Bethesda Softworks Games Will Continue to be Self-Published

Bethesda Softworks games will continue to be published by Bethesda itself, Pete Hines has confirmed in a statement.

[RazzerRedux]

So owned by Microsoft but still making multiplats? That is just weird.

[pwnmaster3000]

That’s what I expect to be honest and that is such a smart move by MS.
Think about it, they just spent $7.5 billion on them. Why make exclusive games right now when you know ps fans will still buy Bethesda games. Smart way to gain back what they made fast.

[LOGICWINS]

Yup. It's the same thing they did with Minecraft. The fact that these games will be on Game Pass automatically makes the Xbox version the "best" version because you don't have to pay $60 or $70 to access it.

Microsoft are redefining what the term "exclusive" means. Even if these games are available on Playstation, you still get the best "deal" on that SAME game on the Xbox platform.

[RazzerRedux]

@pwnmaster3000

$7.5 billion? That's what they paid? lol....yeah, game pass sure isn't going to get that money back. Makes me wonder if Microsoft is starting to transition to more of a multiplat publisher than a platform owner overall. Time will tell.

[SullysCigar]

LOGICWINS coming in with the spin..

Turning down the money from the PlayStation user base would make no sense. MS don't care about exclusives, they want return on investment and flat out revenue.

Not having the games on PlayStation would mean they'd just way over spent on this acquisition, because it would immediately wipe a huge chunk of value off of the ips.

Sometimes it's just about business, not getting a leg up over the competition (remember, they don't consider PlayStation competition, apparently) or console wars. Just money.

Edit: @RazzerRedux, yup, I said the same in the other thread. Multiplat publisher. They've done well from Minecraft alone, perhaps that whetted their appetite.

[waverider]

but it wont make them buy their consoles. Thats the power of exclusives. This is for gamepass. Nothing more.

[darthv72]

I've been saying MS isnt the bad guy people seem to think. They never cut off a franchise from continuing to release on other systems. There will be certain games that will likely be exclusive (to PC/XB) but the existing ones will still be multiplat. Doom, Fallout, Elder Scrolls... so people need not worry.

[Wrex369]

While still giving your audience on Gamepass HUGE value.

[crazyCoconuts]

@sully, so do you think MS expects to IMPROVE Bethesda's profitability somehow, by improving their games or sales model? Typically that's where an investment like this pays off, since a company's existing profitability and IP value is built into the sale price, right?

[remixx116]

@logic

Bro you are really hard defining what a fanboy is I mean hot damn you almost pulled a muscle with that reach.

Yes we know game pass is a thing but your such a fanboy you still feel the need to try to find a way to spin MS is great into the equation.

[Diver]

man o man some of them early comments in other articles didnt age too well. an they can't short change the nonxbox platforms cause thats just going to drive down sales so all this talk about ms gettin the best version dont mean too much. look at minecraft. they still addded psvr support.

[Marquinho]

I'm not sure about that. Those games will not go anywhere Microsoft doesn't want to.

It will be interesting to see some clarification.

[SullysCigar]

@darthv72, I really don't think this is about MS being good or bad. It would be stupid to pass up the opportunity to sell on PlayStation unless your goal was to drive your own console sales, which they've already stated is not their aim. This way they get more money.

@crazyCoconuts, totally, but what a horrible thought. You can either drive up quality to make more gamers want to buy it (not Microsoft's MO), or you use these franchises to drive subs, or you monetise via microtransactions (or some new way, like EA's revolutionary "surprise machanics" lol, heaven forbid). I guess we'll have to wait and see.

But Bethesda doesn't have the best track record on the monetising and honesty front, what with constant ports at high prices, horse armour-gate, claiming there will be no microtransactions before adding them in anyway once the game has been purchased. And then there was "16 times the detail", "it just works" and the special edition merchandise fiasco. Shady this past decade lol

[Marquinho]

https://twitter.com/jasonsc...

"Will continue to be multiplatform in case by case basis"

Curiously, Bethesda's biggest IPs are huge in PC and Xbox... so I see why this decision has been taken. It's make sense to me to release only on those platforms in most cases.

https://www.thegamer.com/be...

** Realistically, the likelihood of Bethesda solely targeting Xbox/PC exclusives is quite high. "On a case-by-case basis" is a safe answer to give, so while consoles outside of Xbox and PC are possible for Bethesda, it probably isn't immediately in the cards.

