Games developer Electronic Arts (EA) is in talks with Microsoft to bring mobile games to the next version of Windows, a part of its future strategy that will also see the company ramp up M&A activity.

A Bloomberg report notes that EA sees the new Windows 8 operating system as central to its mobile strategy. “We’re working very closely with Microsoft to understand what their views on gaming navigation are,” Chief Operating Officer Peter Moore (pictured) told the news agency. “Anything that allows more platforms to be adopted quickly that have a gaming element is good for Electronic Arts.”

The mobile version of Windows 8 is due later this year, possibly around the same time as the launch of the desktop version of the OS (October 26th). Nokia is expected to be one of the first device vendors to support the new mobile platform.

Meanwhile EA’s Moore also reaffirmed the company’s intentions to acquire other game developers, following previous deals with PopCap Games and Playfish. “We’re in a very strong position with our balance sheet and we’re never afraid to use it if the opportunity arises,” he said. “We’re always looking at opportunities for us to strengthen our development capabilities, maybe our IP and maybe our technology backbone.”