After what seems like much deliberation, EA and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced today that they will indeed be putting the next trip to Hogwarts on hold until the movie releases in Summer of 2009.

"We're excited about the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game in development and its high level of authenticity and playability," said Robert Nashak, Vice President EA Casual Studios. "We are creating an immersive game experience that Potter fans around the world will really enjoy playing as they fly and duel their way through the story of the film. The game will feature new Wii gestures and increased gameplay capabilities across all of the platforms."

"The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince game will be an excellent interactive extension of the film and all of the new action that comes with it," said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "EA is creating the Harry Potter video games that fans will love, and this game will deliver new gameplay elements and the magic players are looking forward to."

"We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with EA in collaborating on the videogames for all of the Harry Potter films," said Harry Potter film Producer David Heyman. "The visual look of the game for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is incredibly authentic to the film and will provide a truly compelling experience for everyone who plays." -- Press Release

While I have little doubts the game will probably make bank for EA, I suppose it's likely that it would do even better alongside the movie's release than it would on its own, even with all the little Potter-scrubbers out there who've pored over every page of the book until they know the meaning of every last word.