Editing Bethesda Softworks

{{Short description|American video game publisher}}
{{About|the video game publisher|its development division|Bethesda Game Studios}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Bethesda Softworks LLC
| logo = [[File:Bethesda Softworks Logo.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| industry = [[Video game industry|Video games]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|1986|06|28}} in [[Bethesda, Maryland]], US
| founder = [[Christopher Weaver]]
| hq_location_city = [[Rockville, Maryland]]
| hq_location_country = US
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{Unbulleted list|Ron Seger<ref>{{cite web|website=TechSpot|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/84550-doom-eternal-selling-like-hotcakes-surpassing-predecessor.html|title=Doom Eternal is selling like hotcakes, surpassing its predecessor|author-first1=Adrian|author-last1=Potoroaca|date=25 March 2020|access-date=8 May 2025|quote=Ron Seger, senior vice president of global sales at Bethesda Softworks, noted that "Despite thousands of retail stores closing, we are pleased so many fans have been able to enjoy DOOM Eternal. [...] We want to thank our millions of fans for their enthusiastic support of this amazing title."|archive-date=26 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926001104/https://www.techspot.com/news/84550-doom-eternal-selling-like-hotcakes-surpassing-predecessor.html|url-status=live}}</ref>|(SVP, sales)|Erin Losi<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pete-hines-promoted-to-bethesdas-head-of-global-publishing|website=GamesIndustry.biz|title=Pete Hines promoted to Bethesda's head of global publishing|author-first1=Danielle|author-last1=Partis|date=6 October 2022|quote=Additionally, Erin Losi, vice president of global marketing and communications, will now lead all of Bethesda's global marketing and communication efforts.|access-date=8 May 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010224142/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pete-hines-promoted-to-bethesdas-head-of-global-publishing|archive-date=10 October 2024}}</ref>|([[vice president|VP]], marketing and communications)}}
| products = [[List of Bethesda Softworks video games]]
| parent = {{Unbulleted list|Media Technology Limited|(1986–1999)|[[ZeniMax Media]]|(1999–present)<!-- Do not add Microsoft/Xbox. Microsoft acquired ZeniMax as a whole, not Bethesda alone. -->}}
| divisions = [[Bethesda Game Studios]]
| website = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Bethesda Softworks LLC''' is an American [[video game publisher]] based in [[Rockville, Maryland]]. The company was founded by [[Christopher Weaver]] in 1986 as a [[Division (business)|division]] of Media Technology Limited. In 1999, it became a [[subsidiary]] of [[ZeniMax Media]]. In its first 15 years, it was a [[video game developer]] and self-published its titles. In 2001, Bethesda spun off its in-house development team into [[Bethesda Game Studios]], leaving Bethesda Softworks to focus on publishing operations.

In March 2021, [[Microsoft]] acquired Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax Media, maintaining that the company will continue to operate as a separate business.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=March 9, 2021 |title=Microsoft completes Bethesda acquisition, promises some Xbox and PC exclusives |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/9/22319124/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-complete-finalized |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310020711/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/9/22319124/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-complete-finalized |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |access-date=March 10, 2021 |website=The Verge}}</ref> Part of the [[Microsoft Gaming]] division, Bethesda Softworks retains its function as the publisher of games developed by the different studios under ZeniMax Media.

== History ==
===1980s===
[[File:Bethesda Softworks original 1986 logo.png|thumb|Bethesda Softworks' original logo, 1986]]
Before founding Bethesda Softworks, Christopher Weaver was a [[technology forecaster]] and a [[communications engineer]] in the television and cable industries. After finishing [[Postgraduate education|graduate school]], he was hired by the [[American Broadcasting Company]], where he wrote several memos about "the importance of alternative distribution systems and how satellites and broadband networks would impact network television", which landed him the position of manager of technology forecasting. After several national magazines quoted his articles on "the exciting prospects for cabled distribution systems", he was recruited by the [[National Cable Television Association]] and created its Office of Science and Technology, where he helped design high-speed data communication systems for several member companies of the association. Eventually, Weaver became the chief engineer for the [[United States House Energy Subcommittee on Communications and Technology]], where he influenced legislation that affected the telephone, television, and cable industries.<ref name="Gamers at Work">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lESCCXkdy3YC |title=Gamers at Work: Stories Behind the Games People Play |first=Morgan |last=Ramsay |date=2012 |publisher=[[Apress]] |isbn=9781430233527 |pages=281–295 |via=[[Google Books]] |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206152927/https://books.google.com/books?id=lESCCXkdy3YC |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the meantime, Weaver also founded VideoMagic Laboratories with a friend from the Architecture Machine Group at the [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] (MIT). They authored and assembled a 400-page business plan to commercialize their prior lab work and, through the Industrial Liaison Office at MIT, came in contact with a wealthy family in the electronics industry that provided VideoMagic with [[venture capital]]. The company developed several technologies, including location-based entertainment systems, that Weaver deemed "radical and cutting-edge" but put out prematurely, causing little commercial return. The funding family, having financial issues of its own, dropped out of the venture and sold off some of VideoMagic's properties.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /> After leaving the House Subcommittee some years later, Weaver established Media Technology Associates, Limited (renamed Media Technology Limited in March 1988) in June 1981.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch/BusinessInformation/D01280304 |title=Media Technology Limited: D01280304 – Articles of Amendment With Name Change |date=March 31, 1988 |publisher=Maryland.gov |quote=AMENDMENT N.C. FROM: MEDIA TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATES, LIMITED |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814122543/https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch/BusinessInformation/D01280304 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company provided engineering and media consulting for private companies and government organizations.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /> Media Technology had offices in Maryland and New York.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/85238527/|title=Dare to Face Off with "The Great One"|newspaper=[[The Record (North Jersey)|The Record]]|date=December 5, 1989|accessdate=October 4, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

At Media Technology, Weaver worked with Ed Fletcher, an [[electrical engineer]] with whom he had collaborated at VideoMagic, on video games for [[LaserDisc]]-based systems until that industry crashed in 1984. While waiting for potential new contracts, the company acquired an [[Amiga]] personal computer with which the two began to experiment. Fletcher was a fan of [[American football]] and suggested that they develop a football video game for the system, which Weaver supported despite no interest in the sport.<ref name="WaPo: forgotten">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/08/09/this-forgotten-video-game-helped-pave-the-way-for-madden-nfl/ |title=This forgotten video game helped pave the way for Madden NFL |first=Rick |last=Maese |date=August 9, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805000125/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/08/09/this-forgotten-video-game-helped-pave-the-way-for-madden-nfl/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MIT: Game Changer">{{cite web |url=https://cmsw.mit.edu/game-changer-christopher-weaver/ |title=Game Changer: Christopher Weaver and the history of video games and game studies at MIT |date=September 17, 2019 |publisher=[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] |access-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-date=September 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920183613/https://cmsw.mit.edu/game-changer-christopher-weaver/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Fletcher developed the game, later named ''[[Gridiron!]]'', out of Weaver's house in Bethesda, Maryland, in roughly nine months.<ref name="WaPo: forgotten" /> His initial approach was to use [[lookup table]]s to map player inputs to predetermined outcomes.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /><ref name="WaPo: forgotten" /> Weaver disliked this concept and, at his behest, he and Fletcher devised a more realistic, physics-based system.<ref name="MIT: Game Changer" /> No artists or animators were involved in the project, which gave the game a sub-par graphical presentation for the time.<ref name="WaPo: forgotten" />

Weaver formed Bethesda Softworks "on the proverbial kitchen table" of his Bethesda home as a division of Media Technology on June 28, 1986.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/2011/06/28/bethesda-turns-25-years-old/ |title=Bethesda turns 25 years old |first=Johnny |last=Cullen |date=June 28, 2011 |website=[[VG247]] |access-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-date=May 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512203914/https://www.vg247.com/2011/06/28/bethesda-turns-25-years-old/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gameindustry.com/interview/item.asp?id=28 |title=Out of the hype, but still in the money is a way of life |first=Greg |last=Crowe |website=Game Industry News |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=May 9, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060509173049/http://www.gameindustry.com/interview/item.asp?id=28 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The formation was described as an experiment "to see if the PC market was a viable place to develop games".<ref name="Gamers at Work" /><ref name="DIR">{{cite web |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/bethesda-the-right-direction/ |title=Bethesda: The Right Direction |first=Joe |last=Blancato |date=February 6, 2007 |website=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |access-date=July 24, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213601/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_83/471-Bethesda-The-Right-Direction |url-status=live}}</ref> Weaver originally named the company "Softwerke" but found that the name was taken by a company based in [[Virginia]]. Weaver and the owner of that company agreed to co-exist rather than fight over the title, and Weaver changed the name of his company to Bethesda Softworks. He had considered creating a unique name, such as one using the word "magic" after a quote from [[Arthur C. Clarke]], but "Bethesda Softworks" ultimately stuck.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /><ref name="GameSpy: Origins">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p4.html |title=GameSpy Retro: Developer Origins, Page 4 of 19 |first=John |last=Keefer |date=March 31, 2006 |website=[[GameSpy]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609133026/http://www.gamespy.com/articles/697/697083p4.html |archive-date=June 9, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Unlike VideoMagic, Bethesda Softworks was entirely self-funded, starting with roughly {{US$|100,000}}, and was not attached to any business plan.<ref name="Gamers at Work" /> ''Gridiron!'' was released as the company's first game later in 1986 for the Amiga, [[Atari ST]], and [[Commodore 64]] systems.<ref name="WaPo: forgotten" /><ref name="MIT: Game Changer" /> The initial release of a few hundred copies distributed in plastic bags was sold out within one week, to the surprise of Bethesda Softworks.<ref name="WaPo: forgotten" />

