Microsoft to Acquire Bethesda, id Software, Arkane for Xbox

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Xbox

In a huge surprise announcement this morning, Xbox confirms that Microsoft has entered into an agreement to acquire ZeniMax Media, parent company to Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. Microsoft will pay $7.5 billion in an all-cash deal, expecting to finalize in late 2021.

Coming off the buzz of Sony’s impressive virtual event last week, many fans on social media are describing this as Xbox’s “hold my beer” moment. Together, the studios bring with them many wildly successful franchises, including Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, DOOM, Dishonored, Starfield, and Quake.

While there is still much yet to be disclosed, Phil Spencer confirmed in his announcement that Xbox “will be adding Bethesda’s iconic franchises to Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.” He goes on to say, “One of the things that has me most excited is seeing the roadmap with Bethesda’s future games, some announced and many unannounced, to Xbox console and PC including Starfield, the highly anticipated, new space epic currently in development by Bethesda Game Studios.”

Spencer also touches on the ongoing relationship Xbox has had with the studios over the years, saying, “Bethesda’s games have always had a special place on Xbox and in the hearts of millions of gamers around the world. Our teams have a close and storied history working together, from the amazing first DOOM, and its id Tech engine, innovating games on PCs to Bethesda bringing their first console game to the original Xbox, the groundbreaking The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Over the years I’ve had many deep conversations with the creative leaders at Bethesda on the future of gaming and we’ve long shared similar visions for the opportunities for creators and their games to reach more players in more ways.”

The next two years are certainly shaping up to exciting for gamers, regardless of console.


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