Electronic Arts and IAHGames announced their joint agreement to launch and operate EA Sports FIFA Online 2 in Asia Pacific. The game is targeted for release by the third quarter of 2008 in Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam; with seven additional countries in Asia Pacific to follow. The announcement was made today during a press conference for Pan Asian media at EA's new Asia headquarters in Singapore.

The deal is set to replicate the remarkable success of EA Sports FIFA Online in Korea and to solidify EA's position as a pan Asian key player in the gaming industry, as it continues its foray into the online games arena. EA has earlier announced online partnerships with other major operators in Asia such as Neowiz in South Korea, GigaMedia in Taiwan, and The9 in China.

EA Sports FIFA Online 2 is the latest online version of the blockbuster FIFA football game franchise. The original debut EA Sports FIFA Online version had a record of over 5 million users and became the No.1 mid-session sports game in Korea. EA Sports FIFA Online 2 will deliver an innovative and seamless game experience through authentic game play, complete customization, and a groundbreaking manager mode. The game will mirror the sophistication and finesse required of real world players on the pitch; online players will challenge their odds, perfect their skills, and bring glory to their favorite teams.

Working closely with EA development and publishing teams, game operator IAH will provide valuable support services such as marketing, community management, customer and technical support.

"We are proud to be in this long term regional partnership with sports games powerhouse Electronic Arts," said Roland Ong, CEO of IAHGames. "We are confident and committed in delivering FIFA Online to a market of more than 20 million online gamers in Southeast Asia. We take pride in thrilling real world soccer fans who can now take part in the amazing football action in FIFA Online 2."

"We are very thrilled to be partnering with IAH to bring FIFA Online to avid gamers in this region," said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia. "Football is a hugely popular sport in Asia and the FIFA game franchise has already garnered an unmatched appeal for football fans around the world. We are confident that FIFA Online will continue its wave of success across Asia."