EA launches new digital music distribution service

Electronic Arts has announced a new partnership with Canadian record company Nettwerk Music Group that will establish a brand new digital music distribution label under the name EA Recordings.

EA has built up a back catalogue of more than 3000 minutes of wholly-owned musical compositions over the last 20 years, with many of the publisher's games - including The Sims, Medal of Honor and SSX series - featuring original soundtracks.

Now music clips will be available as ringtones, mastertones or MP3s via download destinations such as Yahoo Music, iTunes, MSN, AOL Music, Rhapsody and others.

"This deal is a triumphant new commitment to making classic EA music and themes available to millions worldwide," said Steve Schnur, worldwide executive of music and music marketing at EA.

"We are proud to be on the cutting-edge of this trend with Nettwerk - an innovative and proven partner that is a world leader in digital music distribution."

Nettwerk CEO Terry McBride added: "We've entered a new age where video games are arguably more powerful than the radio when it comes to exposing audiences to music."

"Nettwerk could not be more thrilled to partner with today's most respected and exciting gaming brand, on the cusp and ahead of the curve."

The deal follows on from EA's earlier foray into the music business with Next Level Music, a joint venture with Cherry Lane Music Publishing which is designed to help EA's efforts at signing artists and licensing its music for use outside videogames.