Electronic Arts and the Nettwerk Music announced a collaboration to distribute digital music. The new service will cover ringtones, mastertones and mp3s and will be distributed through iTunes, MSN, Yahoo Music, AOL Music, Rhapsody and others.
The content won’t be the hip new tunes by Shakira or ColdPlay. You get the latest tunes and sounds from your favorite EA games. This makes them the first company of this kind to sell its digital catalog.
“Audiences today are media masters — they listen, play, download, watch and basically devour their entertainment in revolutionary new ways. They demand that the technology keep pace. This deal is a triumphant new commitment to making classic EA music and themes available to millions worldwide,” said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA.
“We are proud to be on the cutting-edge of this trend with Nettwerk — an innovative and proven partner that is a world leader in digital music distribution.”
The partnership announced today complements Next Level Music, EA’s joint venture with Cherry Lane Music Publishing since that project is focused on signing artists and licensing EA music to TV, movies and commercials, while the agreement with Nettwerk is focused on direct-to-consumer online music sales.
“We’ve entered a new age where video games are arguably more powerful than the radio when it comes to exposing audiences to music. Nettwerk could not be more thrilled to partner with today’s most respected and exciting gaming brand, on the cusp and ahead of the curve,” said Terry McBride, CEO, Nettwerk Music Group. “We look forward to delivering EA’s bold themes and soundtracks to both gaming fans and music lovers alike.”
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
