EA grabs Bioware, Pandemic for $860 million

Electronic Arts is by far one of the most hardly criticized game developers out there, but if you ask Microsoft they will tell you that just comes as part of being #1. EA reported revenues of $3 billion for 2006 and that is just huge compared to many other developer studios.

Now they plan to further expand their game line-up with the acquisition of BioWare and Pandemic Studios, both Canadian-based developers of RPG, action and adventure genres with popular titles that include Jade Empire, Mass Effect, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Full Spectrum Warrior and the Mercenaries series (some licensed and other wholly owned franchises).

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and expected to close in January 2008.