As you might have heard by now, Microsoft is acquiring ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks’s network of critically acclaimed studios (e.g., Bethesda Game Studios, id Software) for an epic $7.5 million in cash. One of the bigger questions that gamers are asking (particularly those in the Sony or Nintendo camp) is whether future installments of DOOM, Fallout, and Elder Scrolls will be released on competing consoles. Surprisingly, that could actually happen.
In an interview with CNBC, head of Xbox Phil Spencer not only confirmed that Microsoft would be upholding previous agreements (e.g., Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo will remain as timed exclusives for the PlayStation 5), but that it would also consider releasing Bethesda’s future titles on other systems. “We’ll take other consoles on a case-by-case basis,” Spencer said.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella echoed Spencer’s sentiment, suggesting that Bethesda’s titles may not be locked to Windows 10 and Xbox. “When we think about strategy whether it’s in gaming or any other part of Microsoft, each layer has to stand on its own for what it brings. When we talk about our content we want our content to be broadly available.”
We’re guessing that Bethesda’s biggest games will still be exclusives, though. Come on; Microsoft didn’t pay $7.5 billion for multiplatform games, did they?
Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios will officially join Xbox Game Studios when the deal closes next year. According to Bloomberg’s coverage, the expensive acquisition will have “minimal” impact on Microsoft’s bank account.