Microsoft reveals its intention to allow Bethesda Studios to operate independently within Xbox Game Studios.
Days after the surprise announcement of the week, the purchase of ZeniMax Media by Microsoft, the headlines do not stop appearing. The company that owns Bethesda Softworks is already, fully, part of Xbox Game Studios. But how will it work from now on? According to Phil Spencer, the head of the Xbox division, the intention is not to interfere too much in the operation of all the studios under the ZeniMax Media umbrella, which include the creators of The Elder Scrolls VI, Starfield, DOOM Eternal or Dishonored, among others.
“Our plan is to leave [a ZeniMax] in peace, “said Phil Spencer in an interview with CNBC. “ZeniMax has a long history of creating great video games. Our goal is to make ZeniMax the best ZeniMax they can be, working individually with their studies on our great technological platform that we have ”. The manager also maintains that they will collect “feedback from their creators” to establish what Microsoft needs to build.
Xbox and @Bethesda have worked together for years. We share similar passions and beliefs. Proud to welcome them to Team @Xbox. Excited how we’ll advance gaming together for players everywhere https://t.co/0BcLULyFYF pic.twitter.com/2aectsejsk
– Phil Spencer (@ XboxP3) September 21, 2020
Will they reach other consoles?
The incorporation of studios of the caliber of Bethesda Game Studios, Arkane, ZeniMax Online Studios or id Software in Microsoft’s ranks has raised a very specific question: does that mean that the games will only reach the Xbox ecosystem and PC? Phil Spencer’s response has been that they will prioritize their platforms, but that they could reach other systems, although it will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Microsoft has made a significant investment in the purchase of studies. Obsidian Entertainment, InXile Entertainment, Double Fine Productions, PlayGround Games or Ninja Theory are some of the companies that have incorporated in the last year. Those of Redmond do not rule out more acquisitions in the future, although at the moment they have not confirmed more movements in this regard.
The purchase of ZeniMax has been settled for 7.500 million dollars, more than triple what they paid for Mojang and its star IP, Minecraft.