Early games scored respectably in the gaming press.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.amigareviews.leveluphost.com/waynegr1.htm |title=Watch the graphics puck up |publisher=Amiga Computing, Volume 2, number 4, September 1989, p.p.18-19 |date=September 1989 |access-date=July 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135801/http://www.amigareviews.leveluphost.com/waynegr1.htm |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> Electronic Arts was working on the first ''[[John Madden Football]]'', and hired Bethesda to help finish developing it, and acquired distribution rights for future versions of ''Gridiron!''.<ref name="DIR" /> In June 1988,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/86128712/|title=Legal song and dance becomes routine|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|page=21|date=June 20, 1988|accessdate=September 28, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> after no new cross-console version of ''Gridiron!'' had been released, Bethesda stopped work on the project and sued Electronic Arts for {{US$|7.3&nbsp;million|link=yes}}, claiming EA halted the release while incorporating many of its elements into ''Madden''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atarimagazines.com/v7n5/LateNewsFlashes.html |title=LATE NEWS FLASHES |publisher=atarimagazines.com |date=September 1988 |access-date=July 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401082712/http://www.atarimagazines.com/v7n5/LateNewsFlashes.html |archive-date=April 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The case was resolved out of court.<ref name="polygon 17511658">{{cite web|first=Colin|last=Campbell|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/28/17511658/bethesda-lawsuits-fallout-elder-scrolls-prey|title=A brief history of Bethesda's many legal tangles|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=June 28, 2018|access-date=May 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501040027/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/28/17511658/bethesda-lawsuits-fallout-elder-scrolls-prey|archive-date=May 1, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Courteney Cox]], later known for her role in the sitcom ''[[Friends]]'', worked at the publisher briefly in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Reiner |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/11/02/fallout-3-tidbits.aspx |title=What You Didn't Know about Fallout 3 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |date=November 2, 2009 |access-date=August 22, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727052646/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/11/02/fallout-3-tidbits.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

===1990s===
{{Further|Flashpoint Productions}}
{{expand section|date=July 2019|Information regarding Daggerfall's launch}}
In 1990, the company moved from Bethesda to Rockville, Maryland.<ref>{{cite web|first=Hillary|last=Jackson|url=https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-magazine/july-august-2009/coolest-companies-2/|title=Coolest Companies|magazine=[[Bethesda Magazine]]|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=April 5, 2020|archive-date=February 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226171712/https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-magazine/july-august-2009/coolest-companies-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> By February 1993, the company employed 40 people.<ref>{{cite web|first=Daniel|last=Southerl|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1993/02/15/wizards-at-play/a397cbc5-2c23-4902-aedb-53a57348530f/|title=Wizards At Play|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=February 15, 1993|accessdate=August 19, 2021|archive-date=September 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930123738/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1993/02/15/wizards-at-play/a397cbc5-2c23-4902-aedb-53a57348530f/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first game Bethesda published and developed, based on a popular film franchise, was [[The Terminator (DOS)|The Terminator]] for MS-DOS. The title was released in July 1991, coinciding with the theatrical release of the film ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''.<ref name=LA>{{cite news |last1=Decoster |first1=Jeane |last2=Crook |first2=David |title=Riding Arnold's Coattails |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-07-27-ca-248-story.html |accessdate=August 22, 2021 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=July 27, 1991 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715172146/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-07-27-ca-248-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1994, the company released its best-known project at the time, ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Arena]]''. The game, the first in ''[[The Elder Scrolls]]'' [[role-playing video game]] series was the work of Programmer [[Julian Lefay]], Director and Producer Vijay Lakshman as well as others. Several sequels have been released since including ''[[The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall]]'', which was released in September 1996.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA18719411&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=7c64a032 |title=Bethesda Softworks Announces the Release of The Elder Scrolls: Daggerfall |website=[[PR Newswire]] |date=September 27, 1996 |via=[[Gale Research]] |access-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721000204/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA18719411&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=7c64a032 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Between 1994 and 1997, Bethesda was developing a [[space combat game]] titled ''[[The 10th Planet]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/UneditedPCGamer_marktrade/PC_Gamer_015u/page/n63/mode/2up?q=The+10th+Planet+bethesda|title=Bethesda|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|page=64|date=August 1995|accessdate=August 22, 2021}}</ref> It was a collaboration between Bethesda and Roland Emmerich's [[Centropolis Entertainment]]. During development, Centropolis chose to stop working on the game due to the company's commitments to its films.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Meyer|url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Peeks/Bethesda/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970717163408/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Peeks/Bethesda/|title=Bethesda Busts Out|website=[[CNET Gamecenter]]|archivedate=July 17, 1997|date=June 13, 1997|accessdate=August 22, 2021}}</ref> The project was never released.

In 1995, Bethesda Softworks acquired ''[[Noctropolis]]'' developer Flashpoint Productions, which [[Brent Erickson]] had founded in 1992.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

In July 1995, [[Bruce Nesmith]] joined Bethesda as Senior Producer.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA17239332&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=0ccc735d |title=Ravenloft Creator Joins Bethesda |website=[[PR Newswire]] |date=July 12, 1995 |via=[[Gale Research]] |access-date=August 1, 2024 |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721000200/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA17239332&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=0ccc735d |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 1995, Bethesda Softworks launched its website on the World Wide Web.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA17201935&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=678527ee |title=Internet Users Can Enter Bethesda Softworks on the World Wide Web |website=[[PR Newswire]] |date=August 18, 1995 |via=[[Gale Research]] |access-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-date=July 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721000202/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA17201935&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=678527ee |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1997, Bethesda acquired XL Translab, a [[Washington, D.C.]], graphics company that stemmed from the [[Catholic University School of Architecture and Planning]]. It was moved to Bethesda Softworks' Rockville headquarters. XL Translab had previously done work for [[PBS]] and [[Fortune 500|''Fortune'' 500]] companies.<ref name="$25 million">{{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 }}</ref> By 1996, the company had become the third-biggest player in the privately held PC publishing industry after [[LucasArts]] and [[Interplay Entertainment]] with 75 employees by that year<ref>{{cite web|first=Steven|last=Ginsberg|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1996/12/23/at-bethesda-softworks-an-emphasis-on-cool/24d7f055-c228-4568-a674-e9c136d794e5/?noredirect=on|title=At Bethesda Softworks, an Emphasis on Cool|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=December 23, 1996|access-date=September 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902172053/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1996/12/23/at-bethesda-softworks-an-emphasis-on-cool/24d7f055-c228-4568-a674-e9c136d794e5/?noredirect=on|archive-date=September 2, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and revenues of $25 million by 1997.<ref name="Pensacola: Wings of Gold">{{cite web|first=Burn|last=Timothy|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA56812691&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=f2be338b|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403061315/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA56812691&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=f2be338b|title=Lean, Mean' Software Machine Thrives in a Ferocious Market|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|archivedate=April 3, 2025|date=June 30, 1997|accessdate=April 3, 2025|via=[[Gale Research]]|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="$25 million"/>

