More news for EA haters, they have now purchased the rights to make games based on EPSN exclusively, for fifteen years!

Gamers and companies were not pleased when EA purchased the rights to American National Football League, claiming they were trying to monopolise the business. Sega and Take Two took it as a personal attack as they both have successful NFL-based games.

When it was then rumoured they were trying to the same with the NBA people were not happy. While this was not successful it did not make some people any happier, and neither will the news that follows.

Electronic Arts have entered into a fifteen year licensing deal with ESPN. This means that EA have the rights to ESPN-branded print, televised and online content. This agreement will commence in 2006 and has had quite an impact on the gaming industry.

While Sega and Take Two have yet again hit hard by this deal Electronic Arts seem to believe it is all for the better. "This relationship was created to benefit consumers who are passionate about sports games," said EA CEO Larry Probst. "EA SPORTS recreates the real life experience fans enjoy while watching or playing their favorite sport; while ESPN programming captures the look, sound and excitement of the sports they follow. Together, we believe we can significantly grow the interactive sports category."