Fallout studio Bethesda Softworks has acquired id Software, it's announced. We're not joking.

ZeniMax, the parent company of Bethesda, has confirmed it's completed the acquisition of the veteran Doom and Quake developer, though "upcoming releases previously committed to other publishers", i.e. EA and Rage, aren't affected.

According to the release id Software will continue to operate as a studio under the direction of founder and tech guru, John Carmack. "No changes will be made in the operations of id Software in the development of its games," says Bethesda.

"All the principals at id Software have signed long-term employment contracts, assuring they will continue in their roles developing games at the studio," it says.

Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id Software, said of the transaction: "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."

Carmack said of the deal: "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.




http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=218209

Hmm it seems that Bethesda doesn't want to make their own graphics engine's anymore. It's clear from Fallout 3 that they thought of that part as a hassle.

They're also picking up some interesting IP and competencies.
Maybe we'll see a Quake RPG or a Fallout multiplayer shooter. ;)

This could be a good thing. Here is what The Carmack had to say...

http://kotaku.com/5302139/id-why-we-sold-to-zenimax

Hmm it seems that Bethesda doesn't want to make their own graphics engine's anymore.

They never did make their own graphics engine - Fallout 3, like Oblivion, used Gamebryo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamebryo).

They never did make their own graphics engine - Fallout 3, like Oblivion, used Gamebryo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamebryo).

Hmm didn't realize that. Either way Bethesda is going to use Id's engines now.

I've seen nothing saying that Bethesda is going to be using Id's engines now, though it wouldn't be a shock. But I expect they will continue to use their own hybrid of in-house technology, Gamebryo, and Havok. Its served them well this generation, so I doubt they will be abandoning it until the next generation launches at the earliest.

That article is very misleading though. Bethesda didn't acquire anyone, they just happen to share common owners now. Nothing's been said about any mergers or anything, all signs point to both of them remaining independent.

Bethesda doesn't own Id any more than one of EA's studios like Maxis owns Ubisoft (Doesn't EA have majority ownership of Ubisoft now?). It just makes for a eye catching headline despite not being very accurate.

well, both Id and Bethesda have a new owner.

It'd be much Like Maxis and DiCE...both EA companies.

Well, with the exception that EA is a public company. Zenimax is private, and it now owns Id and Bethesda. You won't see any real details of this pairing, as all parties involved are private companies...the terms of the acquisition are between Zenimax and Id. They will operate however Zenimax wants them to operate...although I'm sure JC has a big say as he's probably a part owner of Zenimax now.