In June and July 1997, Bethesda announced a partnership with [[CBS Enterprises]] to produce the first-ever true companion PC series of games for the television series ''[[Pensacola: Wings of Gold]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CBS%2BEnterprises%2Band%2BBethesda%2BSoftworks%2Bcreate%2Bunique%2Bpartnership...-a019532219|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207063053/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CBS+Enterprises+and+Bethesda+Softworks+create+unique+partnership...-a019532219|title=CBS Enterprises and Bethesda Softworks create unique partnership joining entertainment software and new action television series Pensacola: Wings of Gold|website=[[Business Wire]]|archivedate=December 7, 2015|date=June 20, 1997|accessdate=July 18, 2024|via=[[The Free Library]]}}</ref><ref name="Pensacola: Wings of Gold"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecomputershow.com/computershow/news/pensicolawingsofgold.htm|title=Pensacola: Wings of Gold|date=July 1997|accessdate=August 19, 2021|archive-date=August 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819131910/http://www.thecomputershow.com/computershow/news/pensicolawingsofgold.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> By December 1997, the first CD-ROM game was still in production.<ref>{{cite web|first=Burn|last=Timothy|url=https://archive.org/details/document-the-washington-times-archives-2|title=Wings of Gold' Failed to Lift Game Firm Aloft|newspaper=[[The Washington Times]]|date=December 15, 1997|accessdate=August 19, 2021}}</ref><ref name="$25 million"/>

In 1997 and 1998, Bethesda released two ''The Elder Scrolls'' spin-offs based on ''Daggerfall''{{'s}} code—''[[An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire|Battlespire]]'' and ''[[The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard|Redguard]]''—neither of which enjoyed the success of ''Daggerfall'' and ''Arena''. The downturn in sales was not limited just to ''The Elder Scrolls'' franchise, and the company considered filing for bankruptcy as a result.<ref name="DIR" />

In October 1999,<ref>{{cite web|author=TGRSTAFF|url=https://www.thegamereviews.com/article-604-pete-hines-director-of-pr-and-marketing-of-bethesda-softworks.html|title=Pete Hines, Director of PR and Marketing of Bethesda Softworks|website=thegamereviews.com|date=June 12, 2008|accessdate=August 22, 2021|archive-date=August 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822194803/https://www.thegamereviews.com/article-604-pete-hines-director-of-pr-and-marketing-of-bethesda-softworks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Pete Hines joined Bethesda to head up its marketing department, running it as what he described as a [[one-man band]]. At the start of his tenure, the company had employed around 15 people in its Rockville headquarters.<ref>{{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 }}</ref>

In 1999, Weaver and [[Robert A. Altman]] formed the holding company [[ZeniMax Media]]. In an interview with ''Edge'', he described the company as being a top-level administrative structure rather than a "parent company" for its holdings, explaining that "ZeniMax and Bethesda for all intents and purposes are one thing. Bethesda has no accounting department, we have no finance, we have no legal, our legal department [and] our financial department is ZeniMax, we all operate as one unit."<ref name="courts.state.md.us">{{cite web |url=http://www.courts.state.md.us/businesstech/pdfs/mdbt7_04_opinion.pdf |title=Christopher Weaver vs ZeniMax Media |publisher=courts.state.md.us |access-date=July 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721174955/http://www.courts.state.md.us/businesstech/pdfs/mdbt7_04_opinion.pdf |archive-date=July 21, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{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 }}</ref><ref name="DIR" /><ref>{{cite magazine |first=Martin|last=Davies|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/pete-hines-bethesdas-past-present-and-future |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |title=Pete Hines on Bethesda's past, present and future |date=July 19, 2011 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722080240/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/pete-hines-bethesdas-past-present-and-future |archive-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref> According to the designer Bruce Nesmith, Altman was principally interested in Bethesda's web development business at Vir2L Studios, not the game development aspect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDP8QvuXn0g|title=Skyrim's Lead Designer On Starfield's Origins And Bethesda's Evolution|website=[[YouTube]]|time=1:28:50|date=October 23, 2023|accessdate=October 25, 2023}}</ref> ZeniMax acquired Media Technology in July 1999 and Bethesda Softworks was reorganized as a division of ZeniMax.<ref name="GameSpy: Origins" /><ref name="DIR" /> By then Bethesda employed nearly 100 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bethsoft.com/corporate.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000815235231/http://www.bethsoft.com:80/corporate.html|title=About Bethesda|website=bethsoft.com|archivedate=August 15, 2000|accessdate=March 23, 2022}}</ref>

===2000s===
In 2001, Bethesda Game Studios was established as the development team, leaving Bethesda Softworks to focus on all publishing operations of ZeniMax Media.<ref name="AUReview">{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=David |title=Xbox acquires Bethesda Softworks |url=https://www.theaureview.com/games/xbox-acquires-bethesda-softworks/ |website=[[The AU Review]] |publisher=[[Heath Media]] |access-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003090129/https://www.theaureview.com/games/xbox-acquires-bethesda-softworks/ |archive-date=3 October 2020 |date=22 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2002, Weaver stopped being employed by ZeniMax. He later filed a lawsuit against ZeniMax, claiming he was ousted by his new business partners after giving them access to his brand and was owed {{US$|1.2&nbsp;million}} in severance pay. ZeniMax filed counterclaims<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://law.justia.com/cases/delaware/court-of-chancery/2004/44220-1.html |title=Weaver v. ZeniMax Media |work=Justia Law |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314062901/http://law.justia.com/cases/delaware/court-of-chancery/2004/44220-1.html |archive-date=March 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> and moved to dismiss the case,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.courts.state.md.us/businesstech/pdfs/mdbt7_04_opinion.pdf |title=Motion for sanctions |date=2004 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721174955/http://www.courts.state.md.us/businesstech/pdfs/mdbt7_04_opinion.pdf |archive-date=July 21, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> claiming Weaver had gone through emails of other employees to find evidence. This dismissal was later vacated on appeal,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.allcourtdata.com/law/case/weaver-v-zenimax-media-inc/cw0DcldI |title=Christopher S. WEAVER v. ZENIMAX MEDIA, INC. - AllCourtData.com |website=www.allcourtdata.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313221018/http://www.allcourtdata.com/law/case/weaver-v-zenimax-media-inc/cw0DcldI |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 13, 2017}}</ref> and the parties settled out of court. Weaver remained a major shareholder in the company; as of 2007, he said that he still owned 33% of ZeniMax's stock.<ref name="DIR" /> Providence Equity bought 25% of ZeniMax's stock in late 2007,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pehub.com/2009/06/zenimax-media-buys-doom-maker/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315210131/https://www.pehub.com/2009/06/zenimax-media-buys-doom-maker/|title=ZeniMax Media Buys DOOM Maker &#124; peHUBpeHUB |date=June 25, 2009|archive-date=March 15, 2016|publisher=Pehub.com |access-date=July 26, 2016}}</ref> and an additional stake in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|first=Liz|last=Hoffman|url=https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB10001424052702303948104579534013624548846|title=Oculus, Facebook Face Challenge to Rights Over 'Rift|date=May 1, 2014|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-date=August 31, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230831073403/https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/SB10001424052702303948104579534013624548846|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2004,<ref>{{cite web |first=Herve |last=Caen |title=Interplay |version=Q2 2004 |publisher=[[United States Securities and Exchange Commission|SEC]] [[EDGAR]] |date=October 13, 2004|url=http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?FilingID=3222135&Type=HTML |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215630/http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/fetchFilingFrameset.aspx?FilingID=3222135&Type=HTML |archive-date=September 27, 2007 |format=[[Form 10-Q]] |access-date=October 30, 2006}}</ref> the ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'' franchise was acquired by Bethesda Softworks from [[Interplay Entertainment]] and the development of ''[[Fallout 3]]'' was handed over to Bethesda Game Studios.<ref name="polygon 17511658"/> ''Fallout 3'' was released on October 28, 2008. Five [[Fallout 3 downloadable content|downloadable content packs]] for ''Fallout 3'' were released in the year following its release — ''[[Fallout 3 downloadable content#Operation: Anchorage|Operation: Anchorage]]'', ''[[Fallout 3 downloadable content#The Pitt|The Pitt]]'', ''[[Fallout 3 downloadable content#Broken Steel|Broken Steel]]'', ''[[Fallout 3 downloadable content#Point Lookout|Point Lookout]]'', and ''[[Fallout 3 downloadable content#Mothership Zeta|Mothership Zeta]]''. [[Obsidian Entertainment]]'s new ''Fallout'' title, ''[[Fallout: New Vegas]]'' was published in 2010. ''[[Fallout 4]]'' was released on November 10, 2015.

Between 2004 and 2008, ZeniMax's subsidiaries Mud Duck Productions and Vir2L Studios released four bowling games for various platforms — ''[[AMF Bowling 2004]]'', ''[[AMF Xtreme Bowling 2006]]'', ''[[AMF Bowling World Lanes]]'', and ''[[AMF Bowling Pinbusters!]]''.

In January 2006, Bethesda acquired the rights to the ''[[Star Trek]]'' series of video games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bethsoft.com/news/pressrelease_012406.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060324193340/http://www.bethsoft.com/news/pressrelease_012406.htm|title=Bethesda Softworks Obtains Star Trek License And Announces Two Games|website=bethsoft.com|archivedate=March 24, 2006|date=January 24, 2006|accessdate=March 30, 2022}}</ref> The first game published by the company was ''[[Star Trek: Encounters]]'', released in 2006.

