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Zenimax (Bethesda/ID) acquires Arkane Studios

B

Blimblim

The Inside Track
Just got the french PR below, I'll update the post when I get an English version
ZeniMax Media annonce l’acquisition d’Arkane Studios

Arkane Studios rejoint Bethesda Game Studios et id Software en qualité de

studio interne de Bethesda Softworks



Le 12 Août 2010 (Rockeville, MD) - ZeniMax Media Inc., société mère du célèbre éditeur de jeux vidéo Bethesda Softworks, annonce aujourd’hui avoir fait l’acquisition du studio de développement Arkane Studios.

Fondé en 1999, Arkane possède des bureaux à Lyon en France et à Austin au Texas et est dirigé par deux directeurs créatifs, Raphaël Colantonio, le fondateur et PDG des studios Arkane, qui officiera également en qualité de Président d’Arkane ; et Harvey Smith, anciennement lead designer sur Deus Ex. Le premier jeu des studios Arkane, Arx Fatalis, fût lancé en 2002 et devint une référence pour les fans grâce à ses environnements très détaillés et son gameplay innovant. Arkane a également développé Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (version PC), et a aussi collaboré sur le développement de plusieurs titres de renom comme par exemple Bioshock 2. Les studios Arkane travaillent actuellement sur un projet confidentiel avec Bethesda Softworks.

« C’est un moment très excitant pour Arkane. Après 11 années de développement indépendant, nous ne pouvions trouver meilleur éditeur partenaire. » souligne Raphaël Colantonio. « Nous partageons un grand nombre de valeurs créatives. Rejoindre la famille ZeniMax va nous permettre de devenir plus fort, tout en restant fidèle à nos idéaux quant à la direction et à la création des jeux que nous aimons ».

Arkane rejoint un groupement de studios de développement qui comprend id Software et Bethesda Game Studios, deux des plus reconnus studios dans le monde. Cette nouvelle acquisition vient à nouveau souligner la volonté de Bethesda de proposer aux joueurs du monde entier des jeux d’excellente qualité.

« Nous sommes très heureux de pouvoir compter parmi le groupement des studios de développement ZeniMax un studio expérimenté et de grande qualité tel qu’Arkane » annonce Robert Altman, président et PDG de ZeniMax Media. « Raphaël et sa talentueuse équipe de développement ont acquis leur renommée grâce à la création de jeux innovants et immersifs, ce qui vient renforcer notre capacité à proposer des titres de qualité AAA à nos nombreux fans ».



A propos de ZeniMax® Media Inc.

ZeniMax est une entreprise qui a su rassembler une équipe de développeurs, d’artistes, de designers, de programmeurs et producteurs mondialement reconnus ; ainsi que des directeurs expérimentés et de nombreuses personnes talentueuses issues de médias traditionnels. ZeniMax Media créé et édite des contenus de divertissement interactifs pour consoles et PC ainsi que pour divers appareils portatifs sans fil. La division ZeniMax Media comprend Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, Vir2L Studios, ZeniMax Europe Ltd. et ZeniMax Online Studios.

ZeniMax, Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, The Elder Scrolls, Oblivion, Morrowind, et leurs logos sont des marques déposées et des marques de la compagnie ZeniMax Media Inc. aux Etats Unis et/ou dans d’autres pays. Fallout est une marque déposée et une marque de Bethesda Softworks LLC aux Etats Unis et/ou dans d’autres pays. Arkane, Arx Fatalis et leurs logos sont des marques déposées et des marques d’Arkane Studios aux Etats Unis et/ou dans d’autres pays. Pour plus d’information sur la compagnie ZeniMax Media, visitez : www.zenimax.com.



A propos de Bethesda Softworks

Bethesda Softworks, filiale du groupe ZeniMax Media Inc., est un des plus importants développeurs et éditeurs mondiaux de logiciels de loisirs interactifs. Des titres développés par deux des plus célèbres studios mondiaux, Bethesda Game Studios et id Software, dont les franchises à succès DOOM®, QUAKE®, The Elder Scrolls®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein™ et RAGE™, sont édités sous le label de Bethesda Softworks. Pour plus de renseignements sur les produits de Bethesda Softworks, allez sur www.bethsoft.com.

