This agreement marks EA and Nettwerk's recognition that music lovers and game fans are consuming digital media in a multi-disciplinary manner. EA is the first interactive entertainment company to sell its catalogue of music in digital download format via exclusive partnership with a leading music group.
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.
"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."
"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."
Over the past twenty years, EA has amassed over 3,000 minutes of wholly-owned musical compositions which have been featured in blockbuster game franchises such as Medal of Honor and The Sims as well as sports games such as NBA LIVE basketball and NASCAR racing. Unforgettable orchestral works have been produced by such award-winning composers as Sean Callery, Michael Giacchino, Chris Lennertz, Trevor Jones and Mark Mothersbaugh. Game beats have been produced by such artists as Da Riffs and Just Blaze while original songs and remixes have been custom-cut by Paul Oakenfold and others.
The music roll-out kicked off today but will be regularly updated with new releases and back-catalogue favorites. By the end of the year, the following music will be available online:
VIDEO GAME SOUNDTRACK NAME ARTIST/COMPOSER Battlefield 2: Modern Combat Rupert Gregson-Williams James Bond 007: Everything or Nothing Sean Callery From Russia With Love (videogame soundtrack) Chris Lennertz GoldenEye: Rogue Agent (videogame soundtrack) Paul Oakenfold Command & Conquer Various Command & Conquer Generals Mikael Sandgren & Bill Brown Command & Conquer Generals: Zero Hour Mikael Sandgren & Bill Brown Command & Conquer Red Alert Various Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 Various Command & Conquer Renegade Various Command & Conquer Tiberian Sun Various FIFA Soccer 2005 Paul Oakenfold The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle-earth (videogame soundtrack) Bill Brown Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects Trevor Jones Medal of Honor Michael Giacchino Medal of Honor Allied Assault Michael Giacchino Medal of Honor European Assault Christopher Lennertz Medal of Honor Frontline Michael Giacchino Medal of Honor Pacific Assault Christopher Lennertz Medal of Honor Rising Sun Christopher Lennertz Medal of Honor Underground Michael Giacchino MVP Baseball 2004 Photek NASCAR 06: Total Team Control Joe Satriani NBA LIVE 06 Da Riffs NBA LIVE 2004 Just Blaze NBA LIVE 2005 Cool n Dre Need for Speed Most Wanted Paul Linford Need For Speed Underground Jim Latham SSX Various SSX 3 X-Ecutioners The Sims Various The Sims 2 Mark Mothersbaugh The Sims 2 Nightlife Mark Mothersbaugh remixes The Sims 2 University Mark Mothersbaugh Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 Supreme Beings of Leisure Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2005 BT