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.

Commenting on the new arrangement, Vlatko Andonov, President of Bethesda Softworks, said, "We are very excited to be able to enhance our own publishing capabilities through this partnership with Take-Two for Oblivion. Take-Two Interactive has an outstanding sales and distribution network worldwide, and as a result of this agreement, Oblivion will be able to reach the largest audience possible."

In development since 2002, Oblivion represents another huge leap forward in role-playing with its combination of freeform gameplay and cutting-edge graphics. Oblivion is the sequel to award-winning Morrowind, named 2002 RPG and Game of the Year for both PC and Xbox. Oblivion has been included in numerous lists of the most anticipated games of 2005, and has recently been featured on the covers of magazines around the world, including Game Informer and PC Gamer in the United States. For more information visit www.elderscrolls.com.

"We are delighted to be working as co-publisher with Bethesda Softworks to help maximize sales of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion," said Christoph Hartmann, Senior Vice President of Publishing for 2K Games. "Being selected by Bethesda to work with a title that is as highly anticipated by both PC and console gamers worldwide as Oblivion is a testament to 2K Games' capabilities in successfully managing AAA titles."

In addition, Bethesda and Take-Two have signed a separate co-publishing agreement for Take-Two to distribute Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earthâ„¢, a first-person horror game that combines intense action and adventure elements. The title is based on the works of fiction writer, H.P. Lovecraft, and has already won a number of awards, including being named one of the Best Games at E3. For more information about Call of Cthulhu: Dark Corners of the Earth, visit www.callofcthulhu.com.