Microsoft clarifies that their future $7.5 billion acquisition of Bethesda's parent company will not lead to exclusivity.

When Microsoft revealed that they plan to acquire Bethesda, many fans became concerned about the implications. Fans were scared that future Fallout and The Elder Scrolls will become Windows and Xbox Series X/S exclusives. In a Jefferies Interactive Entertainment Virtual Conference, Microsoft sets the records straight.

“What we'll do in the long run is we don't have intentions of just pulling all of Bethesda content out of Sony or Nintendo or otherwise,” says Microsoft's Chief Finance Officer Tim Stuart.

Instead, Stuart clarified that what Microsoft wants out of this acquisition is making the titles best played on Microsoft's platforms. Stuart also points out that this works hand-in-hand with Microsoft's Game Pass service.

“But if you think about something like Game Pass, if it shows up best in Game Pass, that's what we want to see, and we want to drive our Game Pass subscriber base through that Bethesda pipeline.”

Microsoft to acquire Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in 2021

Last September, Microsoft announced that they plan to acquire ZeniMax Media and its publisher Bethesda Softworks.

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Executive vice-president of Gaming for Microsoft Phil Spencer says they will still honor the PS5 exclusivity of some ZeniMax Studios games from other publishers aside from Bethesda. These are Deathloop by Arkane Studios and Ghostwire: Tokyo by Tango Gameworks.

Bethesda Game Studio's director Todd Howard called Microsoft their longest, and closest partner during his career.

“We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone – regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one.”