ZeniMax acquires id Software

ZeniMax Media, the company behind Fallout and Oblivion publisher Bethesda, has acquired acclaimed US developer id Software.

"This was a unique opportunity to team with a smart, sophisticated publisher like Bethesda Softworks where the interests of the studio and the publisher will be fully aligned in the development and marketing of our titles," commented id CEO Todd Hollenshead.

"In addition, we will now have financial and business resources to support the future growth of id Software, a huge advantage which will result in more and even better games for our fans."

As well as creating Doom and Quake, the id team is also working on new IP Rage.

"This puts id Software in a wonderful position going forward," said John Carmack, founder and technical director of id. "We will now be able to grow and extend all of our franchises under one roof, leveraging our capabilities across multiple teams while enabling forward looking research to be done in the service of all of them.

"We will be bigger and stronger, as we recruit the best talent to help us build the landmark games of the future. As trite as it may be for me to say that I am extremely pleased and excited about this deal, I am."

id Software will continue to operate as a studio under the direction Carmack and the developer was keen to stress the operating structure of the company will not be changed.

Bethesda has recently signed new title Wet from Artificial Mind & Movement and is also set to publish Brink from Splash Damage and Rebellion's Rogue Warrior.

The publisher is part of the ZeniMax Media group, which counts movie execs Robert Altman, Harry Sloan and Jerry Bruikheimer on its board of directors.

"We, along with many others, consider id Software to be among the finest game studios in the world, with extraordinary design, artistic and technical capabilities," offered Altman.

"They have demonstrated, repeatedly, that rare ability to create franchise properties that are critical and commercial successes. Our intention is to make sure id Software will continue to do what they do best – make AAA games. Our role will be to provide publisher support through Bethesda Softworks and give id Software the resources it needs to grow and expand.”