Electronic Arts is well known for buying up independent studios that have performed well for it on outsourced projects, and none has topped the efforts of Melbourne-based iPhone developer IronMonkey Studios over the last couple of years.

According to Australian website Tsumea, sources claim that EA has completed a buyout of IronMonkey, though the deal has yet to be confirmed. It certainly makes sense, however, given that EA has trusted IronMonkey with its most prized IPs.

The Australian developer has been responsible for some of EA's most technically advanced and best selling iPhone titles over the last 12 months and more, including The Sims 3, the Need for Speed franchise and the delayed adaptation of Mirror's Edge.

This latter game received critical acclaim during its media previews, but has since been inexplicably delayed. A possible acquisition by EA could well explain its delayed release.

If you're going to get bought out, you want EA to be the one that's signing the cheque. The gaming giant is known for allowing its acquisitions to retain their autonomy, promising some even more spectacular mobile titles in the future.