Leading up to the release of the next-gen Xbox Series X, the purchase of ZeniMax Media is certainly a power-move by Microsoft. Although Sony's exclusive lineup looks solid for the launch of the PS5, acquiring Bethesda and its many cherished series is a smart move for the long-term. **

[4Sh0w]

Well its not surprising that would be the case for existing games already dev'd for ps. I do think some existing IP'S will move to exclusive for Xbox and definitely some new IP's . Mostly this makes GamePass a even more staggering value for Xbox gamers...Bethesda games $70 on ps3(Microsoft gets a cut) & its available day 1 to Xbox gamers at no extra cost. Wow!

[RememberThe357]

@Logic
I think your right. MS can sit back and let Bathesda do Bathesda things and reap the profits all the while using hose games to promote their platforms and gain revenue from other platforms.

I like your idea that MS can simply own the value angle and there's really nothing Sony can do about it. MS can have the new Elder Scrolls on Gamepass day 1 and it'll be $70 on PS5. Playstation gamers who pay full price pad MS pockets and make GamePass look even better. Brilliant move by MS and there's really nothing Sony can do to counter it. I doubt they have the cash flow to buy up a publisher like this especially after the massive cost of launching a new console.

MS coming in with the "you can only win in the forth quarter" mentality. Go Hawks! 206!

[Silly gameAr]

MS paid like 7.5 billion to get zenimax. Even though MS is worth a cool trillion, I'm sure they want to recoup that purchase back somehow, and all of those games being only on MS systems won't cut it.

It seems like it's a situation like when MS bought Mojang. They spent like a billion on them, but probably already made that money back, and then some, because they kept Minecraft multiplatform.

[Marquinho]

I see a lot of PS Fans wishing Bethesda IPs to remain Multiplatform. I can understand that... it's a gargantuan lose on PS library otherwise... however, Bethesda isn't Mojang. Minecraft was everywhere from mobiles to PC and consoles before its purchase. Bethesda makes Hardcore games which userbase are mainly on PC and consoles, so I wouldn't hold my hopes high on making most of them land on Playstation.

[mkis007]

Its exactly what this means. Its pretty clear by the self publishing.

[Silly gameAr]

@Marquinho

Sure man. MS spent 7.5 billi because they think they can move that much on their consoles and PC alone.

Don't fool yourself. Doesn't matter how much money you have or what your company is worth. No one likes losing money. btw, I'm not a big Fallout or Elder Scroll fan, so that's a meh for me, but Doom and Wolfenstien are different stories.

[Zhipp]

I'm sure Bethesda will put out an exclusive here and there, but the lion's share of their titles -- and all the big ones -- are gonna be multiplatform. I guarantee it. The big thing this does for Xbox gamers is it basically guarantees Gamepass will have strong AAA support.

[PhiberFrenzy]

Microsoft makes US$7.8 Billion a year. As much as this deal looks like a pain to recuperate on those terms alone it's really not. They'll make this money back through interest by next September on a $trillion alone.

[Edito]

@Marquinho,

I never bought a Bethesda Game in my entire life as a gamer... last time I played Doom was Doom 3 on PC, Wolfenstein last time I remember was the 3D wayyyy Fallout and Skyrim has nothing to do with me but I know there are a lot of people who enjoy those games so good for them.

[bujasem_89]

This makes sense. Now I don't know about exclusivity and what not, but based on Bethesda's track record. Their games always preformed horribly on PS, just remembering how jiddery Skyrim was. I think now that'll only stay the same or maybe get even worse>>> more profit?

[pwnmaster3000]

Yes $7.5 billion.
Also according to some insider. The deal won’t take effect until next year, that’s why PS still have deathloop and ghost wire

[-Foxtrot]

I really feel like Microsoft by the end of next gen will start the transition into being more third party like, having their gamepass on everything to be the Netflix of games. As for their core first party games like Halo / Gears...no idea, who knows. You could see it where the more physical stuff for their games might release on other consoles while the generation after next will be almost digital focused.

[ABizzel1]

I agree, if this console generation doesn't work out for them, they have all these studios, they can simply put GamePass everywhere as it's on Andorid devices, Andorid streaming devices, PC/laptop, and Xbox.

The only things left are PlayStation, Nintendo, and TV's. Oh and Apple.

