ZeniMax Media

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

ZeniMax Media Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryVideo games
PredecessorMedia Technology Limited
Founded1999; 25 years ago (1999)
Founders
Headquarters
Rockville, Maryland
,
US
Key people
James L. Leder (CEO)
Total equityUS$2.5 billion (2016)
Number of employees
2,300+ (2020)
ParentXbox Game Studios (2021–2023)
Microsoft Gaming (2023–present)
Subsidiaries
Websitezenimax.com
Footnotes / references
[1][2]

ZeniMax Media Inc. is an American video game holding company based in Rockville, Maryland. The company was founded in 1999 by Christopher Weaver and Robert A. Altman as the parent company for Weaver's video game publisher Bethesda Softworks. The company additionally owns the development studios Bethesda Game Studios (The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Starfield), id Software (Doom, Quake, and Rage), Arkane Studios (Dishonored, Prey, and Redfall), MachineGames (Wolfenstein), and ZeniMax Online Studios (The Elder Scrolls Online). Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media for $8.1 billion in March 2021 and operates it under the Microsoft Gaming division.

History

[edit]
ZeniMax Media, Inc. logo used from 1999 to 2014

Formation, investements, and growth (1999–2007)

[edit]

Christopher Weaver, the founder of the video game publisher Bethesda Softworks, and Robert A. Altman, a lawyer, founded ZeniMax Media in 1999.[3] The name is a portmanteau of "zenith" and "maximum".[4] 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.[5][6] By February 2007, Weaver only held a 33% stake in the company,[6] which by 2020 had been reduced to "a pittance of the stock".[7]

Among the original board members were Harry E. Sloan,[8] Les Moonves,[9] and Robert Trump.[10] In 2000, SBS Broadcasting Group, operated by Sloan, acquired a 12.5% stake in ZeniMax as part of a partnership between the two companies.[8] Among the partnerships between the companies, ZeniMax's subsidiary e-Nexus Studios developed entertainment portals and websites for SBS.[11][12] In the same year, Terry McAuliffe, George Mitchell, Dean Devlin, and Jon Feltheimer joined ZeniMax as advisors.[13] The company acquired the Fallout franchise from Interplay Entertainment in 2004.[14]

In August 2007, ZeniMax announced the formation of the studio ZeniMax Online Studios, led by Matt Firor.[15] 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.[16][17][18] In the same year, Providence Equity Partners bought a 25% stake in ZeniMax for $300 million.[19][20][21] ZeniMax had 200 employees in October 2007.[22] It acquired the Prey and Rage franchise in 2009.[23][24] After Providence Equity Partners invested another $150 million for an undisclosed stake in 2010,[25][26] the company grew to 400 employees by January 2011.[27] 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.[28]

Litigation with Oculus VR (2014–2017)

[edit]
Further information: 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.[29][30] 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.[31][32] 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.[33][34] In the meantime, ProSiebenSat.1 Media had sold its stake in ZeniMax back to the company for €30 million.[35][36]

Acquisition by Microsoft (2020–present)

[edit]

In September 2020, Microsoft announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire ZeniMax and its subsidiaries for $7.5 billion.[37][38][39] For Providence Equity Partners, the deal represented a six-time return on investment.[22] Altman had considered selling ZeniMax for several years and at one point was close to a deal with rival Electronic Arts.[40] Prior the deal's closure, he died on February 3, 2021, aged 73, at a Baltimore hospital.[41] The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the European Commission greenlit the acquisition in March 2021.[42][43] 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.[44] Microsoft announced the completion of the acquisition on March 9, 2021.[45] The final cost of the transaction was $8.1 billion.[46] ZeniMax's board of directors was consequently dissolved.[47]

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.[48] In 2024, Microsoft signed a labor-neutrality agreement with CWA union, agreeing not to interfere with unionization efforts in any ZeniMax Media subsidiaries.[49]

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.[50] 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.[51] In August 2024, Krafton agreed to buy Tango Gameworks, preventing its closure.[52]

Studios

[edit]

