Electronic Arts has settled weeks of speculation by announcing a licensing deal with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to develop, publish, and distribute computer and video games based on the Harry Potter franchise. Under the agreement, EA will publish games based on all current Harry Potter books - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Games will also be released based on the upcoming Harry Potter movie and any other films released during the life of the agreement. EA holds the rights to release games on all current and next-generation console platforms and the PC.

　　"EA has accepted the challenge to create a series of interactive games that reflect the incredible imagination of J.K. Rowling's books," said Don Mattrick, president of EA worldwide studios. "We are extremely excited to become part of the Harry Potter phenomenon by bringing our own brand of interactive magic to this fantastic series."

　　"With the Harry Potter series of books, J.K. Rowling has created an interactive experience that has sparked the imaginations of readers worldwide," said Dan Romanelli, president of Warner Bros. Worldwide Consumer Products. "Warner Bros. Consumer Products continues to be focused on capturing the magic of Harry Potter and we look forward to working closely with EA to bring this experience to the gaming world."

　　J.K. Rowling, film director Christopher Columbus, and Warner Bros. Consumer Products will work closely with Electronic Arts to create games based on the Harry Potter franchise that remain true to the books' characters and environments. The newly established EA studio located in Chertsey, England will handle the development of at least the first game in the upcoming Harry Potter video game series.