[-Foxtrot]

@ABizzel1

Yeah, I mean the more popular Gamepass gets, the less likely it is Microsoft will want to keep to to just Xbox and the PC. Why invest in studios all of a sudden, doing a massive 180 on the idea only to limited Gamepass on certain platforms. The thing about Netflix is when they got popular they put that shit on EVERYTHING, now we have TV remotes, even gaming media remotes that have a Netflix button on them. That's how widespread Microsoft would want their app and the very last people to have it will be Playstation in the VERY far future.

I could honestly see Microsoft wanting to get things fully digital and saying to Sony / Nintendo "if you want physical stuff, YOU do it, we aren't paying for anything"

[LordoftheCritics]

The bigger idea is Gamepass. Its basically like Netflix.

Its unavoidable value and a new kind of gaming habit creation. When more AAA content is available at subs cost, its a win for gamers. The gaming scene is going to be something else in the future. We have different gaming habits now, less patience and what not. Theres a large number of AAA and AA games. We cant even complete most of the games. Thats why the Netflix concept is going to have a huge glow up in gaming.

What would be the ideal gaming Netflix?? Every single AAA game on it?? Thats where this is going if people can actually notice. The idea would be to make a deal with every publisher out there at some point.

In a sense MS is actually fully committing to PC and Xbox gaming like fully fully, not just 3 big exclusives a year but more like EVERYTHING

This is how you get the remaining billions in the world into gaming.

[RazzerRedux]

This isn't necessarily going to be a part of Game Pass though. The fact that Bethesda is making it explicitly clear that they will continue to publish their own titles independently says to me don't count on these games showing up on Game Pass day one like other MS titles. Fact is we don't know yet how this is going to play out. MS has made a major investment and Game Pass isn't going bring a return on that investment as it is.

[esherwood]

The values only there now to get people in, pretty sure they plan on making the money on micro transactions but getting people to slowly accept them. Next gen will be my first PlayStation, Microsoft’s going to turn consules into the Mobil market

[NeoGamer232]

Not weird at all.

MS starts to put Bethseda games on GamePass day one. Makes PS owners pay the new price of $70 per game.

MS gets heaps of revenue from the people who are PS fans. Plus, it drives a ton more sales of GamePass on PC and XB. Plus, probably means some more XBoxes sold.

All gamers win still.

[RaiderNation]

I love how people act like every single Xbox owner is subscribed to Game Pass. The vast, vast majority of Xbox owners aren't. Many of us still like to own our games.

[NeoGamer232]

@RaiderNation
I wouldn't say vast majority anymore. Part of the announcement for Buying Bethesda...

"Games are the primary growth engine in gaming, and games are fueling new cloud-gaming services like Xbox Game Pass, which has reached a new milestone of over 15 million subscribers"

https://bethesda.net/en/art...

XBO has sold about 45 million. That includes XBO X. So, you have to think about 15 million is XBO owners bought XBO X over the past few years.

That would mean about 30 million consoles sold and 15 million gamepass subscribers. I doubt you can call that a vast majority of gamers that don't have gamepass.

As for GamePass ownership for you. That is the nice thing.... You have a choice whether to be on it or not. Choice is good for gamers.

[darthv72]

Raider... game pass doesnt stop you from owning your games. I use it to try before I buy. I've bought several games after having played them on GP so it has its benefits.

[Petebloodyonion]

Like I said in another post I truly believe that MS will keep the Bethesda brand intact and continue to release game on playstation5 but the marketing right will be for the Xbox version while getting a the gamepass day1.
MS has shown with Steam and Nintendo that they don't have problems releasing the game on other store and they are selling quite well on theses stores.

[Elda]

You would think MS would use those Bethesda games as exclusive ammunition but if one looks at the big picture they would be smart to keep Bethesda a muti-platform business which would be more money more money for MS.

[mrsolidsteel20]

Crazy weird.

[jadnice]

Interesting... so no exclusive gaming advantage?

[RightFootGames]

Multiple platforms doesn't mean continuing to publish on PlayStation and Nintendo.

If you think that's what is going to happen I feel like you're naive.

[gamer7804]

Not really this has since been commented on by Phil, deathlooop and tokyogw will still have their exclusivity but all future games will be published on xbox and pc with only release on other platforms on a "case by case" basis.

