Electronict Arts Invests in The9

Electronic Arts buys 19 percent of Chinese game publisher and developer The9.

Shortly after licensing Huxley from Webzen and signing a deal with Blizzard to maintaining World of Warcraft, Shanghai Securities News reports that The9 (NCTY) has accepted a $200 million investment from Electronic Arts (ERTS) for 19 percent of the company. Details are scarce, but the finalized agreement should help Electronic Arts penetrate the Chinese markets while giving The9 access to EA's game library.

Electronic Arts has already made similar moves into the Asian markets including an investment in South Korean developer Neowiz. Shares of both companies rose in after-hours trading during the weekend.