Former

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kiel, Porter (May 11, 2016). "Providence Said to Weigh Options for Video-Game Maker ZeniMax". Bloomberg Businessweek. Bloomberg L.P. Archived from the original on June 21, 2016. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  2. ^ Bass, Dina (September 21, 2020). "Microsoft to Buy Bethesda for $7.5 Billion to Boost Xbox". bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  3. ^ Gamers at Work: Stories Behind the Games People Play. Morgan Ramsay. January 31, 2012. ISBN 9781430233510. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
  4. ^ Good, Owen S. (February 4, 2021). "Robert A. Altman, founder of Bethesda parent ZeniMax Media, dies at 73". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
  5. ^ Musgrove, Mike (August 15, 2005). "Out of the Dark and Into the Spotlight". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 22, 2022. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  6. ^ a b Blancato, Joe (February 6, 2007). "Bethesda:The Right Direction". The Escapist. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  7. ^ Kleinman, Jake. "Bethesda founder: Microsoft deal is "brilliant counter-move against Sony"". Inverse. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  8. ^ a b "Skillz Set to Go Public to Bring Competitive Mobile Gaming to Everyone". Business Wire. Berkshire Hathaway. September 2, 2020. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  9. ^ "Leslie Moonves Quietly Exits AFI and Paley Center Boards". Variety. December 13, 2018. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  10. ^ McAloon, Alissa (August 17, 2020). "Obituary: ZeniMax board member Robert Trump". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  11. ^ "SBS BROADCASTING SA AND UNITED PAN-EUROPE COMMUNICATIONS EXPAND THEIR STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP". PR Newswire. January 27, 2000. Archived from the original on February 6, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
  12. ^ "SBS Broadcasting SA Announces Major European Internet Initiatives; SBS Invests in Bidlet and Partners with Sweden's Largest Auction Site". PR Newswire. November 17, 1999. Archived from the original on March 1, 2017. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  13. ^ "ZeniMax Media business advisory board". Archived from the original on October 27, 2000. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  14. ^ "Facing Fallout". Edge. April 2, 2007. Archived from the original on August 20, 2012. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  15. ^ "ZeniMax Media Announces Establishment of Online Gaming Division – ZeniMax Online Studios". gamesindustry.biz. August 1, 2007. Archived from the original on July 3, 2019. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  16. ^ Meza, Ed (October 30, 2007). "ProSieben tightens hold on ZeniMax". Variety. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  17. ^ "Global Finance and the Development of Regional Clusters:Tracing Paths in Munich's Film & TV Industry" (PDF). Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin Zademach. May 1, 2009. p. 22. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 1, 2016. Retrieved July 8, 2016.
  18. ^ Scott, Roxborough (October 31, 2007). "Game time for ProSiebenSat.1". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 11, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  19. ^ "RR Donnelley Private Equity". Docstoc.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  20. ^ "ZeniMax Media Buys DOOM Maker | peHUBpeHUB". Pehub.com. June 25, 2009. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  21. ^ "ZeniMax Media Receives $300 Million Investment From Providence Equity Partners". ZeniMax.com. October 25, 2007. Archived from the original on September 5, 2008. Retrieved July 3, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  22. ^ a b Kreutzer, Laura (September 21, 2020). "Providence Equity's Sale of ZeniMax Will Bring Lucrative End to 13-Year Deal". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  23. ^ Thorsen, Tor (September 8, 2009). "Prey IP acquired by id/Bethesda parent ZeniMax?". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on August 14, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
  24. ^ Purchese, Robert (December 15, 2009). "Bethesda takes Rage from EA". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on December 18, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
  25. ^ Hoffman, Liz (May 1, 2014). "Oculus, Facebook Face Challenge to Rights Over 'Rift'". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  26. ^ "ZeniMax Media Receives $150 Million Investment From Providence Equity Partners". ZeniMax.com. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on March 9, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  27. ^ "Providence Equity Partners executive says video-game industry is 'challenging'". tmcnet.com. January 8, 2011. Archived from the original on June 11, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  28. ^ "ZeniMax Partners with USC School of Cinematic Arts". ZeniMax.com. March 3, 2011. Archived from the original on March 9, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  29. ^ Hollister, Sean (May 2014). "Oculus and Facebook face legal challenge from John Carmack's former employer". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
  30. ^ Hollister, Sean (May 2014). "One document could decide whether Oculus owes ZeniMax millions". The Verge. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved May 2, 2014.
  31. ^ Sarkar, Samit (June 25, 2014). "Oculus: ZeniMax suit is a 'transparent attempt to take advantage' of Facebook acquisitione". Polygon. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved June 25, 2014.
  32. ^ Orland, Kyle (January 16, 2017). "Oculus accused of destroying evidence, Zuckerberg to testify in VR theft trial". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved January 16, 2017.
  33. ^ Matney, Lucas. "Jury awards ZeniMax $500 million in Oculus VR lawsuit". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  34. ^ Orland, Kyle (February 1, 2017). "Oculus, execs liable for $500 million in ZeniMax VR trial". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  35. ^ "ProSiebenSat.1 Media Q2/H1 2016 IR Presentation" (PDF). August 4, 2016. p. 56. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2016.
  36. ^ "Online-Boom hilft ProSiebenSat.1 über EM-Delle hinweg(In German)". Reuters. August 4, 2016. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
