Major game franchises like Doom, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and more will soon be Microsoft properties. That’s because the Xbox and Windows maker announced Monday morning it is buying the corporate parent of Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax Media.
“Like us, Bethesda are passionate believers in building a diverse array of creative experiences, in exploring new game franchises, and in telling stories in bold ways,” Microsoft wrote in its announcement. “All of their great work will of course continue and grow and we look forward to empowering them with the resources and support of Microsoft to scale their creative visions to more players in new ways for you.”
From many platforms to one?
Bethesda has confirmed an acquisition price tag of $7.5 billion. For context, that’s three times the price Microsoft paid for Minecraft maker Mojang back in 2014. Mojang, of course, continued to be a multiplatform developer after its Microsoft acquisition—a decision that led to the odd sight of Microsoft publishing a Mario-themed “Mash-Up Pack” for Minecraft on Nintendo consoles.
But Minecraft was a relatively unique situation where the acquired game was built around cross-platform compatibility among a heavily established fanbase. Microsoft seems less likely to extend that same multiplatform courtesy to Bethesda’s gaming properties in the long term, but nothing has been officially announced on that score.
[Update: In a tweeted message, ZeniMax Online Studios Studio Director Matt Firor confirmed that “ESO will continue to be supported exactly as it was, and we fully expect it to keep growing and thriving on each of the platforms that are currently supported.” That includes versions on the Xbox One and Windows, as well as the PS4, Mac, and Stadia.]
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