[ic3fir3]

release day one on gamepass xbox and pc.
and ps5 1year later

[outsider1624]

Holy crap!!! I just came online and just saw the acquisition. And that was after your comment. I was like..wait what..what the hell is he talking about? Bethesda owned by Microsoft?

God damn...does this mean Elder scroll 6 exclusive to MS? I might have to save up for Series S then. Well played MS, well played.

[gamer7804]

its possible, current games will release on all platforms, but going forward it will be evaluated on a case by case basis

[GoodGuy09]

I expected itd be like this. Mcsft really is just ensuring their getting revenue in multiple areas and especially making gamepass an amazing deal. All of their games are coming to pc too and even on playstation eventually if not right away.

[Neonridr]

MS makes all the money ;)

[RazzerRedux]

lol....well, that hasn't changed in forever. What they haven't made is many great games. So they bought a company that does. Makes sense. That is how MS got into this whole biz in the first place. QDos says hi.

[Chronicle780]

I'll believe it when I see it.

The current games under contract? Sure. Future games? I'd be shocked if you see the system sellers on anything else.

[gamer7804]

yah i agree, unless its the mmo, then maybe.

[Artemidorus]

They earn money from Sony users when they buy it for PlayStation

[RememberThe357]

So does Sony, win-win.

[PhiberFrenzy]

Microsoft earn money from all over not just users but developers use windows 10 to build games. I'm sure Microsoft make money in just about every aspect of modern tech.

[Zeref]

Who said they'll be multiplats?

[mark3214uk]

what's weird, sony has the biggest user base, they will make more money off selling to sonys userbase than people switching from ps to xbox to play a couple of games

[ZeroX9876]

MLB is also coming to switch and Xbox, coming from Sony.

Seeing that minecraft dungeon also came out on ps4, cuphead too and horizon zero dawn now being playable on Microsoft Windows, I expect more games to be multiplat as time goes by when considering for how long they were out before landing on another platform (after 2-3 years).

Having bethesda games on GamePass is a huge win for MS imo.

[Loktai]

@RazzerRedux MS is basically pulling a slow-SEGA. Eventually you will probably even see Gears of War
or Halo or something else on other systems - And in turn you can expect them to also say their system is the "best place to play" or SIMPLY they plan to make the games very popular across platforms, then advertise gamepass.

[jeromeface]

They'll still use units sold as a metric against them and it will hurt being on game pass because thats people getting access to your product with 0 units sold. I give bethesda a decade before they are gone.

[MADGameR]

Because it goes in line with MS's games everywhere moto.

[porkChop]

In regards to multiplats they've said it will be done on a case-by-case basis. I'm thinking online games like ESO will be multiplat to increase playerbase and ongoing revenue. But I think singleplayer will be exclusive. Smaller projects like Fallout Shelter will also likely be multiplat.

[Knightofelemia]

@RazzerRedux

Minecraft is multiplatform

[McToasty2077]

This statement doesn’t refer to multiplats, rather it means games will say Bethesda rather than Xbox Game Studios.

They might be multiplats but that’s an assumption, I suspect it’ll have more to do with platform size, if PS5 sizeable outsells Xbox (which is what I’d guess right now) then expect Starfeild and Elder Scrolls 5 on PlayStation, but if say Covid results in few people investing in next gen then the loss on a single platform might be diminished.

As of right now my guess is multiplat with Xbox exclusive features, say early DLC or Mods on console (something Sony really fucked up this gen).

[SpadeX]

It isn't confirmed yet.

[ABizzel1]

So basically Bethesda will still release games on PS5, Switch and other platforms for the foreseeable future, however, their games will be on GamePass Day 1 compared to $70 everywhere else.

This is going to get ugly if all these studio acquisitions keep happening.

[ABizzel1]

After thinking this over this is about 2 things.

1. Getting Bethesda games on GamePass Day 1.

2. Getting access to id Tech Engine so they don't have to rely on Unreal Engine anymore, the majority of their games are stuck behind a release wall into 2022 because they're using Unreal Engine 5 and it doesn't release until Fall 2021. So this is MS way of saying crew it, we'll buy an engine that we know works extremely well, can produce good graphics, open-worlds, and aims for high resolution and 60fps.

The Halo Engine isn't where it needs to be, and all their other games except Forza run on Unreal. Now they have access to iDTech to build their future games.

That's what this deal was about because otherwise, it makes no sense for Bethesda to actively put out the message that we're still releasing our games wherever we want. This message is almost a slap in the face to Microsoft's announcement.

