Bethesda Softworks parent ZeniMax Media buys id Software

In a somewhat surprise move today, Zenimax, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, has acquired id Software, famed developer of the Doom and Quake series of games. Both companies promise to maintain the status quo at id Software, with all the executives from the company signing long-term contracts to continue their roles with the studio.

“This puts id Software in a wonderful position going forward,” said John Carmack, who will continue to serve in his current role as Technical Director. “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."

Zenimax is a private company, and now has Doom, Fallout, Quake, Oblivion, Rage, Wolfeinstein, and Brink in its stable of content. Robert Altman, the CEO of Zenimax, 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.” The interesting bit? EA has already signed to publish Rage, leaving Zenimax with little to do when it comes to id's upcoming title.

While this news is surprising, both companies have sterling reputations in the gaming world, and if id had to be acquired, there were much worse places for it to go—no, we won't name names... We'll continue to follow this story and update with any new details as they emerge.