Microsoft has acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5bn. The deal includes the acquisition of Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. All of these studios will join Xbox Game Studios, meaning upcoming Bethesda games will be released exclusively on Xbox consoles and PC through Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda marks a significant move in the gaming industry and could give the company an edge in the ongoing console wars with Sony’s PlayStation. The deal has generated buzz within the gaming community, with fans expressing both excitement and concern.
Microsoft buys Bethesda for $7.5 billion
Introduction
Microsoft announced on Monday, September 21st, that it has acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for a whopping $7.5 billion. The acquisition marks another huge step for Microsoft in expanding its presence in the gaming industry.
Details of the acquisition
The acquisition of ZeniMax Media includes Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. Microsoft has stated that all of these studios will join Xbox Game Studios, which means that upcoming Bethesda games will be released exclusively on Xbox consoles and PC through Xbox Game Pass.
Impact on the gaming industry
This acquisition is undoubtedly a huge move for Microsoft in bolstering its position in the gaming industry. The move comes at a time when video game sales have surged due to the ongoing pandemic, with millions of people staying at home and turning to gaming as a way to stay entertained. The acquisition of Bethesda is likely to bring more quality games to the Xbox Game Pass service, which could help it compete more effectively with the likes of PlayStation Now and other streaming services.
With the huge value of the deal, Microsoft now owns several high-profile game franchises such as Doom, Dishonored, and The Elder Scrolls. These franchises are incredibly popular in the gaming community, and their exclusivity to Xbox and PC may convince many gamers to make the switch to Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem. It also raises questions about the future of Bethesda titles on other consoles, such as Sony’s PlayStation.
Reaction from gaming community
The acquisition of Bethesda has generated a lot of buzz within the gaming community. Some fans of Bethesda’s games are worried about what this means for the future of the company and its games, while others are excited to see what Microsoft has in store for the franchises. Many fans have taken to social media to express their opinions, with some welcoming the move and others cautioning against it.
Conclusion
The acquisition of ZeniMax Media and its subsidiary Bethesda Softworks is a significant move for Microsoft in the gaming industry. The acquisition could give Microsoft an important edge in the ongoing console wars with Sony’s PlayStation, and also bring more quality games to Xbox Game Pass. While there are concerns about what this means for the future of Bethesda’s games, only time will tell how this acquisition will play out.