Zenimax acquires rights to publish Rage from EA

by: Chuck - posted: 12/15/2009 9:02:00 AM

From the "Didn't see that coming" department comes word that Zenimax corporation has acquired the rights to publish Rage from Electronic Arts.  This makes sense as Zenimax bought the studio back in June but is a bit of a stunner as EA had put a lot of effort into the game.  Terms of the deal weren't announced but I'm guessing EA got a nice check for the rights to publish id's upcoming game.

I think we're going to be hearing a lot more from Zenimax in 2010 as the company seems to be making a power play to become a larger player in the industry.  I guess we'll find out next year if they can keep that momentum going.

ZENIMAX ACQUIRES RIGHTS TO PUBLISH RAGE

December 15, 2009 (Rockville, MD) – ZeniMax Media Inc., parent company of id Software, announced today that it has picked up the publishing rights for RAGE™, the video game under development at id Software.

RAGE will be published by Bethesda Softworks, another ZeniMax subsidiary. As a result, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) will not be involved in the sales and marketing of RAGE. The ongoing development of RAGE is unaffected by this development.

About ZeniMax Media Inc.

ZeniMax Media is a preeminent media organization which has brought together a team of world class game developers, artists and designers, programmers, producers, and leading executives and talent from traditional media. ZeniMax Media creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, the PC, and handheld/wireless devices. ZeniMax Media divisions include Bethesda Softworks, Vir2L Studios, ZeniMax Europe Ltd., and ZeniMax Online Studios. For more information on ZeniMax Media, visit www.zenimax.com.



About Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a premier developer and worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software. Titles from two of the world’s top development studios – Bethesda Game Studios and id Software – are featured under the Bethesda Softworks label and include such blockbuster franchises as DOOM®, QUAKE®, The Elder Scrolls®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein™ and RAGE™. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

About id Software
Founded in 1991, id Software has provided technical, design and artistic leadership as an independent game developer and technology innovator. id Software’s iconic brands such as Wolfenstein, DOOM, QUAKE and Enemy Territory have become staples of popular culture for generations of gamers. More information on id Software can be found at www.idsoftware.com. id Software, Wolfenstein, DOOM, QUAKE, RAGE and Enemy Territory and related logos are registered trademarks owned by ZeniMax Media Inc.



Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, The Elder Scrolls and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Fallout is a trademark or registered trademark of Bethesda Softworks LLC. in the U.S. and/or other countries. id, DOOM, QUAKE, Wolfenstein, RAGE and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by ZeniMax Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.