Heiko Hubertz, Chief Executive Officer of Bigpoint, commented, "I believe that the gaming industry is starting to fully appreciate the shift towards digital downloads. It is very encouraging to see EA make the push with their Play4Free portfolio and we are eager to add these high-quality games to our network."

"Play4Free is front and center of the digital wave and EA is pushing aggressively to be the forerunner in this space," said Sean Decker, Vice President of Play4Free. "We strongly believe that partnering with a company that pioneered the free-to-play business will be extremely beneficial in expanding the Play4Free brand globally. Bigpoint is the ideal partner with their global reach and deep understanding of the dynamic free-to-play consumer."

This agreement complements EA's Play4Free brand destination, which is home to Lord of Ultima, Need for Speed World, Battlefield Heroes, BattleForge, Mirror's Edge 2D, Dragon Age Journeys, FIFA Online and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR Online.

Lord of Ultima, the first Play4Free title to appear on Bigpoint internationally in March 2011, is a browser-based strategy game set within the Ultima universe available in nine different languages. Players join mighty alliances on their quest to conquer the new world of Caledonia and become the Lord of Ultima. While building their empire from humble beginnings they master the arts of diplomacy, trade and spying, as well as plundering and taking over enemy cities. Players have the choice to flourish as peaceful merchants and diplomats or to become feared conquers crushing their enemies with their mighty army. No download or installation is required.