ZeniMax Media

File:ZeniMax Media Inc logo.png

Christopher Weaver, the founder of the video game publisher Bethesda Softworks, and Robert A. Altman, a lawyer, founded ZeniMax Media in 1999.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lroZsP4zyIYC&q=zenimax+weaver+robert+altman&pg=PA281 |title=Gamers at Work: Stories Behind the Games People Play |publisher=Morgan Ramsay |access-date=August 13, 2016 |isbn=9781430233510 |date=January 31, 2012 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204231633/https://books.google.com/books?id=lroZsP4zyIYC&q=zenimax+weaver+robert+altman&pg=PA281 |url-status=live}} The name is a portmanteau of "zenith" and "maximum".{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/4/22266679/robert-altman-zenimax-media-bethesda-obituary |title=Robert A. Altman, founder of Bethesda parent ZeniMax Media, dies at 73 |first=Owen S. |last=Good |date=February 4, 2021 |website=Polygon |access-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204233444/https://www.polygon.com/2021/2/4/22266679/robert-altman-zenimax-media-bethesda-obituary |url-status=live}} The company was established to succeed Media Technology Limited as the parent company of Bethesda Softworks. Weaver brought Altman onboard as the chief executive officer, contributing his stock in Bethesda Softworks so that ZeniMax Media would be able to obtain funding. Weaver served as the chief technology officer from 1999 to 2002, when he moved into a non-executive role. Later that year, he filed a lawsuit against ZeniMax, alleging breach of contract and claiming he was owed US$1.2 million in severance pay.{{cite news |last=Musgrove |first=Mike |title=Out of the Dark and Into the Spotlight |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2005/08/15/out-of-the-dark-and-into-the-spotlight/01e11d6e-e6a0-4c5a-8a6a-435c16e4fee8/ |access-date=October 20, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 15, 2005 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522220559/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2005/08/15/out-of-the-dark-and-into-the-spotlight/01e11d6e-e6a0-4c5a-8a6a-435c16e4fee8/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Blancato |first=Joe |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/bethesda-the-right-direction/ |title=Bethesda:The Right Direction |publisher=The Escapist |date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=October 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018141835/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/bethesda-the-right-direction/ |archive-date=October 18, 2022 |url-status=live}} By February 2007, Weaver only held a 33% stake in the company, which by 2020 had been reduced to "a pittance of the stock".{{Cite web |last=Kleinman |first=Jake |title=Bethesda founder: Microsoft deal is "brilliant counter-move against Sony" |url=https://www.inverse.com/gaming/bethesda-microsoft-xbox-exclusivity-elder-scrolls-6-interview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924085042/https://www.inverse.com/gaming/bethesda-microsoft-xbox-exclusivity-elder-scrolls-6-interview |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-23 |website=Inverse |language=en}}