In September 2009, Bethesda filed a lawsuit against Interplay Entertainment, after being unsatisfied with Interplay's development of the [[Fallout Online|''Fallout'' massively multiplayer online game]] project. Bethesda stopped funding the project, and Interplay was forced to abandon work on it.<ref name="polygon 17511658"/>

Between 2007 and 2010, Bethesda raised {{US$|450&nbsp;million}} in new capital from [[Providence Equity Partners]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.provequity.com/system/uploads/article/article_pdf/85/6197f0e7-173f-447b-832f-1b6829807edc.pdf |title=ZeniMax Media Receives $300 Million Investment from Providence Equity Partners |publisher=provequity.com |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911162322/http://www.provequity.com/system/uploads/article/article_pdf/85/6197f0e7-173f-447b-832f-1b6829807edc.pdf |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |url=https://venturebeat.com/2008/05/30/zenimax-media-raises-99-million-from-some-big-names/ |title=ZeniMax Media raises $9.9 million from some big names |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=May 30, 2008 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625124752/http://venturebeat.com/2008/05/30/zenimax-media-raises-99-million-from-some-big-names/ |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> to fund expansion efforts. In February 2008, the company opened a European publishing arm in London, named ZeniMax Europe, to distribute titles throughout UK/EMEA territories under the Bethesda Softworks brand.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/zenimax-media-opens-london-office |title=ZeniMax Media Opens London Office |date=February 18, 2008 |publisher=gamesindustry.biz |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011085815/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/zenimax-media-opens-london-office |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was followed in by opening publishing offices in Tokyo, Frankfurt, Paris, Eindhoven, Hong Kong, Sydney and Moscow in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2018 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamingnexus.com/FullNews/ZeniMax-Media-Opens-Tokyo-office/Item8479.aspx |title=ZeniMax Media Opens Tokyo office |publisher=.gamingnexus.com |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822080330/https://www.gamingnexus.com/FullNews/ZeniMax-Media-Opens-Tokyo-office/Item8479.aspx |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://megagames.com/news/bethesda-opens-new-offices-germany-and-france |title=Bethesda Opens New Offices In Germany And France |publisher=megagames.com |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817183125/http://megagames.com/news/bethesda-opens-new-offices-germany-and-france |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bethesda-in-benelux-office-opened-in-eindhoven--the-netherlands |title=Bethesda in Benelux |publisher=gamesindustry.biz |date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011085413/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bethesda-in-benelux-office-opened-in-eindhoven--the-netherlands |archive-date=October 11, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hkgbusiness.com/en/company/Zenimax-Asia-Pacific-Limited |title=ZeniMax Asia Pacific Limited |publisher=hkgbusiness.com |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172632/https://www.hkgbusiness.com/en/company/Zenimax-Asia-Pacific-Limited |archive-date=September 10, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Nic|last=Healey|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/bethesda-opens-australian-office/|title=Bethesda opens Australian office|website=[[CNET]]|date=October 3, 2013|access-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910174042/https://www.cnet.com/news/bethesda-opens-australian-office/|archive-date=September 10, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zenimax.com/press/BETHESDA_SOFTWORKS_EXPANDS_GLOBAL_OPERATIONS|title=Bethesda Softworks exspands global operations-Opens Office in Moscow Russia|date=October 12, 2018|access-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513105647/https://www.zenimax.com/press/BETHESDA_SOFTWORKS_EXPANDS_GLOBAL_OPERATIONS|archive-date=May 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 24, 2009, [[ZeniMax Media]] acquired [[id Software]], whose titles, including ''[[Rage (video game)|Rage]]'', would be published by Bethesda Softworks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zenimax-media-acquires-id-software-61871677.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027031433/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zenimax-media-acquires-id-software-61871677.html|title=ZeniMax Media Acquires id Software |publisher=prnewswire.com |archive-date=October 27, 2017|date=June 24, 2009 |access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref> Between 2009 and 2012, the company expanded publishing operations, with games from independent third-party developers such as [[Rebellion Developments]]'s ''[[Rogue Warrior (video game)|Rogue Warrior]]'', [[Artificial Mind and Movement]]'s ''[[Wet (video game)|Wet]]'', [[Splash Damage]]'s ''[[Brink (video game)|Brink]]'', and [[inXile]]'s ''[[Hunted: The Demon's Forge]]''.

===2010s===
In 2011, Bethesda filed a lawsuit against [[Mojang]] (developers of ''[[Minecraft]]'') for using ''Scrolls'' as the name of a new digital card game, which sounded too close to ''The Elder Scrolls'' trademarked by Bethesda.<ref name="polygon 17511658"/>

In the early 2010s, Bethesda Softworks published games such as ''[[Dishonored]]'', ''[[Wolfenstein: The New Order]]'', and ''[[The Evil Within]]''.

In the mid-2010s, Bethesda began to experiment with new kinds of games, releasing ''[[Fallout Shelter]]'', its first mobile, [[free-to-play]] game in the summer of 2015.<ref name="GI">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/14/fallout-shelter-management-mobile-game-coming-to-ios-and-android-tonight.aspx|title=Fallout Shelter-Management Mobile Game Out Now On iOS|first=Kyle|last=Hilliard|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|date=June 14, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615125727/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2015/06/14/fallout-shelter-management-mobile-game-coming-to-ios-and-android-tonight.aspx|archive-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> A year later, it released a [[Reboot (fiction)|reboot]] of id Software's ''[[Doom (2016 video game)|Doom]]'', after several years of development as a failed attempt to produce a sequel to ''[[Doom 3]]''. Later that year, [[Zen Studios]] released [[Pinball#Computer simulation|virtual]] [[pinball]] adaptations of three games that Bethesda released during the decade thus far (''The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'', ''Fallout 4'' and the 2016 reboot of ''Doom'') as the ''Bethesda Pinball'' collection for its pinball games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=BarbieBobomb |title=Bethesda and Zen Studios Team Up for an Epic Pinball Pack |url=https://blog.zenstudios.com/?p=6672 |website=[[Zen Studios]] |access-date=November 24, 2018 |date=December 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125073855/https://blog.zenstudios.com/?p=6672 |archive-date=November 25, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Bethesda went on to release two more free-to-play mobile games based on ''The Elder Scrolls'' series, a [[card battle game]] titled ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Legends]]'' in 2017<ref name=":0">{{cite web | url = https://bethesda.net/en/article/1m34QvtNk4iOwG4g82Gwwa/announcing-the-elder-scrolls-legends-houses-of-morrowind | title = Announcing The Elder Scrolls: Legends - Houses of Morrowind | date = March 16, 2018 | access-date = July 18, 2018 | work = Bethesda Softworks | archive-date = August 6, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180806232348/https://bethesda.net/en/article/1m34QvtNk4iOwG4g82Gwwa/announcing-the-elder-scrolls-legends-houses-of-morrowind | url-status = live }}</ref> and a first-person role-playing game titled ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Blades]]'' in 2019.<ref name="verge_announce">{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/10/17447612/elder-scrolls-blades-e3-2018-announce-trailer | title=The next Elder Scrolls game is a beautiful mobile RPG named Blades | work=[[The Verge]] | first=Casey | last=Newton | date=June 10, 2018 | access-date=June 11, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611183609/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/10/17447612/elder-scrolls-blades-e3-2018-announce-trailer | archive-date=June 11, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>

When Nintendo unveiled its new hybrid console, the [[Nintendo Switch]], Bethesda expressed support for it and released ports of ''The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' and ''Doom'' for that system in November 2017. A year later, it also ported ''Fallout Shelter'', and has future plans to do the same for its two ''Elder Scrolls'' mobile games.

Games such as ''[[Prey (2017 video game)|Prey]]'', ''[[Dishonored: Death of the Outsider]]'', ''[[The Evil Within 2]]'', and ''[[Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus]]'' have not sold as well as compared to ''Fallout'' and ''The Elder Scrolls'' according to Bethesda's Pete Hines.<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Batchelor|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fallout-76-and-the-benefits-of-stranger-danger|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220729213653/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/fallout-76-and-the-benefits-of-stranger-danger|title=Fallout 76 and the thrill of 'stranger danger|website=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]|archivedate=July 29, 2022|date=July 18, 2018|accessdate=June 16, 2023}}</ref>

In late 2018, Bethesda announced and released its first massively multiplayer online game, ''[[Fallout 76]]'', a prequel to the ''Fallout'' series.<ref name="Polygon">{{Cite news |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/10/17405448/fallout-76-multiplayer-trailer-bethesda-e3-2018 |title=Bethesda confirms 'Fallout 76 is entirely online' |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=June 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180611172738/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/10/17405448/fallout-76-multiplayer-trailer-bethesda-e3-2018 |archive-date=June 11, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Upon its initial release, it was given mixed reviews for its poor quality and was embroiled in several other controversies, including problems with tie-in products and a data breach.

