The world's largest publisher has today announced a brand new deal to bring games crated by to market, and must be pretty pleased with this coup. All of Valve's upcoming releases will be published in stores as part of EA's 'Partners' programme, with 2 expected out this October and Half-Life 2: Game of the Year as well as Counter-Strike: Source due out in the 'Autumn'. parted company with previous long-term publisher VU Games earlier this year - after numerous disputes believed to be related to Valve's self-publishing of games via Steam.

"Valve games have sold over 18 million units at since Half-Life shipped in November 1998. By combining EA's unparalleled operation structure and distribution channel with Valve's award-winning teams and games community, we've established an awesome combination for delivering great products to console and gamers around the world," enthused Valve's Gabe Newell.

Lionhead, Digital Illusions, and count among EA's other 'Partners'; third-parties releasing first-grade titles through EA to gain maximum exposure for their wares. "EA is the worldwide leader in bringing best of breed games, for all platforms, to market," added Newell. More on this ominously potent combination as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge