EA to develop games for Microsoft's Xbox Live

After much hesitation, EA decides to integrate Microsoft's online service to its games.

Electronic Arts Inc. will develop versions of its video games that support Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox Live gaming service, in a significant boost for the Xbox's prospects of winning over more console gamers, the companies announced last Monday at a press conference before the opening of the Electronic Entertainment Exposition (E3) in Los Angeles.

Prior to Monday's announcement, popular video games such as Madden NFL 2004, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 and NBA Live 2004 could only be played online through Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2 gaming service or through a PC. Future versions of those games will now be developed for the Xbox Live service, starting with releases this summer, the companies said in a press release.

Microsoft introduced the Xbox Live gaming service at E3 in 2002 without the support of EA, a glaring omission from the perspective of online gamers. In addition to EA's popular sports titles, the company also produces game franchises such as the driving simulation Need for Speed and the war game Battlefield. Most of the games already play on the Xbox, but users are unable to take advantage of the online features.

Reports from last year's E3 indicated that EA was concerned that Microsoft would seek to exert too much control over users through its gaming service.

The Xbox Live service requires a yearly subscription that entitles the user to play against other competitors over the Internet. A starter kit with a two-way communicator headset, a copy of the game MechAssault and the software needed to enable the service is available for around US$60 from various U.S. retailers listed on Microsoft's Web site. A one-year renewal costs $49.99 on Microsoft's Web site, and monthly plans are also available.

Sony's PlayStation has the largest install base among console gamers, with the Xbox trailing Sony but leading Nintendo Co. Ltd.'s GameCube console. Sony allows gamers to go online with the purchase of a network adapter that plugs into the back of the PlayStation 2. The adapter costs about $40, depending on the retailer, but there are no subscription fees for the online service.

Both services are available in many countries around the world.

In other news announced at the press conference, Microsoft plans to bring the Xbox Live Arcade to its gaming service later this fall. This feature will allow users to play card games such as poker or hearts as well as classic video games such as Dig Dug.

The company also announced that Halo 2 will be available on Nov. 9.

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