The following year saw Bethesda announce sequels to ''Rage'' and ''Doom'', ''[[Rage 2]]''<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/15/rage-2-release-window-gameplay-details-announced | title = Rage 2: Release Window, Gameplay Details Announced | first = Joe | last = Skrebels | date = May 15, 2018 | access-date = May 15, 2018 | work = [[IGN]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180515192140/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/15/rage-2-release-window-gameplay-details-announced | archive-date = May 15, 2018 | url-status = live }}</ref> and ''[[Doom Eternal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/9/18656977/doom-eternal-trailer-release-date-bethesda-e3-2019|title=Doom Eternal launches November 22nd with a new 'Battlemode' multiplayer experience|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|date=June 9, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714024343/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/9/18656977/doom-eternal-trailer-release-date-bethesda-e3-2019|archive-date=July 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> The former was released on May 14, while the latter released in early 2020 shortly after the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] reached the United States, following a series of delays for polish after the negative reception of ''Fallout 76''{{'}}s initial launch.

In November 2019, [[Human Head Studios]] shut down while Bethesda established a new studio, Roundhouse Studios, offering all Human Head employees a position within it.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/new-bethesda-studio-formed-as-human-head-studios-closes/ | title = New Bethesda studio formed as Human Head Studios closes | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = November 13, 2019 | access-date = November 13, 2019 | work = [[Video Games Chronicle]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191113164854/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/new-bethesda-studio-formed-as-human-head-studios-closes/ | archive-date = November 13, 2019 | url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2016, Bethesda had released its own application launcher for PC. ''Fallout 76'' and ''Fallout Shelter'' were exclusives to the launcher before eventually released on Steam.<ref name="pcg-launcher">{{cite web |last1=Fenlon |first1=Wes |title=Fallout 76 has a lot to prove as it leaves Steam behind |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/fallout-76-has-a-lot-to-prove-as-it-leaves-steam-behind/ |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=February 20, 2023 |date=August 17, 2018 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220181358/https://www.pcgamer.com/fallout-76-has-a-lot-to-prove-as-it-leaves-steam-behind/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2022, Bethesda shut down the launcher. The launcher was mostly met with negative reception.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wheeler |first1=CJ |title=Wave goodbye to Bethesda's terrible launcher as they start their big migration to Steam |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/wave-goodbye-to-bethesdas-terrible-launcher-as-they-start-their-big-migration-to-steam |website=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=February 20, 2023 |date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220181401/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/wave-goodbye-to-bethesdas-terrible-launcher-as-they-start-their-big-migration-to-steam |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Plunkett |first1=Luke |title=Bethesda Ditching Its Stupid Launcher, Returning To Steam |url=https://kotaku.com/bethesda-launcher-microsoft-pc-valve-steam-skyrim-doom-1848578696 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |access-date=February 20, 2023 |date=February 22, 2022 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220181358/https://kotaku.com/bethesda-launcher-microsoft-pc-valve-steam-skyrim-doom-1848578696 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Chacos |first1=Brad |title=Bethesda's terrible PC launcher is finally getting axed |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/616479/bethesdas-terrible-pc-launcher-is-finally-getting-axed.html |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |access-date=February 20, 2023 |date=February 22, 2022 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220181801/https://www.pcworld.com/article/616479/bethesdas-terrible-pc-launcher-is-finally-getting-axed.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[PC Gamer]] said that "Bethesda's launcher seems to be designed more as a pretty interface to purchase Bethesda's games than a way of managing them. [...] the client feels more like a store than anything."<ref name="pcg-launcher"/>

===2020s===
In March 2020, Bethesda Softworks published ''[[Doom Eternal]]'', a sequel to the 2016 reboot for [[PlayStation 4]], [[Windows]], [[Xbox One]] and the [[Google Stadia|Stadia]] games streaming service from [[Google]]. The game's release was one of many that was affected by the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the video game industry|impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the games industry]], prompting retailers such as [[GameStop]] to begin selling physical copies a day in advance of its general release to minimize crowding of customers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameStop Sold Doom Eternal A Day Early Due To "Social Distancing" Concerns |author-first1=Eddie|author-last1=Makuch|date=20 March 2020|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestop-sold-doom-eternal-a-day-early-due-to-soci/1100-6474952/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> To coincide with ''Eternal''{{'}}s original release, a remaster of ''[[Doom 64]]'' was also launched as both a standalone release, and as a pre-order bonus for the former game on the aforementioned platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nintendo Direct: Doom 64 Coming To Nintendo Switch This Year |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-direct-doom-64-coming-to-nintendo-switch-/1100-6469639/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> The re-release was co-developed by id Software and [[Nightdive Studios]], and includes a new post-campaign expansion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-03-10 |title=Doom 64's upcoming port will add a brand-new post-campaign chapter |language=en |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-03-10-doom-64s-upcoming-port-will-add-a-brand-new-post-campaign-chapter |access-date=2023-08-20}}</ref>

In September 2020, [[Microsoft]] entered an agreement to acquire Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion, gaining ownership over all of Bethesda's associated development teams, now as part of [[Microsoft Gaming]]. The agreement stipulated that Bethesda continued to finance and self-publish their games and that titles on other platforms would be decided on a "case-by-case" basis, but that the merger would also allow Bethesda's existing back-catalog of titles to become available on Microsoft's [[Xbox Game Pass]] service for console, PC and cloud, and that select future games from the publisher would become exclusives for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and the Xbox Series X/S consoles, which simultaneously launched that November.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Phil |date=2020-09-09 |title=Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X Launch November 10, Starting at $24.99 a Month with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and EA Play |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/09/xbox-series-x-and-xbox-series-s-launching-november-10/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> The acquisition of ZeniMax Media was formally completed on March 9, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spencer|first=Phil|date=2020-09-21 |title=Welcoming the Talented Teams and Beloved Game Franchises of Bethesda to Xbox |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/21/welcoming-bethesda-to-the-xbox-family/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=2021-03-09 |title=Officially Welcoming Bethesda to Team Xbox |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/03/09/officially-welcoming-bethesda-to-the-xbox-family/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> Following the merger's completion, Xbox CEO [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] clarified that future titles from Bethesda would primarily ship on any platforms hosting Xbox Game Pass.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xbox Head Phil Spencer Says Bethesda Games Will Go Wherever There Is Game Pass |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-head-phil-spencer-says-bethesda-games-will-go-wherever-there-is-game-pass/1100-6488707/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}</ref> 

In September 2021, Bethesda published ''[[Deathloop]]'', a first-person shooter with time-warping mechanics from [[Arkane Lyon]]. The following March, Bethesda released ''[[Ghostwire: Tokyo]]'', a first-person horror-themed action-adventure game developed by Tango Gameworks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2020-06-11 |title=Dishonored Dev's Deathloop Will Make Its Console Debut on PS5 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/06/dishonored_devs_deathloop_will_make_its_console_debut_on_ps5 |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2020-06-11 |title=Ghostwire Tokyo Becomes PS5 Console Exclusive in New Gameplay Trailer |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/06/ghostwire_tokyo_becomes_ps5_console_exclusive_in_new_gameplay_trailer |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}</ref> Both games were announced as being timed console exclusives for [[PlayStation 5]] before Microsoft purchased ZeniMax Media, an existing contractual obligation that would be honored by Microsoft despite the amended terms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=2020-09-21 |title=Microsoft will honor Bethesda's PS5 exclusives, but future console releases will be "case-by-case" |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/21/21449121/microsoft-bethesda-ps5-playstation-5-xbox-series-x-s-consoles-exclusives |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> Both titles were eventually released on Xbox Series X/S a year following their respective PlayStation 5 versions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DEATHLOOP Is Now Available on Xbox |url=https://bethesda.net/en/article/JNOmDNa4HdcEA5Wgx59KS/deathloop-xbox-launch |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=bethesda.net |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=2023-03-15 |title=Ghostwire: Tokyo Is Coming to Xbox – Play the All-New Spider's Thread Update April 12 |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/03/15/ghostwire-tokyo-xbox-release-date-spiders-thread-update/ |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}}</ref> 