Fallout et Fallout: New Vegas sont des marques et des marques déposées de Bethesda Softworks LLC aux Etats-Unis et/ou dans d’autres pays.



A propos des Studios Arkane®

Fondé en 1999, Arkane possède des bureaux à Lyon en France et à Austin au Texas et a su attirer de nombreux développeurs de talent ayant pour passion la création d’univers immersifs très détaillés. Les studios Arkane travaillent actuellement sur un projet confidentiel avec Bethesda Softworks.

Les autres marques citées sont la propriété de leurs possesseurs respectifs.
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S

subversus

I've done nothing with my life except eat and fap
Arkane is building some cool shit with Harvey Smith on board. Something in "immersive sim" genre (System Shock, Deus Ex etc).

I think Zenimax is a good match for them.
 
D

domstah

Member
Arx Fatalis was amazing, the Might and Magic game not so much ... Hopefully this means Arkane are making something original again ...

Though the presence of Harvey Smith always makes me wary ... Working on Deus Ex doesn't give you a free pass from me, witchboy!
 
IoCaster

IoCaster

Gold Member
That reminds me that I need to finish playing Arx Fatalis one of these days. If I can find the disc in my box of oldies.

There could be some interesting announcements at Quakecon the way things are shaping up. They've got an impressive lineup of talent on some of the panels. I hadn't been paying attention to Arkane and didn't realize that Harvey "Witch" Smith was working at the Austin studio.

Vince Zampella and Jason West being there brings to mind a couple of questions. I wonder if it's possible that Respawn is looking at idTech5 for whatever game they're planning to make. I'm also hoping that Todd Howard will have some interesting news for the Elder Scrolls fans. I'm definitely going to be keeping a live stream going this weekend.
 
C

coopolon

Member
I really didn't like Dark Messiah very much at all. Never played Arx Fatalis. Here's hoping Bethesda can help them be more consistent.
 
S

Stallion Free

Cock Encumbered
I loved Dark Messiah. They better be working on The Crossing because that initial reveal was sweet and the concept was fantastic.
 
S

Scipius

Member
Joseph Merrick said:
I might ignore steamworks for arx fatalis 2 :O~
Click to expand...

See, now, I don't know Arx Fatalis, but the fact that the Elephant Man is willing to commit apostasy for a sequel piques my interest. What was so good about the game?
 
C

Clevinger

Member
Scipius said:
See, now, I don't know Arx Fatalis, but the fact that the Elephant Man is willing to commit apostasy for a sequel piques my interest. What was so good about the game?
Click to expand...

It was a spiritual successor of Ultima Underworld.
 
D

Durante

Member
Arx Fatalis was fantastic. Some of the best atmosphere ever in an RPG. I'd be there day 1 for a sequel. (spiritual or otherwise)
 
P

Pooya

Member
English PR

ZeniMax Media Acquires Arkane Studios


Veteran Studio Joins Bethesda Game Studios and id Software as an Internal Studio for Bethesda Softworks

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeniMax Media Inc., parent company of noted game publisher Bethesda Softworks, today announced it has completed the acquisition of veteran game developer Arkane Studios.

Founded in 1999, Arkane has offices in Lyon, France and Austin, Texas and is led by co-creative directors Raphael Colantonio, Arkane's founder and CEO who will also serve as president of Arkane, and Harvey Smith, lead designer on Deus Ex. Arkane's first title, Arx Fatalis, was released in 2002 and became a fan favorite with its highly detailed environments and innovative gameplay. In addition, Arkane developed Dark Messiah of Might and Magic (PC version), and has collaborated on a number of high profile game projects, including Bioshock 2. Arkane is currently working on an unannounced project with Bethesda Softworks.

"This is an exciting moment for Arkane. After 11 years of independent development, we couldn't think of a better publishing partner," said Colantonio. "We share so many creative values. Joining the ZeniMax family will allow us to grow stronger while staying true to the games we love."

Arkane joins a group of development studios which includes id Software and Bethesda Game Studios, two of the finest, most respected videogame developers in the world. This deal further underscores Bethesda's commitment to delivering premier titles to gamers worldwide.

