The talk of the gaming world right now is Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, which includes Bethesda, id Software, and a number of other companies along with their IPs. This monumental acquisition is one of the most significant of its kind, and it has been met with a variety of responses. Many Xbox fans are happy that Microsoft made such an aggressive move right before the next-generation of consoles launch, while others are upset that they will potentially miss out on some of their favorite video game franchises if they choose a PlayStation 5 over an Xbox Series X.
Others still are scratching their heads as to why Microsoft would make such a move. Microsoft reportedly paid $7.5 billion for Bethesda, which seems a little extreme, especially since most every Bethesda game was likely to come to Xbox consoles at some point. But if one examines the situation closely, Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda actually makes a lot of sense. And here's why.
Xbox Series X Pre-Orders
The recent PS5 Showcase event was met with much fanfare, confirming the PlayStation 5's price and release date, as well as making the system available to pre-order (albeit prematurely). Gamers rushed out to reserve their PlayStation 5 consoles, and with so many already committing to PS5, it seemed as though Sony undercut Microsoft and the Xbox Series X in a big way. Comparatively, the Xbox Series X doesn't have nearly the same kind of hype going for it as the PS5 - that is, until now.
It's likely not a coincidence that Microsoft announced its acquisition of ZeniMax Media, and therefore Bethesda and all its game studios, just one day before Xbox Series X pre-orders go live. On the contrary, it's almost certainly a strategic move on the part of Xbox to get more people to go out and pre-order an Xbox Series X or S console. After all, this acquisition potentially means games like The Elder Scrolls 6 will be console exclusive to the Xbox Series X. If this is the case, there are definitely some people who would buy a next-generation Xbox just to play the new Elder Scrolls, and so Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda makes a lot of sense if it hopes to sell more Xbox Series X consoles and be a bit more competitive this generation.
Xbox Game Pass
Starting with the Xbox One, Microsoft has made a major push for its Xbox Game Pass service, aiming to become the Netflix of video games. Xbox Game Pass has been a huge success so far, especially with the introduction of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which allows players to play games online as well as play over 100 titles with a single subscription. One of the biggest perks of Xbox Game Pass is being able to play first-party Xbox games on day one with no additional charge, and now that will apply to all upcoming Bethesda games as well (minus those that are tied-up in pre-existing PS5 timed-exclusivity deals, of course).
Microsoft buying Bethesda is a massive boon to the Xbox Game Pass service, and shows that the company is serious about keeping it a major part of its strategy moving forward. Other developments, like tying Xbox Game Pass with Microsoft's cloud-streaming service, is more evidence that Game Pass is arguably the most important aspect of the company's next-generation game plan. Plus, older Bethesda games will likely become permanent fixtures on Xbox Game Pass moving forward, which goes a long way in adding even more value to the service.
System-Selling Exclusives
Until now, Microsoft has been heavily criticized for its lack of compelling exclusive games in the pipeline for its Xbox consoles. For the most part, the company has relied on the likes of Forza, Gears of War, and Halo in recent years, with little in the way of other compelling console exclusive games. However, Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda has brought a slew of major franchises under the Xbox umbrella that could very well become console exclusives, including the aforementioned Elder Scrolls, as well as franchises like Dishonored, Doom, and of course, Bethesda's blockbuster post-apocalyptic franchise, Fallout.
Since the Xbox brand has a reputation of not having many major exclusives, it makes sense for Microsoft to make a move to rectify that issue. With Bethesda, id Software, Arkane Studios, and more now part of Xbox Game Studios, it's safe to say that the company has solved its problem with exclusives.
It's Like A Homecoming
There once was a time when Bethesda and Xbox were synonymous with each other, at least when it comes to console gaming. As some may recall, The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind was exclusive to the original Xbox, not being made available on the GameCube or PlayStation 2. The companies have maintained a close relationship ever since, collaborating on things like console game mods and more. Since the two companies have always had a close working relationship, it makes sense for them to finally come together, and it's easy to see how such a partnership could be hugely beneficial to everyone involved.