Among the original board members were Harry E. Sloan, Les Moonves,{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2018 |title=Leslie Moonves Quietly Exits AFI and Paley Center Boards |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/leslie-moonves-afi-paley-center-boards-zenimax-1203088219/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921170613/https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/leslie-moonves-afi-paley-center-boards-zenimax-1203088219/ |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |magazine=Variety}} and Robert Trump.{{cite web |last=McAloon |first=Alissa |date=August 17, 2020 |title=Obituary: ZeniMax board member Robert Trump |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/368358/Obituary_ZeniMax_board_member_Robert_Trump.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204233502/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/368358/Obituary_ZeniMax_board_member_Robert_Trump.php |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |website=Gamasutra}} In 2000, SBS Broadcasting Group, operated by Sloan, acquired a 12.5% stake in ZeniMax as part of a partnership between the two companies.{{cite web |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200902005370/en/Skillz-Set-Public-Bring-Competitive-Mobile-Gaming |title=Skillz Set to Go Public to Bring Competitive Mobile Gaming to Everyone |website=Business Wire |publisher=Berkshire Hathaway |date=September 2, 2020 |access-date=September 5, 2020 |archive-date=September 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903093738/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200902005370/en/Skillz-Set-Public-Bring-Competitive-Mobile-Gaming |url-status=live}} Among the partnerships between the companies, ZeniMax's subsidiary e-Nexus Studios developed entertainment portals and websites for SBS.{{cite web |date=January 27, 2000 |title=SBS BROADCASTING SA AND UNITED PAN-EUROPE COMMUNICATIONS EXPAND THEIR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP |url=http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sbs-broadcasting-sa-and-united-pan-europe-communications-expand-their-strategic-partnership-156220525.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131532/http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sbs-broadcasting-sa-and-united-pan-europe-communications-expand-their-strategic-partnership-156220525.html |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=March 1, 2019 |publisher=PR Newswire}}{{cite web |date=November 17, 1999 |title=SBS Broadcasting SA Announces Major European Internet Initiatives; SBS Invests in Bidlet and Partners with Sweden's Largest Auction Site |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sbs-broadcasting-sa-announces-major-european-internet-initiatives-sbs-invests-in-bidlet-and-partners-with-swedens-largest-auction-site-77243152.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301001817/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sbs-broadcasting-sa-announces-major-european-internet-initiatives-sbs-invests-in-bidlet-and-partners-with-swedens-largest-auction-site-77243152.html |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |access-date=September 26, 2016 |publisher=PR Newswire}} In the same year, Terry McAuliffe, George Mitchell, Dean Devlin, and Jon Feltheimer joined ZeniMax as advisors.{{cite web |url=http://www.zenimax.com/profile9.html |title=ZeniMax Media business advisory board |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001027084350/http://www.zenimax.com/profile9.html |archive-date=October 27, 2000 |access-date=September 24, 2020}} The company acquired the Fallout franchise from Interplay Entertainment in 2004.{{cite web |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/facing-fallout |title=Facing Fallout |publisher=Edge |date=April 2, 2007 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820031243/http://www.edge-online.com/features/facing-fallout |archive-date=August 20, 2012}}

