Electronic Arts Inc, now one of the biggest names in computer gaming software, saw a huge lift in its European sales from the success of its FIFA sanctioned World Cup football games. The San Mateo, California-based company which makes games for the PC, Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64 consoles, said its first quarter net profits rose to $3.7m from last year’s losses of $1.5m while revenues were up 44% to $178m. The major titles driving the improved figures were FIFA:Road to the World Cup 98 and World Cup 98 which helped to push European sales up by 65%. Revenues were also up in North America and Japan, but down in Asia the company said.
