By David Morrill, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif. Oct. 12--The world's largest video game publisher, Electronic Arts Inc., announced Thursday that it is broadening its product range by acquiring the parent of two video game studios for $825 million.

SAN JOSE, Calif. _ Videogame giant Electronic Arts announced its biggest deal ever Thursday, buying two top game makers, BioWare and Pandemic Studios, for more than $800 million. Electronic Arts expects the deal to bolster its offerings in action, adventure and role-playing games.

Electronic Arts Inc., the video game developer known for titles such as "Madden NFL" and "The Sims," said Thursday it will acquire two software studios from Elevation Partners in a deal worth up to $860 million. The studios, BioWare Corp.