London, March 9 (TIWN) The European Commission has approved Microsoft's $7.5 billion deal to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, one of the largest, privately held game developers and publishers in the world.

According to the EU, the deal "does not raise serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market."  Microsoft originally announced its plans to acquire Bethesda in September.