  37. ^ "Microsoft acquires Fallout creator Bethesda". BBC News. September 21, 2020. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  38. ^ Browning, Kellen; Lohr, Steve (September 21, 2020). "Microsoft Grabs Some of World's Biggest Games in $7.5 Billion Deal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  39. ^ Ruppert, Liana (September 21, 2020). "Microsoft Acquires Bethesda, The Studio Behind Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, And More". Game Informer. Archived from the original on September 22, 2020. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  40. ^ Palmeri, Christopher (September 25, 2020). "From Banking Scandal to Video-Game CEO to Billion-Dollar Score". bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  41. ^ Smith, Harrison (February 6, 2021). "Robert A. Altman, who went from banking scandal to video game CEO, dies at 73". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 6, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
  42. ^ McAloon, Alissa (March 5, 2021). "US SEC green-lights Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
  43. ^ Robinson, Andy (March 8, 2021). "The EU has approved Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda parent ZeniMax". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  44. ^ Kerr, Chris (February 25, 2021). "Ongoing Fallout 4 DLC lawsuit could impact Microsoft's takeover of Bethesda". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  45. ^ Robinson, Andy (March 9, 2021). "Microsoft confirms its Bethesda acquisition is complete and 'some games' will be exclusive". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on March 9, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
  46. ^ "Form 10-K". SEC. June 30, 2021. p. 39. Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  47. ^ Makuch, Eddie (March 17, 2021). "ZeniMax Board Of Directors Dissolved After Xbox's Bethesda Purchase". GameSpot. Archived from the original on March 21, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  48. ^ Conditt, Jessica (January 3, 2023). "Microsoft is now the home of the video game industry's largest union". Engadget. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  49. ^ Shanklin, Will (June 6, 2024). "Microsoft and CWA forge labor neutrality agreement covering all ZeniMax workers". Engadget. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  50. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley. "Microsoft Closes Redfall Developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush Developer Tango Gameworks, and More in Devastating Cuts at Bethesda". IGN. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  51. ^ Peters, Jay (July 19, 2024). "Bethesda Game Studios workers have unionized". The Verge. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  52. ^ a b ""KRAFTON Strengthens Global Presence Through Strategic Integration of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi RUSH IP" - KRAFTON Press Room". press.krafton.com. Retrieved August 12, 2024.
  53. ^ "ZeniMax Media Acquires Arkane Studios". ZeniMax.com. August 12, 2010. Archived from the original on November 29, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  54. ^ Grandstaff, Matt (October 3, 2012). "Welcome to Battlecry Studios! | Bethesda Blog". Bethblog.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  55. ^ "Escalation Studios Is Now Bethesda Game Studios Dallas". Variety. August 10, 2018. Archived from the original on August 10, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
  56. ^ "Bethesda Game Studios Opens Montreal Office". ZeniMax.com. December 9, 2015. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2016.
  57. ^ Remo, Chris (June 24, 2009). "Bethesda Parent ZeniMax Acquires id Software". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on May 9, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2009.
  58. ^ Gilbert, Ben (November 5, 2010). "Machinegames purchased by ZeniMax Media, becomes ZeniMax Sweden". Joystiq. Archived from the original on November 8, 2010. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
  59. ^ a b "Bethesda Quietly Acquired Nemesys Games Last Year, Now ZeniMax Online Studios Hungary". Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  60. ^ McAloon, Alissa (October 24, 2019). "Bethesda looks to bolster its mobile game offerings with Alpha Dog Games acquisition". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on October 31, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
  61. ^ Sinclair, Brendan (October 24, 2019). "Bethesda acquires Alpha Dog". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  62. ^ "Prey developer Human Head shuts down, is acquired by Bethesda". Polygon. November 11, 2019. Archived from the original on November 13, 2019.
  63. ^ a b c Yin-Poole, Wesley (May 7, 2024). "Microsoft Closes Redfall Developer Arkane Austin, Hi-Fi Rush Developer Tango Gameworks, and More in Devastating Cuts at Bethesda". IGN. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  64. ^ Barron, James (January 19, 2000). "PUBLIC LIVES". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  65. ^ Bernstein, Paula (January 19, 2000). "Lifetime reorders 'Day' and 'Chance'". Variety. Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  66. ^ McNamara, Marie (September 7, 1998). "Managing to be creative in the business of fun". Business Examiner. Archived from the original on June 8, 2019. Retrieved June 28, 2020.
  67. ^ Hines, Pete (November 24, 2014). PAX Aus – Pete Hines Storytime Keynote. Bethesda Softworks. Archived from the original on June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2020 – via YouTube.
  68. ^ Grandstaff, Matt (October 28, 2010). "Tango Gameworks, led by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami, joins ZeniMax | Bethesda Blog". Bethblog.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2015. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  69. ^ Hilpert, Mark (December 22, 1997). "ThunderWave makes a big splash at Getty Center". Washington Business Journal. Archived from the original on June 20, 2017. Retrieved June 28, 2020 – via The Business Journals.
  70. ^ "Reportage". Datormagazin [sv] (in Swedish). 1990. p. 9,10. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
  71. ^ "Det Er Ganske Vist". Amiga Interface (in Danish). 1989. p. 6. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=ZeniMax_Media&oldid=1254087455"