In August 2007, ZeniMax announced the formation of the studio ZeniMax Online Studios, led by Matt Firor.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/zenimax-media-announces-establishment-of-online-gaming-division-zenimax-online-studios |website=gamesindustry.biz |title=ZeniMax Media Announces Establishment of Online Gaming Division – ZeniMax Online Studios |date=August 1, 2007 |access-date=July 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703124313/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/zenimax-media-announces-establishment-of-online-gaming-division-zenimax-online-studios |archive-date=July 3, 2019 |url-status=live}} In October, after ProSiebenSat.1 Media purchased SBS Broadcasting Group and inherited its stake in ZeniMax Media, now 9% of the shares, ProSiebenSat.1 Media announced it would intensify its relationship with ZeniMax. The company launched SevenGames.com, the international edition of its German-language game platform, in December and worked with ZeniMax to develop online games.{{cite web |last=Meza |first=Ed |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1117975019?refCatId=1009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205113212/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117975019?refCatId=1009 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2013 |title=ProSieben tightens hold on ZeniMax |publisher=Variety |date=October 30, 2007 |access-date=January 23, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.uis.no/getfile.php/Forskning/Senter%20for%20Innovasjonsforskning/Zademach2009_Global%20Finance%20and%20CLuster%20Development.pdf |title=Global Finance and the Development of Regional Clusters:Tracing Paths in Munich's Film & TV Industry |page=22 |publisher=Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin Zademach |date=May 1, 2009 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201030728/http://www.uis.no/getfile.php/Forskning/Senter%20for%20Innovasjonsforskning/Zademach2009_Global%20Finance%20and%20CLuster%20Development.pdf |archive-date=December 1, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Scott |first=Roxborough |title=Game time for ProSiebenSat.1 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/game-time-prosiebensat1-153859 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=October 31, 2007 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011102559/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/game-time-prosiebensat1-153859 |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |url-status=live}} In the same year, Providence Equity Partners bought a 25% stake in ZeniMax for $300 million.{{cite web |title=RR Donnelley Private Equity |url=http://www.docstoc.com/docs/38310700/RR-Donnelley-Private-Equity |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808053544/http://www.docstoc.com/docs/38310700/RR-Donnelley-Private-Equity |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |access-date=October 18, 2012 |publisher=Docstoc.com}}{{cite web |date=June 25, 2009 |title=ZeniMax Media Buys DOOM Maker | peHUBpeHUB |url=http://www.pehub.com/43108/zenimax-media-buys-doom-maker/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315210131/https://www.pehub.com/2009/06/zenimax-media-buys-doom-maker/ |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |access-date=January 23, 2013 |publisher=Pehub.com}}{{cite web |date=October 25, 2007 |title=ZeniMax Media Receives $300 Million Investment From Providence Equity Partners |url=http://www.zenimax.com/news_pressrelease03.03.11.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905143333/http://zenimax.com/news_pressrelease10.25.07.htm |archive-date=September 5, 2008 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |publisher=ZeniMax.com}} ZeniMax had 200 employees in October 2007.{{cite web |last=Kreutzer |first=Laura |date=September 21, 2020 |title=Providence Equity's Sale of ZeniMax Will Bring Lucrative End to 13-Year Deal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/providence-equitys-sale-of-zenimax-will-bring-lucrative-end-to-13-year-deal-11600725932 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922151947/https://www.wsj.com/articles/providence-equitys-sale-of-zenimax-will-bring-lucrative-end-to-13-year-deal-11600725932 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=September 22, 2020 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}} It acquired the Prey and Rage franchise in 2009.{{cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=September 8, 2009 |title=Prey IP acquired by id/Bethesda parent ZeniMax? |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/prey-ip-acquired-by-id-bethesda-parent-zenimax/1100-6216957/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170814220458/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/prey-ip-acquired-by-id-bethesda-parent-zenimax/1100-6216957/ |archive-date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=December 11, 2016 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive}}{{cite web |last=Purchese |first=Robert |date=December 15, 2009 |title=Bethesda takes Rage from EA |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bethesda-takes-rage-from-ea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091218041257/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bethesda-takes-rage-from-ea |archive-date=December 18, 2009 |access-date=January 2, 2010 |publisher=Eurogamer}} After Providence Equity Partners invested another $150 million for an undisclosed stake in 2010,{{cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Liz |date=May 1, 2014 |title=Oculus, Facebook Face Challenge to Rights Over 'Rift' |url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB10001424052702303948104579534013624548846 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230831073403/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB10001424052702303948104579534013624548846 |archive-date=August 31, 2023 |access-date=June 13, 2016 |publisher=The Wall Street Journal}}{{cite web |date=October 6, 2010 |title=ZeniMax Media Receives $150 Million Investment From Providence Equity Partners |url=http://www.zenimax.com/news_pressrelease10.06.10.htm |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309205120/http://www.zenimax.com/news_pressrelease10.06.10.htm |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |publisher=ZeniMax.com}} the company grew to 400 employees by January 2011.{{cite web |date=January 8, 2011 |title=Providence Equity Partners executive says video-game industry is 'challenging' |url=https://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2011/01/08/5232949.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611001228/https://callcenterinfo.tmcnet.com/news/2011/01/08/5232949.htm |archivedate=June 11, 2016 |access-date=October 3, 2020 |website=tmcnet.com}} ZeniMax subsequently announced a partnership with the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts to support its Interactive Media Division with a comprehensive educational program of guest lectures and internships.{{cite web |date=March 3, 2011 |title=ZeniMax Partners with USC School of Cinematic Arts |url=http://www.zenimax.com/news_pressrelease03.03.11.html |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309205151/http://www.zenimax.com/news_pressrelease03.03.11.html |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |publisher=ZeniMax.com}}