[crazyCoconuts]

Didn't think about ID engine, that's interesting.
I don't get the game pass thing though... Presumably if you pay a company enough to offset the sales they would have made with outright sales, there's no reason for them to not make a game pass deal. Buying the entire company seems overkill if that's the primary reason. MS will still be paying in opportunity cost what they would have simply paid outright

[oof46]

When Zenimax bought id, people were speculating about merging Bethesda's storytelling/gameplay with id's engine. We haven't gotten that yet, but we'll see in this generation.

[Gaming4Life1981]

After deathloop and ghostwire i dont think bethesda games will come to ps5. Phil spencer just talked about honoring those 2 exclusive deals and after they will be exclusives. At some point ms has to stop playing nice with sony if they ever want their gaming division as high value as sony's.

[pwnmaster3000]

He didn’t sY will be exclusive.
He said they will consider in a game by game basis.
I really don’t see elder scrolls or fallout to be exclusive.
I do agree later down the road they will stop producing IP’s for Sony, but that will most likely be newer IP’s

[Baza]

I’m sure they will be timed exclusives and day 1 on Game Pass. MS got too much money in this deal to leave money on table for xbox exclusives. Especially when PS5 will out sell Xbox at least 2-1.

[oof46]

My guess: Flagship ip will remain multiplat while smaller titles will follow the "case by case" basis.

[I_am_Batman]

Kind of an odd situation. Microsoft owns Bethesda, but their two upcoming titles are PS5 console exclusives for a limited time.

[lociefer]

These are peanuts compared to doom, elders scrolls, or even fallout

[Tacoboto]

We can guarantee PC and Xbox Day 1. But will PS5 versions be delayed?

Remember that Mod Support is severely restricted in Bethesda's games on PS4 because of Sony policies. MS can use that as reasons to rally against PS5 versions in marketing or keep them exclusive to Microsoft platforms, where the developers can distribute their full uncompromised vision.

[UnHoly_One]

I'm not nearly as convinced as some of you seem to be that they will release Elder Scrolls 6 on PS5.

It doesn't make a lick of sense for them to do when they can sell it on PC or make people buy an Xbox instead.

According to N4G, every single gamer has a gaming PC anyway, so there is no reason for them to even spend the development time on creating a PS5 version.

[tay8701]

Its a good get for ms. Doesnt bother me personally though. I cant even remember the last bethesda game i bought or played. Good for their gamepass strategy.

[badz149]

with all these comments trying to paint doom and gloom on Sony with this purchase, OK SCREW IT! MS please make Bethesda's games exclusives from now on. don't wait, DO IT NOW! if Bethesda is really that huge and will now somehow win MS the console war! LOL

btw, where is DOOM Eternal on this year's best selling list? NOWHERE! not in Top 10 for sure and Prey and Rage 2 before it, they were not reviewed/selling great either BUT you fanboys think MS is going to make them exclusive and skip PS and it will sell better?? use your brains!

and why was Bethesda up for sale in the first place? if they are doing fine, why are they selling? it looks to me like they are struggling to sell their games and their company's image is on the decline with FO76 and with Starfield and ES6 both not having a solid release window for the longest time, Bethesda is not looking good themselves. and remember when many were trolling Bethesda over the comparison with The Outer Worlds and how Obsidian is actually the better Fallout developer? now it's like those things never happened, ha?

[No Way]

badz - why you so mad? why you taking it so personally?

They aren't interested or concerned with a 'console war,' why are you? What stakes do you have in it?

Calm down, bruh.

[ABizzel1]

From everything Bethesda's owner has said they are not like the other studio acquisitions. They still fund and do their own thing with insight from MS. They're more like the Minecraft team in that regard where their games will be everywhere, but MS will get a portion of the profits.

[I_am_Batman]

We'll see how it pans out. Since Microsoft owns them now I don't see how they wouldn't have the last say in how things are being done. I think all that means is that the Bethesda's management structure will stay the same for the time being, which is the right move considering the amount of studios that are involved in the acquisition.

I think exclusivity will be decided on a case by case basis. If PS5 sells exceptionally well, Microsoft might decide to put big AAA games on PS5 after a while or even day one. But they could theoretically even put pressure on Sony by keeping some bigger titles exclusive unless Sony agrees to put Game Pass on Playstation for example. There are a lot of ways Microsoft can play their cards here and I don't think that those decisions are set in stone at this point in time.

