New EA division to target social networks

EA has established a new division to work with small developers on creating titles played over social networking sites such as Facebook.

Social application creators Context Optional and talent agency Creative Artists Agency are also said to be on board with the project, supplying creative and technical support to EA's project management and funding.

Former EA LA general manager Neil Young and Alan Yu, director of artists and repertoire for EA, are said to be heading up the division, known as EA Blueprint.

The games will be brand extensions of the company's existing portfolio as well as new IP, according to a report by Gametap, with Facebook Smarty Pants named as the debut title from the division.

According to the report, EA Blueprint is still in it's early days, with the company choosing not to make any official announcements about the team at this time.

GamesIndustry.biz has contacted Electronic Arts for further clarification.