a trademark of EA Digital Illusions CE AB. Warhammer and Age of Reckoning are registered trademarks of Games Workshop Ltd. FIFA and NBA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
