Zenimax Expands Vir2L Into DS Game Creation

Bethesda parent company ZeniMax has announced it has expanded into DS game development with its mobile division Vir2L Studios now preparing two new sports titles, AMF Bowling: Pinbusters! and Ducati Moto for the handheld, both including online play via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. ZeniMax houses three separate divisions, the most notable being Bethesda Softworks, developer of multiplatform RPG Oblivion and the forthcoming Fallout 3. In August of 2007, the company announced the formation of ZeniMax Online, a new division focused on developing new massively multiplayer online games, headed by Mythic Entertainment co-founder and Dark Age of Camelot producer Matt Firor. Its Vir2L Studios has traditionally produced mobile games based on Bethesda franchises, including The Elder Scrolls Travels series. Now the company says it will produce both DS titles for a Summer 2008 release. AMF Bowling Pinbusters!, says the developer will including twelve characters with unique styles and signature moves, four single player modes, and online play. Ducati Motowill include 11 Ducati bikes and eight unique characters racing throughout a number of single player modes across locations like Hong Kong, Italy, and Morocco, and will also include online play.