Even Murkier: Microsoft Says Some Bethesda Games Will Indeed Be Xbox, PC Exclusives

Even Murkier: Microsoft Says Some Bethesda Games Will Indeed Be Xbox, PC Exclusives

3 years ago
Anonymous $hYN7Hy7o7J

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20210311/08373246404/even-murkier-microsoft-says-some-bethesda-games-will-indeed-be-xbox-pc-exclusives.shtml

Late last year, we discussed Microsoft's acquisition of Zenimax, the parent company of Bethesda, and what it would mean for the studio's beloved franchises. At particular issue, given that this is Microsoft we're talking about, was whether new or existing franchises would be exclusive to Xbox consoles and/or PC. The communication out of Microsoft has been anything but helpful in this respect. First, Xbox chief Phil Spencer and Bethesda's Todd Howard made vague statements that mostly amounted to: man, we don't have to make Bethesda games exclusives and it's hard to imagine us doing so. Only a few weeks later, another Microsoft representative clarified that while the company may have plans to make Bethesda games "first or best" on Microsoft platforms, "that's not a point about being exclusive." This naturally led most to believe that Microsoft might have timed release windows on other platforms, but wouldn't be locking any specific titles down.

What a difference a few months can make, it seems. With the acquisition officially complete, Microsoft put out a "welcome" announcement to the Bethesda team, which included this fun bit to be consumed by the public.