Electronic Arts and 1C Company today announced a distribution deal. Under terms of this agreement, 1C will have the rights to distribute EA titles for consoles and PC in Russia and CIS countries. EA and 1C will work to expand their reach in Ukraine and Kazakhstan while releasing jewel case packed Crysis Warhead, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 and NHL 09 in Russia in Fall 2008.

"Choice of 1C as our strategic partner is not a random decision," comments Peter Laughton, EA Vice President and General Manager of Central and Eastern Europe. "Nowadays 1C is a key player on the distribution market of PC games in jewels. Due to its professionalism this company gained high business reputation and we are interested in long-term and mutually profitable relations."

"The agreement signed is an unprecedented event for Russian market. World's leading publisher will unite its strength with the largest Russian software company. We greet Electronic Arts' initiative to distribute games in economy packs," notes Nikolay Baryshnikov, International Sales Director for 1C Company. "1С became one of the first companies to introduce that scheme in Russian industry. I am sure that the experience gained along with our distribution network which is the biggest in Russia and CIS countries will contribute to effective collaboration and further growth of Russian game market."