{{further||ZeniMax v. Oculus}}In May 2014, ZeniMax sent a letter to Facebook and its Oculus VR subsidiary, asserting that any contributions John Carmack made to the Oculus Rift project were the intellectual property of ZeniMax, stating that "ZeniMax provided necessary VR technology and other valuable assistance to Palmer Luckey and other Oculus employees in 2012 and 2013 to make the Oculus Rift a viable VR product, superior to other VR market offerings." The company filed a lawsuit against Oculus VR later that month.{{cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |title=Oculus and Facebook face legal challenge from John Carmack's former employer |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/5/1/5671620/oculus-and-facebook-face-legal-challenge |work=The Verge |access-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502054047/http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/1/5671620/oculus-and-facebook-face-legal-challenge |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=live |date=May 2014}}{{cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |title=One document could decide whether Oculus owes ZeniMax millions |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/5/1/5672928/this-document-could-decide-whether-oculus-owes-zenimax-millions |work=The Verge |access-date=May 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502033951/http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/1/5672928/this-document-could-decide-whether-oculus-owes-zenimax-millions |archive-date=May 2, 2014 |url-status=live |date=May 2014}} In June, Oculus VR filed a response to the lawsuit, stating that ZeniMax was falsely claiming ownership to take advantage of its acquisition by Facebook. Oculus VR also claimed that the Oculus Rift did not share any code or technology with ZeniMax's.{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=June 25, 2014 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/25/5841764/oculus-zenimax-lawsuit-respons |title=Oculus: ZeniMax suit is a 'transparent attempt to take advantage' of Facebook acquisitione |publisher=Polygon |access-date=June 25, 2014 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204233414/https://www.polygon.com/2014/6/25/5841764/oculus-zenimax-lawsuit-response |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |title=Oculus accused of destroying evidence, Zuckerberg to testify in VR theft trial |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/oculus-accused-of-destroying-evidence-zuckerberg-to-testify-in-vr-theft-trial/ |access-date=January 16, 2017 |publisher=Ars Technica |date=January 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116211622/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/oculus-accused-of-destroying-evidence-zuckerberg-to-testify-in-vr-theft-trial/ |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |url-status=live}} A jury ruled in favor of ZeniMax in February 2017. They found that, while Oculus VR had not misappropriated ZeniMax's trade secrets, it had violated ZeniMax's copyrights and trademarks in addition to a non-disclosure agreement. ZeniMax was awarded $500 million.{{Cite web |last=Matney |first=Lucas |title=Jury awards ZeniMax $500 million in Oculus VR lawsuit |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/01/jury-awards-zenimax-500-million-in-oculus-vr-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201211643/https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/01/jury-awards-zenimax-500-million-in-oculus-vr-lawsuit/ |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2017 |website=TechCrunch|date=February 2017 }}{{cite news |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |date=February 1, 2017 |title=Oculus, execs liable for $500 million in ZeniMax VR trial |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/02/oculus-execs-liable-for-500-million-in-zenimax-vr-trial/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201225128/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/02/oculus-execs-liable-for-500-million-in-zenimax-vr-trial/ |archive-date=February 1, 2017 |access-date=February 1, 2017 |publisher=Ars Technica}} In the meantime, ProSiebenSat.1 Media had sold its stake in ZeniMax back to the company for €30 million.{{cite web |url=http://www.prosieben.com/uploads/2016/12/06/P7S1_Q2%202016_IR-presentation.pdf |title=ProSiebenSat.1 Media Q2/H1 2016 IR Presentation |page=56 |date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=November 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107030300/http://www.prosieben.com/uploads/2016/12/06/P7S1_Q2%202016_IR-presentation.pdf |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://de.reuters.com/article/deutschland-prosiebensat-1-idDEKCN10F0GY |title=Online-Boom hilft ProSiebenSat.1 über EM-Delle hinweg(In German) |date=August 4, 2016 |access-date=November 5, 2017 |newspaper=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004759/http://de.reuters.com/article/deutschland-prosiebensat-1-idDEKCN10F0GY |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |url-status=dead}}

