Nexon, EA in talks regarding distribution partnership, not merger - report

Newsbrief: Seoul-based online game publisher Nexon is not looking to buy out Electronic Arts, as recently rumored, but rather the two companies have been discussing the distribution of FIFA Online in Asia, according to media sources. South Korean newspaper MK Business News reported last week that Nexon was looking to buy EA. However, "three people with knowledge of the matter" have now told Bloomberg that the two companies were simply discussing a distribution deal. EA is looking to make use of Nexon's online servers and developers in Asia for free-to-play soccer MMO FIFA Online, claims the report, and hopes the partnership will led to an increase in virtual item spending on the title. The partnership may be cemented as early as June, said Bloomberg's sources.