Warner Chappell Music (WCM) announced Monday (April 15) an exclusive publishing agreement with Electronic Arts (EA) to manage music across the gaming giant’s extensive library.
This partnership includes soundtracks from world-renowned titles like EA Sports’ sports simulation games to action-adventure, role-playing experiences, and more. The deal also involves WCM leveraging its roster of songwriters and producers to collaborate on new music projects with EA.
EA develops and publishes games, content and online services for consoles, mobile devices and PCs. The company is behind popular titles like EA SPORTS FC, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, EA SPORTS Madden NFL, Need for Speed, Titanfall, Plants vs. Zombies and EA SPORTS F1.
In the fiscal year 2023 ended March 31, 2023, EA generated $7.4 billion in GAAP net revenue, up 6% from a year earlier. For fiscal year 2024, the company expects to have recorded about $7.4 billion to $7.7 billion in net revenue, according to its fiscal third-quarter report released January 30.
“Warner Chappell Music is more than just a giant of music publishing; they’re a visionary group of global professionals who understand that video games will play a vital role in the future of music itself.”
Steve Schnur, Electronic Arts
Commenting on the deal with EA, WCM Co-Chair and COO, Carianne Marshall, said, “Steve [Schnur] and I have known each other for over twenty years and collaborated on countless amazing projects. He and his team are best in class, and it’s great to be working together once again to administer their catalog and drive even more opportunities for their songs.”
EA Worldwide Executive and President of Music, Steve Schnur, added: “Warner Chappell Music is more than just a giant of music publishing; they’re a visionary group of global professionals who understand that video games will play a vital role in the future of music itself.
“Because Carianne and Guy have believed in EA Music since the very beginning, the administration of our music catalog is now in the best hands possible, and we look forward to the opportunities that this partnership will create for our game soundtracks, and beyond.”
Music has always been fundamental to EA’s storytelling, and this partnership opens the doors for us to amplify the incredible scores they already have as well as connect them with our own talented storytellers – our songwriters – to shape future narratives.”
Rich Robinson, Warner Chappell Music
Rich Robinson, WCM EVP of Global Sync and Media Original Music, said, “Video games have long been at the center of pop culture, with many so cinematic in nature that they’re also driving ideas to the big screen. Music has always been fundamental to EA’s storytelling, and this partnership opens the doors for us to amplify the incredible scores they already have as well as connect them with our own talented storytellers – our songwriters – to shape future narratives.”
The partnership with EA comes nearly four years after Warner Music Group announced plans to acquire IMGN Media, a media company that creates shareable social media content including memes and short videos. Electronic Arts is among the commercial partners of IMGN.
However, this isn’t the first time that Warner Music is partnering with a video game company. The company has previously invested in Roblox, and teamed up with Gamefam for a Roblox experience called Harmony Hills, including a promotion for Cher’s latest album.
Warner Music Group has also teamed up with decentralized gaming virtual world The Sandbox for a gaming experience centered around legendary rapper Notorious B.I.G.
Music Business Worldwide
