Electronic Arts announced that it has signed an exclusive, worldwide, multiyear licensing deal with MGM Interactive to develop, publish, and distribute games based on the James Bond character.

　　As part of the deal, EA will build new Bond titles for PCs and next-generation console titles. The first game to use the Bond license will be based on the film The World is Not Enough, which opens nationwide tomorrow (Nov. 19). The new film is the 19th film released featuring James Bond, currently being played by Pierce Brosnan.

　　"We believe that the Bond character lends itself well to an array of gameplay elements, from intense stories and characters to action-packed sequences and innovative gadgets. We are very excited about what the future holds in terms of building a successful series of games based on Secret Agent 007, one of the entertainment industry's most enduring heroes," said Frank Gibeau, vice president of marketing for EA.

　　The deal comes two days after EA published and distributed MGM Interactive's Tomorrow Never Dies for the PlayStation.

　　Financial details about the licensing agreement were not disclosed.