"We are very pleased to be able to bring another experienced, high quality developer like Arkane to the ZeniMax group of studios," said Robert Altman, Chairman and CEO of ZeniMax Media. "Raphael and his talented team have earned a reputation for creating immersive, innovative games which enhances our ability to deliver AAA quality games to our many fans."

About ZeniMax® Media Inc.

ZeniMax Media is a preeminent media organization which has brought together a team of world class game developers, artists and designers, programmers, producers, and leading executives and talent from traditional media. ZeniMax Media creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, the PC, and handheld/wireless devices. ZeniMax Media divisions include Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, Vir2L Studios, ZeniMax Europe Ltd., and ZeniMax Online Studios. ZeniMax, Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, The Elder Scrolls, Oblivion, Morrowind and related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Fallout is a registered trademark or trademark of Bethesda Softworks LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Arkane, Arx Fatalis and related logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Arkane Studios in the U.S. and/or other countries. For more information on ZeniMax Media, visit www.zenimax.com.

About Bethesda Softworks®

Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a premier developer and worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software and has produced numerous award-winning titles, most recently with 2006 PC and Xbox 360® Game of the Year and RPG of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, and the 2002 PC and Xbox® Game of the Year and RPG of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®. Among Bethesda's more popular franchises are The Elder Scrolls® series and Fallout®. For more information on Bethesda Softworks' products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

About Arkane® Studios

Founded in 1999, Arkane has offices located in Lyon, France and Austin, TX and has attracted diverse and talented developers with a passion for creating detailed, immersive worlds. Arkane is currently working on an unannounced title for Bethesda Softworks.

Other trademarks may be the property of their respective owners.
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F

Fredescu

Member
Was just going through my GoG library and was thinking about giving Arx Fatalis a go over the next few weeks. Any tips or recommended mods?
 
D

disappeared

Banned
coopolon said:
Here's hoping Bethesda can help them be more consistent.
Click to expand...

Bethesda ain't exactly the best company to exemplify consistency.

Morrowind -> Oblivion -> Fallout 3... so many changes/updates/removals/nerfs
 
V

Victrix

*beard*
Arx Fatalis was fantastic, Dark Messiah was good fun (particularly on a difficulty higher than normal, where kicking everyone into spikes was difficult or impossible)

Their last game was cancelled as far as I know, and I don't know what they're working on now, but I'm interested, particularly now that they have more resources at their back

Zenimax is making some interesting moves, with id, Bethesda, Splash Damage publishing Brink with them, and now this.
 
T

ToxicAdam

Member
animlboogy said:
Wow, lots of great word about Arx Fatalis in this thread. I missed out on that one. I will give it a try.
Click to expand...


The graphics are real tough on the eyes, but it's still a fun game. I played it for the first time a few summers ago and it still holds up.
 
robor

robor

Member
Harvey Smith is with Arkane!? Shit just got real. Awesome news, I hope that not only does The Crossing get revived but I also hope Harvey Smith has his own project to work with, that guy deserves the opportunity well and truly.
 
J

JulioConQueso

Member
robor said:
Harvey Smith is with Arkane!? Shit just got real. Awesome news, I hope that not only does The Crossing get revived but I also hope Harvey Smith has his own project to work with, that guy deserves the opportunity well and truly.
Click to expand...
:) Harvey Smith and Raphael Colantonio are both powerhouse designers with orthogonal areas of specialization that make them quite formidable as a pair co-directing the current project at Arkane.
 
K

Kunan

Member
Damn, Zenimax is becoming quite the publisher! They are just picking up amazing talent left and right.

EDIT: Oh this is from before, damn necromancers.
 
T

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
JulioConQueso said:
:) Harvey Smith and Raphael Colantonio are both powerhouse designers with orthogonal areas of specialization that make them quite formidable as a pair co-directing the current project at Arkane.
Click to expand...
Word of advice: look at the posting date before replying to something.
 
O

Orayn

Member
Rlan said:
The Crossing revival, maybe?
Click to expand...
That would be fantastic. From what I read about it, The Crossing is a game that could REALLY work if it had a big enough budget and lots of polish. The extra resources afforded by this purchase could make that happen.
 
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