Today, the attained parent company of Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax Media Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of id Software, creators of world-renowned games such as DOOM, Quake, Wolfenstein, and the upcoming title, RAGE.

The acquisition by ZeniMax Media joins together two of the most respected videogame developers in the world, combining the FPS expertise of id with acclaimed RPG developer Bethesda Game Studios.

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

“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,” said Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id Software. “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.”

“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.”

It’s clear now that plenty of gamers still have plenty of time, even with the so many games coming out, to stop an appreciate a good game. The game that many of us are still to beat, Fallout 3, has ships approximately 4.7 million units worldwide, which reflects the games huge consumer demand. The game officially went worldwide last week and according to Bethesda Softworks the game has made $300 million in retail sales.

For example, in the United Kingdom where it was not released until Friday, October 31 the rapid sales of Fallout 3 have led the game to be ranked number one among all video games, as well as being the number one game on each of its three platforms.

The successful launch of Fallout 3 by Bethesda Softworks follows the success of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, which remains one of the highest scoring games ever published and earned “Game of the Year” honors in 2006.

June 6, 2008 (Rockville, MD) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax Media company, and Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced the Fallout® 3 Survival Edition for Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows. The limited Survival Edition is now available for pre-order exclusively through www.Amazon.com/fallout3.

This ultimate Fallout 3 package includes a life-size replica of the Pip-Boy 3000, the wrist-mounted device worn by characters in-game. The Pip-Boy 3000 has been painstakingly recreated and modified for real world display as a digital clock. In addition to the Pip-Boy 3000, the Survival Edition will include all of the items included in the Fallout 3 Collector’s Edition:

The Fallout 3 game;

• Customized, metal Vault-Tec lunch box;
• 5” Vault Boy Bobblehead;
• ‘The Art of Fallout 3’ hardcover book; and
• ‘The Making of Fallout 3’ DVD

“We’re thrilled to be working with Amazon.com on this exclusive edition,” said Vlatko Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks . “The Survival Edition offers gamers the unique opportunity to own a piece of video game history along with a collection of limited edition items – it’s the definitive Fallout 3 package.”

“This is an exciting day for Amazon customers and Fallout fans,” said Greg Hart vice president of video games and software at Amazon. “We’re delighted to be the exclusive destination for Fallout 3 Survival Edition; this is a great example of the continually expanding selection we offer to gamers.”

Fallout 3 features one of the most realized game worlds ever created. Create any kind of character you want and explore the open wastes of post-apocalyptic Washington, D.C. Every minute is a fight for survival as you encounter Super Mutants, Ghouls, Raiders, and other dangers of the Wasteland.

Currently under development at Bethesda Game Studios – creators of award winning The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, the 2006 Game of the Year – Fallout 3 is one of the most anticipated games of 2008 and is slated for release this Fall on Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION®3 system and Games for Windows.

Fallout® 3 has not yet been rated by the ESRB. For more information on Fallout 3, visit http://fallout.bethsoft.com.

All information contained in this news post comes directly from a press release sent out by Bethesda and Amazon.