EA acquires Facebook dev, forms BioWare Social

By Tom Ivan for computerandvideogames.com

EA has acquired social games maker KlickNation and added it to the BioWare label.

Known for Facebook RPGs like SuperHero City and Age of Champions, which EA says combine "in-depth storylines with high-quality graphics", KlickNation has been renamed BioWare Sacramento.

It has also been integrated into a newly formed business unit, BioWare Social, which will focus on the development of RPGs for social networks and be led by former KlickNation CEO Mark Otero.

BioWare label general manager Ray Muzyka said: "KlickNation's expertise in building innovative and compelling RPGs for social platforms makes them a seamless tuck-in with the BioWare team at EA. We share the same creative values.

"The new BioWare Social unit will bring BioWare and EA franchises to the growing audience of core gamers who are looking for high quality, rich gameplay experiences on social platforms."

BioWare Social GM Otero added: "While developing social RPG experiences, we held BioWare as a role model for storytelling and game design.

"Joining with BioWare and EA is an opportunity to realise our vision for bringing high-quality RPG titles to the fast-growing, highly-engaged core gamers looking for deeper experiences on social platforms."

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Earlier today, BioWare released a new Mass Effect 3 developer diary showing off the game's improved combat features.