What do Bethesda Softworks and id Software have in common? At first glance, you wouldn't think much - until you learn that, as of today, both well respected development studios are now owned entirely by ZeniMax Media which has now expanded its empire to preside over the upcoming RAGE, currently in development at id Software.

For the uninitiated, id Software and its key figures, John Carmack, Todd Hollenshead created key video game properties such as Doom, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3D.

The acquisition of id Software by ZeniMax Media shouldn't change all that much, with Carmack and co still very much in charge of what happens at id.

Current, key employees of the company have signed "long term contracts" which means they will continue in their current capacity, with all titles in development to be completed, while also allowing current id employees to work on future projects.

ZeniMax Media will publish all upcoming id Software titles with the exception of those currently licensed to other publishers. The privately held ZeniMax Media owns Bethesda Softworks and several other companies, and will now publish id Software titles.

Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id Software commented on the acquisition

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.

Meanwhile, John Carmack, founder and Technical Director of id Software added the following:

This puts id Software in a wonderful position going forward. 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.

Finally, Robert Altman, founder, Chairman and CEO of ZeniMax Media concluded the statements with:

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. 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.

id Software is currently developing Rage, and the id Tech 5 game engine which offers complete support for Mac, PC, PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360.

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Thanks to Pig Fat for letting us know about this!
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