Bioware, producer of some of the biggest RPGs to hit the Xbox and the PC, have formed a handheld development group. According to the report, Dan Tudge will be heading up the new group, formerly head of Exile Interactive. A posting on Exile Interactive’s website indicates that the company is being shut down with Tudge leaving.

The full Bioware press release continues below.

BioWare Forms New Handheld Game Group

Leading Game Developer Now Recruiting For New Nintendo DS™ Project

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (September 19, 2006) - BioWare, a leading video game developer, has announced the formation of a new handheld game development group. Their first game will be produced for the Nintendo DS system and marks BioWare’s debut in the handheld game space.

The group will be led by project director, Dan Tudge, former president and founder of independent video game developer, Exile Interactive, Inc. Dan has overseen development of AAA titles for such major publishers as Nintendo, Microsoft, THQ, and Sega Sports.

“We’re thrilled to have Dan leading our new handheld group,” said Ray Muzyka, CEO of BioWare. “Dan has an exceptional pedigree of game development, and we’re excited to have him bring his proven track record of successful games to BioWare’s new DS project!”

Listed among Canada’s Top 100 Employers* three years in a row, BioWare has begun actively recruiting for its new handheld team.

“As always, we are committed to creating the best story-driven games in the world, and the Nintendo DS offers us an exciting new platform to engage,” said Greg Zeschuk, president of BioWare. “The new project offers tremendous opportunities, and we’re looking for talented and passionate developers to become part of that.”

Details about available positions for BioWare’s handheld group can be found at BioWare’s job page.