Electronic Arts have extended their exclusive licensing deal with the National Football League and Players to allow them to continue making fully endorsed virtual versions of American Football into 2013.

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The new agreement covers all the major consoles, handheld platforms, games and variations upon both platform and the nature of the software. The deal also covers NFL Films and the NFL Network - giving access to new potential game content.

"This is all about bringing authenticity and realism to NFL videogames," beamed a presumably somewhat wealthier Eric Grubman, president of NFL Ventures.

"EA Sports continually works to maintain the cutting edge for NFL products across a variety of gaming platforms. We like the fact that they never rest."

"For nearly two decades, has been bringing fans closer to the great game of through the breakthrough interactive experiences of our videogames," chimed in Peter Moore, EA Sports big wig.

"Game quality is our top priority, and we're committed to pushing our gameplay innovation, connecting football fans via rich online experiences and delivering the most visually stunning sports games on the market."

EA's Football series has taken more than 2 billion USD in its history. Quite a few, donuts, that.

By Luke Guttridge