In January 2023, Bethesda announced and released ''[[Hi-Fi Rush]]'' from Tango Gameworks. The publisher purposely kept the game's development secret by due to possible skepticism and uncertainty regarding audience feedback.<ref>{{Citation |title=The Surprising Journey Of Hi-Fi Rush's Development - MinnMax Interview | date=January 31, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKuPjmrDF4E |access-date=2023-08-20 |language=en}}</ref> In May 2023, Bethesda launched ''[[Redfall]]'' for Windows and Xbox Series X/S from Arkane Austin, though it received a largely mixed to negative reception, with scrutiny directed towards the uninspired narrative, the overall repetitiveness in objectives during the campaign, and consistent technical problems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Andy |date=2023-05-02 |title='Redfall' met with "mostly negative" Steam reviews at launch |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/redfall-met-with-mostly-negative-steam-reviews-at-launch-3438283 |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2023-04-12 |title=Redfall will be locked to 30 fps on Xbox at launch |url=https://www.polygon.com/23680398/redfall-30-fps-quality-mode-performance-xbox |access-date=2023-08-20 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> In September 2023, Bethesda published ''[[Starfield (video game)|Starfield]]'' for Windows and Xbox Series X/S. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, the game marked the studio's first wholly original [[intellectual property]] in over 25 years.<ref>{{Cite news |title='Starfield': Todd Howard discusses Bethesda's new space-based RPG |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2021/06/13/starfield-bethesda/ |access-date=2023-09-20 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=updated |first=Lauren Morton last |date=2023-09-01 |title=Starfield guide: everything you need to succeed in space |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/starfield-guide/ |access-date=2023-09-20}}</ref> Upon the early access launch, the game reached a peak of 230,000 concurrent players on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] within two hours. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer announced on launch day that the game subsequently became the most played Xbox Series X/S-exclusive game since the console's launch, as well as the most wish-listed game on Steam for either Xbox or Bethesda in their respective histories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Novet |first=Jordan |date=2023-09-06 |title=Microsoft gaming chief Phil Spencer says Starfield is seeing 'huge demand' |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/06/microsoft-gaming-chief-phil-spencer-cites-huge-demand-for-starfield.html |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref> ''Starfield'' reached ten million players across Xbox and PC by September 19, making it the biggest launch period in Bethesda's history as a publisher.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Samuel Tolbert |date=2023-09-19 |title=Bethesda's Starfield reaches 10 million players across Xbox and Windows PC |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/starfield-reaches-10-million-players-across-xbox-and-windows-pc |access-date=2023-09-20 |website=Windows Central |language=en}}</ref>

In October 2023, Bethesda's head of publishing Pete Hines announced he would be retiring.<ref>{{cite web|first=Brendan|last=Sinclair|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pete-hines-leaving-bethesda|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016145938/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/pete-hines-leaving-bethesda|title=Pete Hines leaving Bethesda|website=[[Gamesindustry.biz]]|archivedate=October 16, 2023|date=October 16, 2023|accessdate=October 19, 2023}}</ref> Later that month, a corporate restructuring of the newly formed [[Microsoft Gaming]] subsidiary took place following Microsoft's [[Acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft|acquisition of Activision-Blizzard]], that saw the promotion of executive Matt Booty from president of [[Xbox]] to overseeing their entire Game Content and Studios business, with Jamie Leder still retaining supervision over ZeniMax Media as a "limited integration entity" that would now report to Matt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2023-10-26 |title=Microsoft reorgs its Xbox and marketing teams to prepare for an AI and gaming future |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/26/23933049/microsoft-reorg-xbox-marketing-ai-leadership-changes |access-date=2023-11-02 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref> In December 2023, Jill Braff was appointed to the role as head of Bethesda and ZeniMax Media's development teams, while simultaneously retaining her existing duties as the General Manager of Integrations and Casual Games for [[Xbox Game Studios]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-21 |title=Jill Braff has been appointed as head of Bethesda/ZeniMax studios |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/jill-braff-has-been-appointed-as-head-of-bethesda-zenimax-studios/ |access-date=2023-12-21 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In May 2024, Microsoft announced that they were closing Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks and Alpha Dog Games as part of a significant organization restructure of Bethesda's operations.<ref name=":1">{{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}}</ref> Xbox Game Content and Studios head Matt Booty explained that the shuttering of the studios reflected a desire to prioritize the development of "high-impact titles" and investing more in Bethesda's catalogue of blockbuster franchises.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2024-05-07 |title=Xbox Exec Provides Reasoning Behind Bethesda Studio Closures |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/05/xbox-exec-provides-reasoning-behind-bethesda-studio-closures |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref> Mobile developer Roundhouse Studios also ceased activity, with its team being consolidated into [[ZeniMax Online Studios]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2024-05-07 |title=Xbox Is Shutting Four Studios, Including Arkane Austin And Tango Gameworks |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/05/xbox-is-shutting-four-studios-including-arkane-austin-and-tango-gameworks |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref> Development of all DLC content for ''Redfall'' also ceased.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-05-07 |title=Microsoft Abandons Redfall and Cancels DLC After Shutting Developer Arkane Austin Down |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-abandons-redfall-and-cancels-dlc-after-shutting-developer-arkane-austin-down |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Xbox president [[Sarah Bond (executive)|Sarah Bond]] cited a necessity to keep their gaming business growing through periods of transition and industry stagnation, as a reason for the studio closures. Addressing Tango Gameworks directly, she proposed that the varying metrics for success on a game-by-game basis was examined when deciding to shut the studio down.<ref>{{Cite news |author1=Harvey Randall |date=2024-05-10 |title=President of Xbox asked about the closure of Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks, spends close to a minute saying almost nothing |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/president-of-xbox-at-microsoft-asked-about-the-closure-of-hi-fi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-spends-close-to-a-minute-saying-almost-nothing/ |access-date=2024-05-11 |work=PC Gamer |language=en}}</ref> Despite Tango's closure, Matt Booty reiterated the necessity for Xbox to house smaller budget titles for "prestige and awards" much like ''Hi-Fi Rush''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowry |first=Brendan |date=2024-05-09 |title=Microsoft Gaming exec reportedly said Xbox needs "smaller games" after it closed Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-gaming-exec-reportedly-said-xbox-needs-games-like-hi-fi-rush-but-just-closed-the-dev-that-made-it |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Windows Central |language=en}}</ref> On August 12, 2024, South Korean publisher [[Krafton]] announced they had entered an agreement with Microsoft Gaming and Bethesda to revive and acquire Tango Gameworks in its entirety, which also included the transferral of the ''Hi-Fi Rush'' license.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2024-08-12 |title=Xbox's Hi-Fi RUSH Studio Tango Gameworks Revived, Acquired By PUBG Publisher |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/08/xboxs-hi-fi-rush-studio-tango-gameworks-revived-acquired-by-pubg-publisher |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref> Publishing rights to either the original ''Hi-Fi Rush'' or Tango Gameworks' previous games remained with Microsoft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=KRAFTON Strengthens Global Presence Through Strategic Integration of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi RUSH IP {{!}} KRAFTON |url=https://krafton.com/en/news/press/krafton-strengthens-global-presence-through-strategic-integration-of-tango-gameworks-and-hi-fi-rush-ip/ |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=krafton.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2024-08-14 |title=Yes, Xbox Game Pass Hit 'Hi-Fi RUSH' Is Now Tango Gameworks' Sole IP |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/08/yes-xbox-game-pass-hit-hi-fi-rush-is-now-tango-gameworks-sole-ip |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Games published ==
{{Main|List of Bethesda Softworks video games}}

