EA To Ship Pro Boarder

Electronic Arts made it official today that it will release ESPN Digital Games' X Games Pro Boarder for the PC and PlayStation under its new action game division. EA acquired the title from Disney Interactive, which decided not to launch its own ESPN Digital Games line a few weeks ago. Developed by Canadian developer Radical Entertainment, the game is EA's entry into the snowboarding genre.

That license recently reverted to Disney Interactive when Radical reduced staff and closed its San Francisco office. Radical Studios president Rory Armes told GameSpot News the game would be published by EA, but before today's announcement there was no official comment from EA.

EA says the publishing deal is a one-time arrangement, but it is interesting to note that EA and ESPN owner Disney have bedded down before. EA's Creative Wonders brand had, up until mid-1997, published titles under the ABC Kids franchise. That division was sold to The Learning Co. last year, but could this current deal portend a more elaborate relationship between the two game giants in the future? EA says no, but if sales of the new sports title are strong, why wouldn't the honeymoon turn into a blissful marriage?

The game is due at retailers next month.