Headgate Studios acquired by EA

Electronic Arts has acquired developer Headgate Studios, the company it has partnered with since 2000 on the Tiger Woods and Madden franchises.

Rebranding the company EA Salt Lake, the team will now focus exclusively on titles for Nintendo's recently launched Wii console.

"Having worked with EA for the past six years, we know their teams share work ethic, passion for creative excellence and commitment to quality," said Vance Cook, founder of Headgate and now newly appointed as executive producer at EA Salt Lake.

"By joining EA, we are making official what we all already feel — that we are part of the EA family," he added.

Paul Lee, president of EA Studios commented: "Salt Lake City is a terrific place to make games — it's a dynamic city with a vibrant creative community and a great quality of life. We are thrilled to have them join EA."