Battlefield developer signs deal with EA

Electronic Arts has announced that it has signed a long-term publishing agreement with Swedish developer Digital Illusions, also known as DICE, and has also purchased a minority ownership stake in the studio. Digital Illusions is the developer behind the surprise PC hit Battlefield 1942, which has sold more than 900,000 copies worldwide since its release last September.

"The success of Battlefield 1942 proved that DICE has emerged from a small studio into one of the world's top developers of game content," said EA president John Riccitiello. "With EA's investment and global publishing capability, this company is going to continue to develop blockbuster game franchises."

"Battlefield 1942 showed us what DICE could do with the right publishing partner for its original IP," said Digital Illusions' CEO Patrick Soderlund. "Now, with the financial backing and global publishing reach of Electronic Arts, DICE can focus on becoming a major force in the world of entertainment."

For more details, check out our previous coverage of Battlefield 1942 and the recently released expansion, Battlefield 1942 .