[crazyCoconuts]

Totally agree @batman. Lots of permutations available for them to play with. I wish we could see the positioning happening behind closed doors...must be fascinating

[Sitdown]

Not sure why it's an odd situation, the titles were in development before this.

[I_am_Batman]

Having your new girlfriend go on vacation with another dude would still be odd even if the flight was booked before you two got together.

[Sitdown]

Not if your new girlfriend is a prostitute, and you are function as a pseudo pimp. I don't know about you, but when I put in a letter of resignation, I finish my work at the company, and then move on. I don't just drop everything.

[I_am_Batman]

That's one way to make some money, I guess. She'd have to go on a lot of vacations to get those $7.5bn back though.

But before this analology gets completely out of control, let me clarify that I fully understand there are contracts in place. I just think it's kinda funny that we'll see Microsoft first party studios release console exclusive games on PS5 that's all.

[Jericho1337]

To be fair, they bought up other studios recently that still had existing publishing deals for games (Outer Worlds, Psychonauts 2) so will probably be the same for these games too.

[oof46]

Which kinda means Bethesda took Sony's money for exclusivity for these two games while negotiating with MS for acquisition.

[-Foxtrot]

After the amount of shit Phil has spoke about exclusives being anti consumer or not what gaming is about, it would be highly hypocritical to buy Bethesda and not have their games on other consoles.

[Petebloodyonion]

I guess you didn't bother to read the article...
If you did perhaps you have read that probably thing won't change.

[Xb1ps4]

Bro you been trotting around saying if it’s on pc it’s not exclusive.. it’s going to be on pc so who’s being hypocritical here?!

Now we are moving the goal post around lol

[-Foxtrot]

Goal posts, that's hilarious coming from you...

[waverider]

dude, Phil Spencer acts always like that. It depends on the wind....

[Asuka]

So pay $70USD to play on "other" platforms or play via Gamepass. Either way MS still gets a piece. Honestly they would be dumb not to allow bethesda to continue releasing multiplatform.

[Eonjay]

They will. No one is going to spend that much money with no hope of making it back. Not only does Microsoft have to pay for the buyout, they have to fund these studios now. Microsoft is officially a third party publisher.

[Sayai jin]

No. They would have been considered a third party publisher wien they aqcuired Mahjong.

[itsmebryan]

Unless they did it to hurt Sony? If they keep all the games and you were in the market for a console which would you choose and why?

[Xb1ps4]

Officially is a strong statement, source?

[Eonjay]

@Xb1ps4

Microsoft is the source lol.

[AnotherGamer]

That's good at least! I hope this mean they will get a new engine from MS.

[badz149]

imagine ES6 using the Craig engine. even that would have been a huge upgrade for Bethesda

[C-H-E-F]

Looks like "Game Pass" will be the product of the next next gen Xbox. I think microsoft is moving the Xbox itself to be a service and not necessarily a gaming platform. Think of Stadia... I think that is what the Xbox will be in the 2027 generation.

[Shane Kim]

Both Sony and MS will soon enough. These are the last gens of traditional console gaming.

[imtiyaz6]

Think MS is already laying the groundwork for console-free gaming for the future.

[Snowb420]

Ehhh. Being primarily a PC gamer these days, I just hope they continue to support mods.

[dRanzer]

Well that is funny

[DEEHULK88]

Yes, the same way Fox movies still say Fox but they are owned by Disney. Phil already talked about it. They will honor the Ghostwire and Deatjloop deal, but future games will Xbox, PC and maybe other platforms, but a big maybe. Nothing to see here.

[waverider]

no dude. nothing of that. Its already oficial. Its just like minecraft.

[ziggurcat]

And there are things they released for Minecraft that are not going to PS.

[DEEHULK88]

It not already official. Minecraft was the biggest property in the world and it would make sense to keep that going.

[ssj27]

Is not like they can do anything when there is a contract under those games lol they will get sue and lose more money.

[Felix_Argyle_Catbro]

Phil Spencer does not say Bethesda games will now be exclusive to Xbox, but I wonder if they need to be...

$70 on PS5 (possibly day 1 or a year later than other systems)... or available on PC and Xbox day one as part of Game Pass.

PlayStation is funding their ability to put games on Game Pass for Xbox and PC gamers.

