EA has purchased Korean developer J2M games, an outfit which specializes in free-to-play online PC games, for an undisclosed fee.

The deal is part of EA’s continued commitment to tap into the highly-lucrative Asian market. "J2M is an experienced team of developers and we can't wait to have them start creating online games based on new properties and powerful EA franchises,” said Jon Niermann, President of EA Asia. "This is a significant step in EA's strategic plan for online games in Asia.”

EA has so far failed to exploit the particularities of Korea’s gaming community. Its FIFA Online title is currently among Korea's top-ten online games, though the company will be looking to further its presence in the region as it readies another announcement of a “popular franchise” in development for online play in Asia.

"Korean developers have created a unique style of online games that is growing in popularity all over Asia," said J2M CEO KyungMin Bang. "We are excited that EA is aligning with our vision for online game. Joining EA presents our team with an opportunity to significantly expand our based with players throughout Asia and around the world as well as to be at the forefront of online gaming."