Spielberg signs deal with EA

Steven Spielberg has signed a deal with Electronic Arts that will see him working with the publisher's LA studio on three original game properties.

"I have been playing EA games for years and have watched them master the interactive format," Spielberg said in an official announcement this morning.

"Having watched the game industry grow from a niche to a major creative force in entertainment, I have a great deal of respect for EA's understanding of the interactive format. I'm looking forward to working closely with the team in Los Angeles."

And just to reiterate, Spielberg will be working on original IPs - which should give those who criticise EA for its love of sequels and franchises a little less to moan about. Shame though, we would have liked a FIFA Jurassic Park.

"It's incredibly exciting to be collaborating with Steven Spielberg," commented EALA studio head Neil Young.

"He shares our vision for the potential of the medium and has the passion and creativity to help us finally deliver on the promise that a game can not only engage and compel you with its interactivity, but can also move you emotionally."

Although many of Spielberg's movies have been turned into games, including the forthcoming Jaws Unleashed, this will only be the second time he has collaborated directly on a title. Spielberg was previously co-credited as a story writer on The Dig, an adventure title from LucasArts - which is of course owned by his more talented best mate, George Lucas.

We're just hoping Spielberg will have time to devote his full attention to the games since he seems to be very busy reinventing film - he recently told the Hollywood reporter that he's come up with a new technology that represents "the future of cinema."

In the future, Spielberg said, "You will physically be inside the experience, which will surround you top, bottom, on all sides."

So how's this going to work then, Steve? "I've invented it, but because patent is pending, I can't discuss it right now." Oh.

We'll bring you more news of Spielberg's EA games and his crazy new cinema invention just as soon as we get it.