* ''[[Wayne Gretzky Hockey]]'' (1988–1992)
* ''[[List of Terminator video games|Terminator]]'' series (1990–1996)
* ''[[The Elder Scrolls]]'' series (1994–present)
* ''[[Symbiocom]]'' (1998)
* ''[[Zero Critical]]'' (1998)
* ''[[IHRA Drag Racing]]'' series (2000–2006)
* ''[[List of Pirates of the Caribbean video games|Pirates of the Caribbean]]'' series (2003–2006)
* ''[[Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth]]'' (2005)
* ''[[History of Star Trek games#Video games|Star Trek]]'' series (2006–2007)
* ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'' series (2008–present){{Efn|Published by [[Interplay Entertainment]] in 1997–2004.}}
* ''[[Wet (video game)|Wet]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Rogue Warrior (video game)|Rogue Warrior]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Rage (video game)|Rage]]'' series (2010–2019)
* ''[[Brink (video game)|Brink]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Hunted: The Demon's Forge]]'' (2011)
* ''[[Dishonored (series)|Dishonored]]'' series (2012–2017)
* ''[[Doom (franchise)|Doom]]'' series (2012–present)
* ''[[Wolfenstein]]'' series (2014–present)
* ''[[The Evil Within]]'' series (2014–2017)
* ''[[Prey (2017 video game)|Prey]]'' (2017)
* ''[[Deathloop]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Ghostwire: Tokyo]]'' (2022)
* ''[[Hi-Fi Rush]]'' (2023) 
* ''[[Redfall]]'' (2023)
* ''[[Starfield (video game)|Starfield]]'' (2023)
* ''[[Indiana Jones and the Great Circle]]'' (2024)
==Technology==
''XnGine'' is a 3-D graphics engine that was developed by Bethesda in the 1990s. It incorporated technology advances that made games more realistic. The engine featured quicker action, unrestricted viewing angles and freedom of movement. Its proprietary technology integrates 360-degree rotation with fully textured polygons, SVGA/VGA graphics and specialized video effects. XnGine can generate weather effects, such as snow, sleet and fog; realistic shading; and textured, contoured terrain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald/132888984/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119115017/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald/132888984/|title=The Terminator: Future Shock|newspaper=[[The Miami Herald]]|page=92|archivedate=November 19, 2023|date=February 3, 1996|accessdate=April 3, 2024|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> In an Interview with PCM&E Magazine in 1996, [[Todd Howard]] described the engine as a true 3D engine that delivered above any other engine in its lighting in that it uses real-time phong shading, which means that light effects from fires, explosions, the moon, or whatever will bleed off and light up anything the light will touch.<ref>{{cite web|first=Rod|last=White|url=http://www.pcme.com/intrview.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970607134759/http://www.pcme.com/intrview.htm|title=A PCM&E exclusive interview with Todd Howard, producer of Terminator: Future Shock.|magazine=PCM&E Magazine|quote=Disable JavaScript to avoid being redirected&access the Interview|archivedate=June 7, 1997|date=February 27, 1996|accessdate=April 3, 2024}}</ref> 

''[[The Terminator: Future Shock]]'' was the first game to use the engine, and also the first 3D PC game to use the now popular mouse-look interface, which was initially unpopular with gamers.<ref name="XnGine"/> The engine was later used in ''[[Terminator: SkyNET]]'', ''Daggerfall'', ''[[XCar: Experimental Racing]]'', and other titles.<ref name="XnGine">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/26/decrypting-the-elder-scrolls.aspx |title=Decrypting The Elder Scrolls |first=Matt |last=Miller |date=December 26, 2010 |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-date=April 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421091756/https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/26/decrypting-the-elder-scrolls.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Conflicts with other developers==
In 2001, Bethesda Softworks published ''[[Echelon (2001 video game)|Echelon]]'' in the United States, a video game developed by the Russian development studio Madia. Madia stated that Bethesda did not pay for boxed sales of the game, as was allegedly specified in the contract. The developers at Madia wrote an open letter to Bethesda in which they have detailed the affair, but Bethesda refused to pay. In the end Madia decided not to take it to court. Pete Hines, VP of PR at Bethesda, stated that Madia presented misleading allegations about Bethesda's role as publisher of ''Echelon'' in North America and that Bethesda had no contractual obligations to Madia.<ref>{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Koshits |url=https://www.bluesnews.com/a/268/open-letter-to-bethesda-softworks |title=Open Letter to Bethesda Softworks |publisher=Blue's News |date=November 18, 2001 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827165156/https://www.bluesnews.com/a/268/open-letter-to-bethesda-softworks |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&boardid=1&threadid=30665&id=15756&start=20 |title=Bethesda Open Letter Follow-up |publisher=Blue's News |date=November 20, 2001 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827170005/https://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/board.pl?action=viewthread&boardid=1&threadid=30665&id=15756&start=20 |archive-date=August 27, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bethesda Softworks and ZeniMax Media have been accused of attempting a hostile acquisition of [[Human Head Studios]], as well as a successful hostile acquisition of [[Arkane Studios]] before that.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/25/bethesda-may-be-planning-prey-2-reveal-at-e3-5903789/ |title=Bethesda may be planning Prey 2 reveal at E3 |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729231310/http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/25/bethesda-may-be-planning-prey-2-reveal-at-e3-5903789/ |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to a report from [[IGN]], ZeniMax started purposefully failing Human Head's project milestones so that they would not get paid, allowing ZeniMax to buy the company at a reduced rate. They were accused of doing the same thing with Arkane Studios, although in Arkane's case, the studio gave in and allowed themselves to be bought.<ref>{{cite web |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/05/what-went-wrong-with-human-heads-prey-2 |title=What Went Wrong with Human Heads Prey 2 |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 5, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724042539/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/05/what-went-wrong-with-human-heads-prey-2 |archive-date=July 24, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The failed hostile acquisition of Human Head Studios led to cancellation of Human Head's ''[[Prey 2]]'', according to the report.<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Goldfarb |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/18/bethesda-explains-prey-2-silence |title=Bethesda Explains Prey 2 Silence |website=[[IGN]] |date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820054548/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/18/bethesda-explains-prey-2-silence |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Bethesda also pressured developer No Matter Games to change the name of their game ''Prey for the Gods'' to ''[[Praey for the Gods]]'', as Bethesda felt the initial title infringed upon the trademark of their own game, ''[[Prey (2017 video game)|Prey]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Allegra|first=Frank|date=May 3, 2017|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/3/15534924/prey-for-the-gods-praey-for-the-gods-trademark-name-change|title=Prey for the Gods changes name to avoid fight with Bethesda's Prey (update)|publisher=Polygon|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031234815/https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/3/15534924/prey-for-the-gods-praey-for-the-gods-trademark-name-change|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wales|first=Matt|date=May 4, 2017|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-05-04-bethesda-lawyers-force-another-indie-game-name-change|title=Bethesda lawyers force name change on indie game Prey for the Gods|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004013927/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-05-04-bethesda-lawyers-force-another-indie-game-name-change|url-status=live}}</ref> Pete Hines, who serves as Bethesda's VP of marketing, said Bethesda would have risked losing their ''Prey'' trademark if they had not requested the title change.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Paget|first=Matt|date=May 6, 2017|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/bethesda-executive-responds-to-prey-for-the-gods-trademark-dispute/|title=Bethesda executive responds to 'Prey for the Gods' trademark dispute|magazine=[[PC Gamer]]|access-date=September 24, 2020|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920032026/https://www.pcgamer.com/uk/bethesda-executive-responds-to-prey-for-the-gods-trademark-dispute/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Lawsuits===
In September 2009, Bethesda Softworks sued [[Interplay Entertainment]] over ''Fallout'' [[trademark infringement]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |url=http://kotaku.com/5357724/bethesda-sues-interplay-over-fallout-trademark-infringement |title=Bethesda Sues Interplay Over Fallout Trademark Infringement |publisher=[[Kotaku]] |date=September 11, 2009 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730023549/http://kotaku.com/5357724/bethesda-sues-interplay-over-fallout-trademark-infringement |archive-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> After a lengthy legal battle the lawsuit was settled in January 2012, with Interplay receiving {{US$|2&nbsp;million}} while Bethesda Softworks gained the right to develop a ''Fallout'' massively multiplayer online game, as well as the rights to ''[[Fallout (video game)|Fallout]]'', ''[[Fallout 2]]'' and ''[[Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel]]'' after December 31, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |first=Kevin|last=Parrish|url=http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Interplay-Bethesda-Fallout-MMO-ZeniMax,14457.html |title=Fallout MMO Rights Officially Restored to Bethesda |publisher=tomshardware.com |date=January 9, 2012|access-date=July 25, 2016}}</ref>

