EA considers charging for 'Spore' content

Electronic Arts is considering charging Spore gamers for downloading extra content following its release next month.

John Riccitiello, speaking during an investors' conference call, said he is keen to "monetise, if you will, body parts, plant parts, car parts and planets as a way to generate incremental revenue on an installed base of several million active users".

The EA chief believes Spore is destined for success, adding: "I would love to imagine that two years from now or a year from now the debate is whether or not we need a 'Spore' label inside of EA."

Spore, which will launch on PC, Nintendo DS, Apple Mac and Mobile Phone, has been designed by Will Wright, creator of The Sims. The game is an evolution simulation that takes the player through the development of civilisation and technology and eventually into outer space.

Its world is populated by your creature and by creatures evolved by other players. You can interact with them, guide them, build their technology, cities and more.

Last month, Jonathan Ross's son described Spore as "bloody amazing" after EA had reportedly visited their home to demonstrate the game.