id Software bought by Bethesda parent company

ZeniMax completes the acquisition of the acclaimed development studio.

ZeniMax Media Inc., parent company of game publisher Bethesda Softworks, has announced it has completed the acquisition of legendary game studio, id Software, creators of the renowned franchises Doom, Quake and Wolfenstein.

Bethesda Softworks will publish the titles of id Software other than upcoming releases previously committed to other publishers - Activision's Wolfenstein and EA Partners' Rage.

Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id Software, commented: “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. 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.”

id Software will continue to operate as a studio under the direction of its founder, John Carmack, and no changes will be made in the operations of id Software in the development of its games. All the principals at id Software have signed long-term employment contracts, assuring they will continue in their roles developing games at the studio.

“This puts id Software in a wonderful position going forward,” said John Carmack “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."

Carmack added: "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.”

Robert Altman, the founder, Chairman & CEO of ZeniMax Media stated: "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.”