In September 2011, Bethesda's parent company, ZeniMax Media, filed a lawsuit against [[Mojang]], claiming that Mojang's planned trademark of the title ''[[Scrolls (video game)|Scrolls]]'' infringed upon Bethesda's trademark of ''[[The Elder Scrolls]]'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/113339-Mojang-and-Bethesda-Are-Going-to-Court |title=Mojang and Bethesda Are Going to Court |work=Escapist Magazine |date=September 27, 2011 |access-date=July 25, 2011 |author=Chalk, Andy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021114624/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/113339-Mojang-and-Bethesda-Are-Going-to-Court |archive-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 18, [[Markus Persson]] announced that Mojang had won the interim injunction, but that Bethesda still had the option to file an appeal.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/120/1200949p1.html |last=Goldfarb |first=Andrew |title=Notch Wins First Round Against Bethesda |work=[[IGN]] |date=October 27, 2011 |access-date=September 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020204711/http://pc.ign.com/articles/120/1200949p1.html |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In March 2012, Mojang and Bethesda reached a settlement, in which Mojang would not trademark Scrolls, but Bethesda would not contest Mojang's naming of ''Scrolls'', so long as it would not be a direct competitor against ''The Elder Scrolls''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/bethesda-mojang-settle-scrolls-trademark-lawsuit |last=Graft |first=Kris |title=Bethesda, Mojang settle 'Scrolls' trademark lawsuit |website=[[Gamasutra]] |date=March 11, 2012 |access-date=July 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721144331/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/165441/Bethesda_Mojang_settle_Scrolls_trademark_lawsuit.php |archive-date=July 21, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2018, Bethesda Softworks sued [[Behaviour Interactive]], the company responsible for developing ''[[Fallout Shelter]]'', for appearing to copy the game's design onto a tie-in mobile game for the ''[[Westworld (TV series)|Westworld]]'' franchise.<ref>{{cite web |first=Michael |last=McWhertor |date=June 22, 2018 |access-date=June 24, 2018 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/22/17492806/bethesda-lawsuit-warner-bros-westworld-mobile-game-fallout-shelter |title=Bethesda sues Warner Bros, calls its Westworld game 'blatant rip-off' of Fallout Shelter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624003936/https://www.polygon.com/2018/6/22/17492806/bethesda-lawsuit-warner-bros-westworld-mobile-game-fallout-shelter |archive-date=June 24, 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> The issue was settled with undisclosed terms, allowing Bethesda to drop the lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333752/Bethesda_resolves_copyright_lawsuit_against_Westworld_devs.php | title = Bethesda resolves copyright lawsuit against Westworld devs | first = Emma | last = Kidwell | date = January 3, 2019 | access-date = January 3, 2019 | work = [[Gamasutra]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190104025903/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/333752/Bethesda_resolves_copyright_lawsuit_against_Westworld_devs.php | archive-date = January 4, 2019 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

== Microsoft closures ==
In May 2024, Microsoft announced that four Bethesda studios would be closed in relation to a major restructure to the publisher's operations. Arkane Austin ([[Prey (2017 video game)|''Prey'']], ''[[Redfall]]''), Tango Gameworks (''[[The Evil Within]]'', ''[[Ghostwire: Tokyo]]'', ''[[Hi-Fi Rush]]'') and Alpha Dog Games ([[Mighty Doom|''Mighty DOOM'']]) ceased activity entirely, while Roundhouse Studios was consolidated into [[ZeniMax Online Studios]].<ref name=":1" /> Xbox's Game Content and Studios manager Matt Booty explained that the closure of the aforementioned teams was due to an internal shift in focus towards other areas in Bethesda and Microsoft's portfolio, including more "priority games".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Writer |first=Connor Makar Staff |date=2024-05-07 |title=Microsoft to shut down Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and more due to a "reprioritization of titles and resources" |url=https://www.vg247.com/microsoft-shut-down-tango-game-works-arkane-austin-more |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=VG247 |language=en}}</ref> The closure of the studios drew significantly negative reactions, with particular fan ire directed towards the sudden shuttering of Tango Gameworks a year following ''Hi-Fi Rush''{{'}}s launch and positive critical reception, as well as its proximity to the game's launch on [[PlayStation 5]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2024-05-07 |title=Xbox Fans React Angrily To Closure Of Bethesda's Tango Gameworks |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/05/xbox-fans-react-angrily-to-closure-of-bethesdas-tango-gameworks |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref> Fans additionally cited the hypocrisy present in past statements by Microsoft Gaming executives, namely an older tweet by Xbox marketing head Aaron Greenberg insinuating ''Hi-Fi Rush'' was a success in "all key measurements and expectations", as well as an older anecdote from the web documentary ''Power On: The Story of Xbox'' (2021), in which both Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and president of Xbox [[Sarah Bond (executive)|Sarah Bond]] reflected on the closure of former [[Fable (2004 video game)|''Fable'']] developer [[Lionhead Studios]] in 2016, implying they were learning from their mismanagement of the studio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCaffrey |first=Ryan |date=2024-05-09 |title=Phil Spencer and the Battle for Xbox's Soul |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/phil-spencer-and-the-battle-for-xboxs-soul |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Users on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] also [[review bomb]]ed ''Hi-Fi Rush'' with positive reception in support and gratitude towards Tango Gameworks following the announcement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |date=2024-05-10 |title=Steam Users Are Positively Review-Bombing Hi-Fi Rush Now Microsoft Has Closed Tango Gameworks |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/steam-users-are-positively-review-bombing-hi-fi-rush-now-microsoft-has-closed-tango-gameworks |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> 

The closures of Tango and Arkane Austin similarly drew widespread backlash across the games industry. Dinga Bakaba, studio director at Arkane's Lyon team at Bethesda, lambasted the closures as a "fucking gut stab", and went on to liken Microsoft's actions and address of the situation towards being used as "strawmen for miscalculations/blind spots" in addition to producing work environments comparable to "[[darwinist]] jungles."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-07 |title='A f***ing gut stab': Arkane boss criticises Microsoft execs for studio closures |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/a-fing-gut-stab-arkane-boss-criticises-microsoft-execs-for-studio-closures/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=VGC |language=en-GB}}</ref> Former [[Bethesda Game Studios]] designer and Something Wicked Games CEO Jeff Gardiner observed a game development climate where "the people who made the games [that] have to suffer, not the people who simply made money off the games." David Goldfarb, studio creative director and founder of ''[[Metal: Hellsinger]]'' (2022) developer The Outsiders, expressed disillusionment towards the affected teams losing their creative autonomy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-07 |title='A Fucking Gut Stab': Game Industry Reacts To Shocking New Studio Closures |url=https://kotaku.com/microsoft-xbox-arkane-evil-within-3-prey-2-layoffs-1851461099 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref> Former [[PlayStation]] executive and [[Iron Galaxy]] co-CEO [[Adam Boyes (entrepreneur)|Adam Boyes]] posted an image on his [[Twitter]] page that noted the irony of these closures occurring just as Microsoft posted a 17% increase in revenue over the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-07 |title=Arkane Lyon boss leads widespread condemnation of Bethesda closures |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/arkane-lyon-boss-leads-widespread-condemnation-of-bethesda-closures |access-date=2024-05-08 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}}</ref> An [[IGN]] article chronicling the reactions to the Xbox business' current controversies cited two former employees of the company with anonymity; one recalled having conversations with multiple key alumni from the [[Xbox (console)|original Xbox]] team that all concluded "It's no longer Xbox, but ''Microsoft Gaming''". The second source likened the situation to "an [[anaconda]] trying to ingest an [[elephant]]", additionally criticizing Microsoft for their inability to quickly integrate Bethesda into their overall strategy before moving to acquire [[Activision Blizzard]], a publisher roughly "three times the size" of Microsoft's Xbox division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2024-05-10 |title=Founders, Long-Time Employees Reportedly Say Xbox Now Effectively Microsoft Gaming |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/05/founders-long-time-employees-reportedly-say-xbox-now-effectively-microsoft-gaming |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}</ref> Original Xbox team head [[Seamus Blackley]] sent his wishes to the developers let go by Microsoft, remarking on how "scary" it is to pursue creative ideas in game design, while also stating his awareness towards "the stench of money-guy decision making" and its ability to impede on development teams and their aspirations. He also exclaimed his belief in the Xbox team and that he was confident "this isn't the end of the story."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Xbox |first=Pure |date=2024-05-10 |title=OG Xbox Creator: I Believe In Xbox, Despite This Week's 'Tragic' Job Losses |url=https://www.purexbox.com/news/2024/05/og-xbox-creator-i-believe-in-xbox-despite-this-weeks-tragic-job-losses |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=Pure Xbox |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In August 2024, [[Krafton]] announced it had acquired Tango and the ''Hi-Fi Rush'' IP from Microsoft and Bethesda, with plans to "continue developing the Hi-Fi RUSH IP and explore future projects."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-08-12 |title=KRAFTON Strengthens Global Presence Through Strategic Integration of Tango Gameworks and Hi-Fi RUSH IP {{!}} KRAFTON |url=https://krafton.com/en/news/press/krafton-strengthens-global-presence-through-strategic-integration-of-tango-gameworks-and-hi-fi-rush-ip/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=krafton.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In a statement attributed to news outlet Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson said "We're working with Krafton to enable the team at Tango Gameworks to continue to build games together and we look forward to playing their next great game. There will be no impact to the existing catalog of Tango games."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corden |first=Jez |date=2024-08-11 |title=Former Xbox studio Tango Gameworks and 'Hi-Fi Rush' have been acquired by PUBG's Krafton Inc, saving it from closure |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/former-xbox-studio-tango-gameworks-and-hi-fi-rush-has-been-acquired-by-pubgs-krafton-inc-saving-it-from-closure |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Windows Central |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website}}

{{ZeniMax Media}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1986 establishments in Maryland]]
[[Category:1999 mergers and acquisitions]]
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[[Category:Video game companies based in Maryland]]
[[Category:Video game companies established in 1986]]
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