Electronic Arts today reported preliminary financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2009.

The company posted an annual net loss of $1.088 billion, compared with a net loss of $454 million for the prior year, thanks largely to a series of charges and impairments totalling over $800 million.

Net revenue for the fiscal year was $4.212 billion, up 15 percent on last year’s total.

Net loss for the fourth quarter was $42 million, compared with a net loss of $94 million for the prior year, while revenue for the period fell $267 million to $860 million.

EA said that 31 of its titles sold more than one million copies during the year, four more than during FY08. FIFA 09, Madden NFL 09 and Need for Speed Undercover each sold more than five million units, while Spore sold over two million copies.

EA Partners posted its strongest year ever driven by sales of Harmonix's Rock Band, which was EA's highest revenue producing game of the year.

The publisher also said it generated 14 percent of its total non-GAAP revenue from the Wii, up six percent on the previous year.

“EA's strong cost actions in Q4 FY09 together with our investments in our digital service businesses will set us up for a stronger FY10," said EA CEO John Riccitiello. "EA is well positioned with the right strategies in a growing industry.”

The company, which ended the year with cash and short-term investments of $2.2 billion, forecast net revenue of between $3.7 and $3.85 billion for fiscal 2010.

"We remain vigilant on managing costs," said chief financial officer Eric Brown. “"We are confirming our FY10 non-GAAP guidance and expect to show strong profit growth in the year ahead."