Bethesda sets sights on Europe

Bethesda Softworks, the developer and publisher of 360 hit Oblivion, is setting up a European division reports MCV – and the publisher is reportedly looking to buy European talent.

Although the move is not yet confirmed, the publisher has already hired Blast boss Sean Brennan as a consultant – he’s reputedly seeking a London HQ and recruiting staff.

Specifically, word is that Bethesday is looking for creative staff, with studio acquisitions and a new European development office ‘both looking likely’.

Until now, Bethesda has strictly operated in the US, and gone with other publishers such as Ubisoft and 2K to get its games out in other territories. It has an internal studio and also publishes games by other independent teams.

The company itself is owned by Zenimax Media, an entertainment outfit that counts the likes of Jerry Bruckheimer and MGM chairman and CEO Harry E. Sloan on its board and counts