In September 2020, Microsoft announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire ZeniMax and its subsidiaries for $7.5 billion.{{Cite news |date=2020-09-21 |title=Microsoft acquires Fallout creator Bethesda |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/54233235 |access-date=2020-09-21 |archive-date=September 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921170703/https://www.bbc.com/news/54233235 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |last1=Browning |first1=Kellen |last2=Lohr |first2=Steve |date=2020-09-21 |title=Microsoft Grabs Some of World's Biggest Games in $7.5 Billion Deal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/21/technology/microsoft-zenimax-video-game-deal.html |access-date=2020-09-28 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927233110/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/21/technology/microsoft-zenimax-video-game-deal.html |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |first=Liana |last=Ruppert |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/09/21/microsoft-acquires-bethesda-the-studio-behind-fallout-the-elder-scrolls-doom-and-more |title=Microsoft Acquires Bethesda, The Studio Behind Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, And More |magazine=Game Informer |date=September 21, 2020 |access-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922002107/https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/09/21/microsoft-acquires-bethesda-the-studio-behind-fallout-the-elder-scrolls-doom-and-more |url-status=live}} For Providence Equity Partners, the deal represented a six-time return on investment. Altman had considered selling ZeniMax for several years and at one point was close to a deal with rival Electronic Arts.{{cite news |first=Christopher |last=Palmeri |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-25/from-banking-scandal-to-video-game-ceo-to-billion-dollar-score |title=From Banking Scandal to Video-Game CEO to Billion-Dollar Score |website=bloomberg.com |date=September 25, 2020 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927030721/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-25/from-banking-scandal-to-video-game-ceo-to-billion-dollar-score |url-status=live}} Prior the deal's closure, he died on February 3, 2021, aged 73, at a Baltimore hospital.{{cite web |first=Harrison |last=Smith |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/robert-altman-dead/2021/02/05/cdc9586a-67c4-11eb-886d-5264d4ceb46d_story.html |title=Robert A. Altman, who went from banking scandal to video game CEO, dies at 73 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 6, 2021 |access-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206152916/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/robert-altman-dead/2021/02/05/cdc9586a-67c4-11eb-886d-5264d4ceb46d_story.html |url-status=live}} The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the European Commission greenlit the acquisition in March 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/378190/US_SEC_greenlights_Microsofts_acquisition_of_ZeniMax_Media.php |title=US SEC green-lights Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media |first=Alissa |last=McAloon |date=March 5, 2021 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306000919/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/378190/US_SEC_greenlights_Microsofts_acquisition_of_ZeniMax_Media.php |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-eu-has-approved-microsofts-acquisition-of-bethesda-parent-zenimax/ |title=The EU has approved Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda parent ZeniMax |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=March 8, 2021 |website=Video Games Chronicle |access-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308111057/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/the-eu-has-approved-microsofts-acquisition-of-bethesda-parent-zenimax/ |url-status=live}} A preliminary injunction to block the acquisition was being sought in a class-action lawsuit that ZeniMax faced over Fallout 4, with the plaintiffs arguing that Microsoft could shield ZeniMax's assets from damages should it be found liable after the acquisition.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/377927/Ongoing_Fallout_4_DLC_lawsuit_could_impact_Microsofts_takeover_of_Bethesda.php |title=Ongoing Fallout 4 DLC lawsuit could impact Microsoft's takeover of Bethesda |first=Chris |last=Kerr |date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=February 25, 2021 |work=Gamasutra |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225173513/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/377927/Ongoing_Fallout_4_DLC_lawsuit_could_impact_Microsofts_takeover_of_Bethesda.php |url-status=live}} Microsoft announced the completion of the acquisition on March 9, 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ |title=Microsoft confirms its Bethesda acquisition is complete and 'some games' will be exclusive |first=Andy |last=Robinson |date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=March 9, 2021 |work=Video Games Chronicle |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309164348/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ |url-status=live}} The final cost of the transaction was $8.1 billion.{{cite web |url=https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/0a2b8528-fb8b-4d11-8da2-fd9fa988a155 |title=Form 10-K |page=39 |website=SEC |date=June 30, 2021 |accessdate=August 7, 2021 |archive-date=August 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806183040/https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/0a2b8528-fb8b-4d11-8da2-fd9fa988a155 |url-status=live}} ZeniMax's board of directors was consequently dissolved.{{cite web |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zenimax-board-of-directors-dissolved-after-xboxs-bethesda-purchase/1100-6488918/ |title=ZeniMax Board Of Directors Dissolved After Xbox's Bethesda Purchase |website=GameSpot |date=March 17, 2021 |accessdate=March 17, 2021 |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321203649/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zenimax-board-of-directors-dissolved-after-xboxs-bethesda-purchase/1100-6488918/ |url-status=live}}

