Electronic Arts Completes Bioware Buyout

Just occasionally things in the world of finance and video games have been known to move at more than a snail's pace. While Microsoft and BT keep promising IPTV year-in-year out, Electronic Arts has confirmed its acquisition of two major developers - announced only seconds ago - well, October.

Yup, EA has "announced that it has completed its acquisition of VG Holding Corp and has officially welcomed BioWare Corp. and Pandemic Studios to the EA Games Label."

Bioware, is of course, the developer of the Xbox 360s' mega-RPG, Mass Effect (arguments about whether it's an RPG or not... in the Forum please). Pandemic Studios brought us the chucklesome Destroy All Humans 2 and is about to bring us the toothsome Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed.

Not only is the deal done, but there are also works in the... works, "The two studios have been recognized for creating some of the highest-quality games in the industry and will bring ten new franchises to EA, based on six wholly-owned IP."

In terms of the deal structure itself, we are told:

"Frank Gibeau, president of the EA Games Label, will oversee the studios within his organization.

Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk of BioWare Corp have each been named as Vice Presidents of EA and Co-General Managers of BioWare Corp. Pandemic Studios.

Andrew Goldman and Josh Resnick have each been named Vice Presidents of EA and Co-General Managers of Pandemic Studios, while Greg Borrud has been named Vice President of EA and Chief Production Officer of Pandemic Studios.

So, prepare from some EA RPGs to slice up your screens before the year is out... well, before the decade is out at least.