5 replies to this topic

[Abramul]

(Rockville, MD) -- February 3, 2005 -- Bethesda Softworks LLC, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced it has signed a co-publishing agreement with Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) covering North American and European distribution of its highly anticipated game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, the sequel to the best-selling and critically acclaimed The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®. Bethesda Softworks will maintain control over development of Oblivion and continues to own all rights to the Elder Scrolls franchise.

Here's the press release

Apparently, Take 2 also published GTA: SA,and is publishing Civ 4 (Whatever title it will have). Anyone have any opinions?


EDIT: Added link.

[youBlackEmporer]

So long as Bethesda retains complete control over development, legalities, and continues to own all ES rights, I don't see a problem with this. If ANY aspects of the game become compromised due to this partnership then I will be pissed.

If I read that article correctly than TTWO will be assisting in the distribution process? I see that as only a positive thing.

[Abramul]

Carpy firefox, I hit the wrong key combo, and the tab closed.
It looks like Take 2 has websites in the .com, .uk, .de, and .it domains. Does this imply offices in all these countries? If so, would the game be released simultaneously?

[youBlackEmporer]

I don't believe domain presence and offices necessarily correspond. Do they? Furthermore, just because TTWO has an office in a particular country doesnt exactly mean that TES:IV will be released there at the same time as anywhere else. It depends more on how fast Bethesda can get different languages integrated into Oblivion and how fast Bethesda can get their game onto foreign shelves, clearing up any legal issues along the way.

However, simultaneous release would be nice.

[Twitchmonkey]

I don't really worry too much about the publisher (perhaps I should) but if they published San Andreas that tells me that they can create as much hype as Oblivion needs which is good.

[Switch]

As people have said... not worth worrying about. So long as Bethesda maintain control and all rights over Oblivion and the Elder Scrolls it should still turn out quality. ^^

It's pretty much said that Take-Two are only participating for distribution purposes.