Potter to Work 'Interactive Magic'

L O N D O N, Aug 10 -- A British computer games firm, Electronic Arts, said today it had won the worldwide rights to develop games based on the wildly popular Harry Potter series of children’s books.

The company, based in Chertsey and listed on Nasdaq, said ithad also secured the rights to develop and publish Harry Pottergames for the Internet. The terms of the deal with Warner Bros,a unit of Time Warner Inc, were not disclosed. “We are extremely excited to become part of the Harry Potterphenomenon by bringing our own brand of interactive magic tothis fantastic series,” Don Mattrick, president of ElectronicArts’ studios said in a statement.

The Potter Phenomenon

The Harry Potter series, penned by Scottish author J.K.Rowling, has become a worldwide publishing phenomenon.The first three Harry Potter books sold 30 million copiesand the fourth in Rowling’s tales of wizardry, Harry Potter andThe Goblet of Fire, which was released only last month, hasalso generated a frenzy of interest.

The latest book has become the biggest seller in the historyof online book sales, according to online retailer Amazon.com.ukand a blockbuster Harry Potter movie is also being planned byWarner Bros. Pictures.

Actors Richard Harris and Alan Rickman are in talks to starin the film, while the search for a young Harry Pottercontinues, the Hollywood Reporter said on Wednesday.

Electronic Arts will publish games on each of the books, the upcomingfeature film and any subsequent Harry Potter movies.

Electronic Arts said it would work closely with Rowling, andthe makers of the film, to ensure the “interactive entertainmentexperience” remained true to the book.

The company’s shares closed on Wednesday at $85-1/4.