300 QA testers, a majority at ZeniMax Studios voted to unionize as ZeniMax Workers United-CWA in January 2023. This follows the unionization efforts of QA testers at Activision Blizzard which was also acquired by Microsoft.{{Cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |date=2023-01-03 |title=Microsoft is now the home of the video game industry's largest union |url=https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-union-zenimax-vote-recognize-190529301.html |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}} In 2024, Microsoft signed a labor-neutrality agreement with CWA union, agreeing not to interfere with unionization efforts in any ZeniMax Media subsidiaries.{{Cite web |last=Shanklin |first=Will |date=2024-06-06 |title=Microsoft and CWA forge labor neutrality agreement covering all ZeniMax workers |url=https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-and-cwa-forge-labor-neutrality-agreement-covering-all-zenimax-workers-212643324.html |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}}

In May 2024, Microsoft announced the impending closures of the ZeniMax studios Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Tango Gameworks, as well as Roundhouse Studios' absorption into ZeniMax Online Studios.{{cite web |last1=Yin-Poole |first1=Wesley |title=Microsoft Closes Redfall Developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush Developer Tango Gameworks, and More in Devastating Cuts at Bethesda |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-closes-redfall-developer-arkane-austin-hifi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-and-more-in-devastating-cuts-at-bethesda |website=IGN |date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508214113/https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-closes-redfall-developer-arkane-austin-hifi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-and-more-in-devastating-cuts-at-bethesda |url-status=live}} In July 2024, over 200 Bethesda Game Studios employees unionized with CWA. The wall-to-wall unit was recognized by Microsoft, and includes artists, engineers, programmers, and designers.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=2024-07-19 |title=Bethesda Game Studios workers have unionized |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/7/19/24202271/bethesda-game-studios-workers-unionize-cwa |access-date=2024-07-20 |website=The Verge |language=en}} In August 2024, Krafton agreed to buy Tango Gameworks, preventing its closure.{{Cite web |title="KRAFTON Strengthens Global Presence Through Strategic Integration of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi RUSH IP" - KRAFTON Press Room |url=https://press.krafton.com/en-US/KRAFTON-Strengthens-Global-Presence-Through-Strategic-Integration-of-T |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=press.krafton.com}}

