Bethesda Softworks, the branch of ZeniMax Media which publishes Bethesda’s biggest titles, has announced that it will be opening a new office in Moscow. The new office will be in charge of marketing and sales in Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). It will also be Bethesda Softwork’s ninth global office, joining sites in London, Tokyo, Paris, Sydney, and more.
The New Bethesda Softworks Moscow Office
Since 2001, Bethesda Softworks has been the dedicated publishing branch of ZeniMax Media Inc. It publishes games from the company’s in-house development studio, Bethesda Game Studios. Additionally, it publishes games from six other studios; ZeniMax Online Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, and Bethesda Game Studios Austin. Obviously its portfolio includes major franchises like Elder Scrolls and Fallout, but also Prey, Wolfenstein, Dishonoured, Rage, The Evil Within, etc.
Bethesda Softworks has appointed Simeon Chirikov as the managing director of their new Russian office. Chirikov has past experience at Electronic Arts and Wargaming, the studio responsible for World of Tanks. Sean Brennan, Bethesda Europe’s managing director, states that; “The opening of the office in Moscow is a very exciting moment for Bethesda. We have an incredible roster of upcoming games including Fallout 76, The Elder Scrolls: Blades, Rage 2, Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, and DOOM Eternal, as well as a number of live titles that continue to perform well, including The Elder Scrolls: Online, Quake Champions, and The Elder Scrolls: Legends. Simeon’s extensive knowledge of the Russian and CIS markets will help us to maximise and deliver upon all these titles’ potential.”
The publishing company’s ninth studio will allow Bethesda to boost marketing in the Russian region. As noted by Brennan, while the studio is based in Moscow, it will also be targeting CIS. This Commonwealth includes Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with Russia. Turkmenistan is also recognised as an associate member.