Microsoft Acquires ZeniMax Media, Bethesda Softworks

Microsoft has announced that they are in the process of acquiring ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion. This will include the subsidiary Bethesda Softworks that has developed or published franchises like DOOM, Fallout, Dishonored, The Elder Scrolls. Microsoft already has plans to add Bethesda’s existing library to Xbox Game Pass and include new releases on the service. The deal will also include several other studios such as Id Studios, Arkane, and Roundhouse Studios. The acquisition is expected to finalize during the second half of 2021.

 

The news comes at a very interesting time, as Bethesda had been heavily showcasing Ghostwire: Tokyo and Deathloop as PlayStation 5 releases. The acquisition’s timeline is likely delayed to allow these games to still release on Sony’s console without directly creating a game for their competitor. However, Microsoft may possibly still have the authority to alter or cancel these plans. So far they have not released a clarified statement.       

Kurtis Seid, NoobFeed
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