• Arkane Studios in Lyon, France; acquired in August 2010.{{cite web |url=http://zenimax.com/news_pressrelease08.12.10.htm |title=ZeniMax Media Acquires Arkane Studios |publisher=ZeniMax.com |date=August 12, 2010 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129231201/http://zenimax.com/news_pressrelease08.12.10.htm |archive-date=November 29, 2010}}
• Bethesda Softworks in Rockville, Maryland, US; acquired in 1999.
• Bethesda Game Studios in Rockville, Maryland, US; established in 2001.
• Bethesda Game Studios Austin in Austin, Texas, US; founded in October 2012 as BattleCry Studios, re-branded in March 2018.{{cite web |last=Grandstaff |first=Matt |url=http://www.bethblog.com/2012/10/03/welcome-to-battlecry-studios/ |title=Welcome to Battlecry Studios! | Bethesda Blog |publisher=Bethblog.com |date=October 3, 2012 |access-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120123215/http://www.bethblog.com/2012/10/03/welcome-to-battlecry-studios/ |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |url-status=live}}
• Bethesda Game Studios Dallas in Dallas, US; founded in 2007 as Escalation Studios, acquired in February 2017, re-branded in August 2018.{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/bethesda-game-studios-dallas-announcement-1202901832/ |title=Escalation Studios Is Now Bethesda Game Studios Dallas |website=Variety |date=August 10, 2018 |access-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810192251/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/bethesda-game-studios-dallas-announcement-1202901832/ |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |url-status=live}}
• Bethesda Game Studios Montreal in Montreal, Canada; established in December 2015.{{cite web |url=https://www.zenimax.com/press/BETHESDA_GAME_STUDIOS_OPENS_MONTREAL_OFFICE |title=Bethesda Game Studios Opens Montreal Office |publisher=ZeniMax.com |date=December 9, 2015 |access-date=July 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802171842/https://www.zenimax.com/press/BETHESDA_GAME_STUDIOS_OPENS_MONTREAL_OFFICE |archive-date=August 2, 2016 |url-status=live}}
• id Software in Richardson, Texas, US; acquired in June 2009.{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Remo |title=Bethesda Parent ZeniMax Acquires id Software |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24183 |publisher=Gamasutra |date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=June 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509030415/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=24183 |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |url-status=live}}
• id Software Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany; founded in 2015.
• MachineGames in Uppsala, Sweden; acquired in November 2010.{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Gilbert |title=Machinegames purchased by ZeniMax Media, becomes ZeniMax Sweden |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/machinegames-purchased-by-zenimax-media-becomes-zenimax-sweden/ |publisher=Joystiq |date=November 5, 2010 |access-date=November 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101108111129/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/machinegames-purchased-by-zenimax-media-becomes-zenimax-sweden |archive-date=November 8, 2010 |url-status=live}}
• MachineGames Sundsvall in Sundsvall, Sweden; founded in 2023.
• ZeniMax Online Studios in Hunt Valley, Maryland, US; founded in 2007.
• ZeniMax Online Studios Hungary in Budapest, Hungary; founded in 2004 as Nemesys Games, acquired in 2022.{{Cite web |url=https://gamingbolt.com/bethesda-quietly-acquired-nemesys-games-last-year-now-zenimax-online-studios-hungary |title=Bethesda Quietly Acquired Nemesys Games Last Year, Now ZeniMax Online Studios Hungary |access-date=April 19, 2023 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422132925/https://gamingbolt.com/bethesda-quietly-acquired-nemesys-games-last-year-now-zenimax-online-studios-hungary |url-status=live}}

