Electronic Arts is taking a big step to invade the Chinese online gaming market by purchasing 19% stock( cost ?200 million) of Chinese online game publisher, The9 who published Guild Wars, World Of Warcraft and SUN in china.

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) has reached an agreement with The9 Ltd. (NCTY.O: Quote, Profile, Research) to buy a 19 percent stake in the Chinese online game operator for about ?200 million, a local newspaper said on Saturday.

EA, the world?s top video game publisher, and The9 have reached a basic agreement, Shanghai Securities News reported.

A representative from The9 was not immediately available for comment.

Shanghai-based The9 also obtained the exclusive right to run EA?s casual game FIFA Online in China at the end of March, the newspaper added.

Meanwhile, a deal would grant EA an indirect way into China?s online game market indirectly, the paper added.

[Via Reuters]