EA strikes virtual gold with Facebook

Games publisher Electronic Arts, which is currently upping its game in the mobile space, has entered into a five year strategic relationship with Facebook to develop and promote a virtual currency.

Under the terms of the agreement, Facebook Credits will become the exclusive payment method in EA games on the social network. Around 200 million people play games every month on Facebook and the social network is moving to create a more simplified experience for people purchase virtual goods with the single currency.

“Since gaming has emerged as the most popular category of applications on Facebook, the natural next step is for EA to broaden its relationship with Facebook and its 500 million users,” said Barry Cottle, senior vice president and general manager for EA Interactive.

As part of the agreement, EA will receive the same 70 per cent revenue share for Facebook Credits as is standard for all developers on Facebook.