EA linked to potential JAMDAT acquisition

Electronic Arts could be looking to expand into the mobile entertainment market by acquiring NASDAQ-listed mobile content company JAMDAT, according to a report in UK trade paper MCV.

The news follows earlier rumours that EA was considering a buyout of British developer Superscape. JAMDAT's stock has risen by nearly seven per cent since word of a potential EA purchase leaked out.

JAMDAT's mobile games portfolio includes high profile titles such as Scrabble, Bejeweled, Tony Hawk's Underground and JAMDAT Bowling. The publisher also acquired the mobile rights to Tetris after purchasing Blue Lava Wireless in April.

However, industry analysts are not convinced that the deal will go ahead: "Much of JAMDAT's success is attributable to its Bowling game and the majority of its sales come from North America," Mobile Entertainment editor Stuart O'Brien told MCV.

"It is debatable whether the prospect of laying its hands on Tetris is reason enough for EA to make a bid."

Electronic Arts has an existing arrangement with UK-based mobile publisher and developer I-Play (formerly Digital Bridges) to bring its franchises to mobile phone platforms.