EA Locks Up College Football
Company: EA Games Product: NCAA Football 2006
The Collegiate Licensing Company has announced an exclusive licensing relationship with Electronic Arts to develop, publish, and distribute interactive college football games. The six-year agreement gives EA the exclusive rights to the teams, stadiums, and schools for use in its best-selling college football video games. The agreement is for all video game consoles including console online features and handheld devices. The first title under the new contract, NCAA Football 2006, is scheduled for release in Summer 2005. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. ?When we began our analysis of the video game landscape, it became apparent that EA Sports was best positioned from a marketing and development perspective to maximize the sales opportunities for college football,? said Pat Battle, CEO of The Collegiate Licensing Company.
?Electronic Arts has been a tremendous partner, and we are thrilled that the EA Sports team has renewed its commitment to the college market. We look forward to seeing how EA will continue to grow its NCAA Football franchise through innovative game play, unique marketing programs, and its dedicated sales force.? ?EA Sports is currently our top non-apparel licensee,? said Mike Low, Director of Licensing at the University of Notre Dame. ?Fans love the effort they put into making the stadium, the traditions, mascots, and the whole game environment so realistic.?
?Our NCAA Football franchise is a key element in our EA Sports brand lineup and we are pleased to have secured the NCAA license,? said Jeff Karp, Group Vice President of Marketing for Electronic Arts. ?There is an unrivaled loyalty our fans have for the game, and this agreement with CLC allows EA to continue to deliver to fans the best, most innovative college football experience now and for years to come.?
EA?s NCAA Football 2005 was the only college football title released in 2004. The NCAA Football franchise, published under the EA Sports brand, has sold more than a million units in each of its three most recent iterations and was the #7 console title in terms of retail revenue in North America in 2004.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
Related Links: EA Sports
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