• Alpha Dog Games in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; founded in 2012, acquired in October 2019, closed in 2024.{{cite web |url=https://gamasutra.com/view/news/352817/Bethesda_looks_to_bolster_its_mobile_game_offerings_with_Alpha_Dog_Games_acquisition.php |title=Bethesda looks to bolster its mobile game offerings with Alpha Dog Games acquisition |first=Alissa |last=McAloon |date=October 24, 2019 |website=Gamasutra |access-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031075622/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/352817/Bethesda_looks_to_bolster_its_mobile_game_offerings_with_Alpha_Dog_Games_acquisition.php |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-10-24-bethesda-acquires-alpha-dog |title=Bethesda acquires Alpha Dog |first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |date=October 24, 2019 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |access-date=October 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028202445/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-10-24-bethesda-acquires-alpha-dog |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/13/20962923/bethesda-softworks-buys-human-head-prey-rune-roundhouse-studios |title=Prey developer Human Head shuts down, is acquired by Bethesda |date=November 11, 2019 |website=Polygon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113161035/https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/13/20962923/bethesda-softworks-buys-human-head-prey-rune-roundhouse-studios |archive-date=November 13, 2019}}{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-05-07 |title=Microsoft Closes Redfall Developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush Developer Tango Gameworks, and More in Devastating Cuts at Bethesda |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-closes-redfall-developer-arkane-austin-hifi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-and-more-in-devastating-cuts-at-bethesda |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508214113/https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-closes-redfall-developer-arkane-austin-hifi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-and-more-in-devastating-cuts-at-bethesda |url-status=live}}
• Arkane Studios Austin in Austin, Texas, US; acquired in August 2010, closed in 2024.
• e-Nexus Studios (later renamed ZeniMax Productions) in Los Angeles, US; founded in August 1999, headed by former The Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/19/nyregion/public-lives.html |title=PUBLIC LIVES |first=James |last=Barron |date=January 19, 2000 |website=The New York Times |access-date=August 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808012850/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/19/nyregion/public-lives.html |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/lifetime-reorders-day-and-chance-1117761083/ |title=Lifetime reorders 'Day' and 'Chance' |first=Paula |last=Bernstein |date=January 19, 2000 |website=Variety |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225051105/https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/lifetime-reorders-day-and-chance-1117761083/ |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |url-status=live}}
• Mediatech West in Olympia, Washington, US; founded by Brent Erickson in Utah in 1992 as Flashpoint Productions and sold to Media Technology/Bethesda Softworks in 1995.{{cite web |url=https://southsoundbiz.com/examiner_posts/managing-to-be-creative-in-the-business-of-fun/ |title=Managing to be creative in the business of fun |first=Marie |last=McNamara |date=September 7, 1998 |website=Business Examiner |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608131328/https://southsoundbiz.com/examiner_posts/managing-to-be-creative-in-the-business-of-fun/ |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |url-status=live}} Also referred to as Bethesda West.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCYICHizwao |title=PAX Aus – Pete Hines Storytime Keynote |first=Pete |last=Hines |date=November 24, 2014 |publisher=Bethesda Softworks |via=YouTube |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603164935/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCYICHizwao |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |url-status=live}}
• Mud Duck Productions; founded in 2002, closed in 2007.
• Roundhouse Studios in Madison, Wisconsin, US; founded in November 2019, merged into ZeniMax Online Studios in 2024.
• Tango Gameworks in Tokyo, Japan; acquired in October 2010, sold to Krafton in 2024.{{cite web |last=Grandstaff |first=Matt |url=http://bethblog.com/index.php/2010/10/28/tango-gameworks-lead-by-resident-evil-creator-shinji-mikami-joins-zenimax/ |title=Tango Gameworks, led by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, joins ZeniMax | Bethesda Blog |publisher=Bethblog.com |date=October 28, 2010 |access-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150428214726/http://bethblog.com/index.php/2010/10/28/tango-gameworks-lead-by-resident-evil-creator-shinji-mikami-joins-zenimax/ |archive-date=April 28, 2015 |url-status=live}}
• Vir2L Studios in Washington, D.C., US; acquired in 1999, closed in 2010.
• XL Translab in Washington, D.C., US; acquired in 1997 by and moved to Bethesda Softworks.{{cite news |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/1997/12/22/newscolumn4.html |title=ThunderWave makes a big splash at Getty Center |first=Mark |last=Hilpert |date=December 22, 1997 |newspaper=Washington Business Journal |via=The Business Journals |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620174908/http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/1997/12/22/newscolumn4.html |archive-date=June 20, 2017 |url-status=live}}
• Visionary Design Technologies{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/Datormagazin1990/Datormagazin_1990_nr13/page/n7/mode/2up |title=Reportage |magazine={{ill|Datormagazin |lt=Datormagazin|sv|Datormagazin}} |language=sv |page=9,10 |date=1990 |accessdate=November 15, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://archive.org/details/amiga-interface-7/page/6/mode/2up |title=Det Er Ganske Vist |magazine=Amiga Interface |language=da |page=6 |date=1989 |accessdate=November 15, 2022}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website}}

{{ZeniMax Media}}

{{Microsoft Gaming}}

Category:1999 establishments in Maryland

Category:2021 mergers and acquisitions

Category:American companies established in 1999

Category:Companies based in Rockville, Maryland

Category:Holding companies established in 1999

Category:Holding companies of the United States

Category:Microsoft acquisitions

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Category:Video game companies based in Maryland

Category:Video game companies established in 1999

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