In an unusual cross-franchise move, publishers Bethesda Softworks and 2K Games are partnering to offer critical and commercial hits
BioShock and
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in bundle deals for Xbox 360 and PC.
The announcement comes just one day after Bethesda launched various Game of the Year and Deluxe packages of
Oblivion and predecessor
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind on digital distribution service Steam.
Oblivion, developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2006, was co-published by Bethesda Softworks and 2K Games, allowing for this retail promotion. Bethesda took over full publishing duties on its next game,
Fallout 3, and is likely to stay in that role.
2K Boston and 2K Australia's
BioShock was released in 2007; its sequel,
BioShock 2, is being developed by 2K Marin, 2K Australia, and Digital Extremes.
The retail
BioShock & The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Bundle will be available July 7 in North America on Xbox 360 for $39.99 and on PC for $29.99. Bethesda marketing VP Pete Hines told Gamasutra only the main
Oblivion game, not its expansion content, is included.
The
Elder Scrolls Steam packages are now available in various configurations ranging from $13.99 to $34.99 depending on inclusions of the games' expansions and downloadable content, and are being temporarily sold for a 20 percent discount.
Extending the sales life of its products is a key part of Bethesda's strategy as a publisher, the company has said. Earlier this year, Hines
told Gamasutra, "We're getting ready to do something else with
Oblivion this year, because it is still selling and retailers still like it."
Hines was likely referring to this week's announcements.
