September 22nd, 2009 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A, Distribution | No Comments »
Yesterday, we could already tell you that NamcoBandai would sign over European distribution of it's mobile games. Today we can officially announce that EA will be their exclusive partner for Europe, Russia, India, Latin America, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
This means that the whole catalogue of games will be carried over to the gaming giant and the competition in the EU market decreases again. The agreement will kick off November 1st, meaning both parties still have just over a month to prepare moving contacts and contracts.
When it comes to the US business and the iPhone business, the deal will not affect those markets. They will remain under control of Namco Networks America. The release also hints to the possibility that more app stores will be served ditectly by Namco, but it doesn't hold any details on that.
“We look forward to working with Namco Bandai, who have produced some of the world’s most iconic video game brands such as PAC-MAN”, said Luca Pagano, VP Publishing, EA Mobile Europe. “With this agreement, EA Mobile will complement our rich portfolio with classic, arcade-style properties that are sure to appeal to mobile gamers around the globe.”
Barry O’Neill, President, Namco Bandai Networks Europe added “EA has consistently demonstrated that it is the leading distributor of mobile games globally. Namco Bandai is delighted to be working with EA Mobile, and we feel that this new distribution relationship will benefit a much broader base of customers, while allowing us to focus on the development of great new games for all mobile platforms.”
