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EA merges Bioware, Mythic into single RPG gamehaus

Taps Bioware chief as leader

Electronic Arts is combining its top RPG maker, Bioware, with its top MMO maker, Mythic, to make one massive roleplaying studio group.

While it's not apparent why EA is squeezing the video game houses together, the publisher is keeping Bioware's reins in the same hands.

The newly-formed RPG/MMO group will be helmed by Ray Muzyka, co-founder and general manager of Bioware. The developer's other co-founder, Greg Zeschuk, will become the studio group's new creative officer. Mythic co-founder Rob Denton will become the general manager of the group's Mythic side of things, reporting directly to Muzyka.

The odd man out is Mark Jacobs, co-founder of Mythic and the studio's current general manager. He'll depart EA on June 23, 2009. Mythic said in an announcement that Bioware's studios will remain unchanged and continue to report to Muzyka.

Bioware is best known for RPGs like the Star Wars romp, Knights of the Old Republic, and its popular original IP, Mass Effect. Mythic currently runs the MMOs Warhammer Online and Dark Age of Camelot.

With Bioware currently developing the MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic, the deal does make strategic sense. Bioware has a great track record with single-player RPGs, but lacks experience with managing a massive multiplayer environment unlike Mythic. Getting the best of both worlds makes for a solid business plan, assuming the two developers can mesh well. ®

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