Is Bethesda Xbox Exclusive?
The gaming world has been abuzz with the recent news of Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks. The question on everyone’s mind is: is Bethesda now an Xbox exclusive developer? In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a direct answer to this question.
Direct Answer:
No, Bethesda is not an Xbox exclusive developer. While the acquisition of ZeniMax Media by Microsoft does bring some changes to the gaming landscape, it does not mean that Bethesda’s games will be exclusive to the Xbox platform.
What Does the Acquisition Mean?
On March 9, 2021, Microsoft announced that it would acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion. This acquisition brings some significant changes to the gaming industry, including:
- New Games for Xbox and PC: With the acquisition, Bethesda’s future games will be developed with Xbox and PC in mind, offering players on these platforms access to new and exclusive content.
- Xbox-Exclusive Games: While not all Bethesda games will be exclusive to Xbox, some titles may be developed specifically for the Xbox platform, offering unique features and gameplay experiences.
- Enhanced Cross-Platform Play: The acquisition also enables Microsoft to improve cross-platform play between Xbox and PC, allowing players to play together seamlessly.
Bethesda’s Current and Future Games
Bethesda has a diverse portfolio of games across various platforms, including:
| Game | Platform(s) |
|---|---|
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Fallout 4 | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Doom (2016) | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| The Elder Scrolls Online | PC, PS4, Xbox One |
| Starfield | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
| Elder Scrolls VI | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S |
As you can see, Bethesda has a significant presence on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. While some games may be exclusive to certain platforms, others will be available on multiple platforms.
What About Future Games?
Bethesda has announced several upcoming games, including:
- Starfield: A new IP set in space, coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Elder Scrolls VI: The next installment in the Elder Scrolls series, coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Redfall: A new IP set in a vampire-infested world, coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S.
While these games will be developed with Xbox and PC in mind, they will not be exclusive to the Xbox platform. Players on PlayStation and other platforms will still be able to enjoy these games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the acquisition of ZeniMax Media by Microsoft does bring some changes to the gaming landscape, it does not mean that Bethesda is now an Xbox exclusive developer. Bethesda’s games will continue to be developed for multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Players on all platforms can look forward to enjoying new and exciting games from Bethesda, with some titles offering unique features and gameplay experiences on Xbox and PC.