[averagejoe26]

I'd much rather pay one price to own my game, that I can then keep, let someone borrow or trade in for money...rather than pay a recurring monthly fee to play a game I don't own that can be gone at the end of the month.

[Challengerscatpack]

All about game pass, brilliant move by Microsoft! They just grew game pass by a ton with this acquisition and they now have all these studios in their pocket to create EXCLUSIVE games on top of all the pre-existing 3rd party multi-platform titles. Xbox gamers won big time today with game pass, especially with the addition of EA games. I’ll play games I probably never would have if I had to pay $70 for them.

PS gamers won’t miss out on anything they wouldn’t have gotten before anyways.

Also, lol Sony is now paying Microsoft for exclusive games...

Can not wait to pre-order tomorrow for the X to go along with my PS5 from last week! Great week!!

[averagejoe26]

Won't be exclusive. They bought Minecraft and that never went exclusive. Pete Hines already said Bethesda games are going to keep being published by Bethesda, not Microsoft. So no, they won't be exclusive. This is just making money.

[Challengerscatpack]

Is reading really that hard? “Now they have all these studios in their pocket to create EXCLUSIVE games on top of all the pre-existing multi-platform titles.”

I.E. Microsoft has 7 new studios to create exclusive games while making a profit off already established IPS and offering those to game pass members as an Xbox perk.

[Challengerscatpack]

Dude you realize that Microsoft is one of the largest businesses in the world, right? I’m pretty sure their accountants were able to figure out how this works for them.

But seeing as I’m not a Microsoft shareholder nor do i care about their financials that is irrelevant. For my $15 I now get all 7 of these studios games, I won today. You can debate the rest till you’re blue in the face, I don’t actually care.

[badz149]

@Challengerscatpack

"I’m pretty sure their accountants were able to figure out how this works for them."

like they did with Nokia? we know how THAT turned out to be.

I'm not denying that MS is one of the biggest corporations in the world but not all investments are good investments.

[ssj27]

You read sony is payng Microsoft fr exclusive games and i read Microsoft exclusives come first to Playstation 5 before xbox lol so the joke is on you .

Is lik if halo first came to Playstation it will be a win to Playstation not xbox

[Challengerscatpack]

Joke is on me? I could just buy it on my PS5 but considering I’ll get it free on my Xbox with game pass I’m not too worried about it.

[ssj27]

Free? So now $180 in you inclide paying to play online a years is free lol . O wait you paying $1 a month like every other subscriber from the 15mill they say they got hopping fr them to forget they are subscribed. And no AAA for over 2 years by the time craig infinit launches if that cab be considered AAA lol and some AAA wll be 6hrs long like grears 5. Or unfinished subcrition games .
If you call yourself a gamer and support this crap shame on you

[Ristul]

At least for now I guess, but Microsoft is the one who is setting the agenda, and things could change. I dont feel good about this.

[RomanPSX]

People lack to understand that MS does not cares about selling consoles, they want to sell games, they dont care if you play on an xbox, PS, PC, cellphone or an atari, what they want is to sell you the game, and they enjoy for people to keep thinking that they dont need an xbox cause they will get the game on PC, guess what they still getting your money.

[waverider]

this move is exactly that. They want money. Of course none of those games will be exclusive. Its like minecraft, where microsoft make hundreds of millions with the game on sony consoles.

[Challengerscatpack]

You’re on the wrong website for that kind of logic honestly. It’s all about business for Microsoft.

[blackblades]

They'll probably be a servicec on every platform like, Sega going software only in the future.

[j15reed]

You guys are delusional if you think this won't move millions to the ecosystem if they keep these exclusive.

[RomanPSX]

It will, but they will make way more $$ if they sell does games on every system. No need to force people to buy an Xbox. Im getting both systems anyway.

[Shane Kim]

I think this is an era when Sony and MS will slowly abandon classic gaming consoles and start pushing services. Not only that, it's just a matter of time when all games will be available on every platform. It is allready happening with PC.

[Antnee534]

Maybe a petition needs to be started to make sure playstation gets eo6 and star field. Because xbox will for sure keep those two as exclusives no way in hell they are going to let those two on ps when they can make an instant buy for xbox amongst some players. I for one would sign

[Donnie81]

People need to quit kidding themselves if they think it’s gonna be business as usual and every game will come to ps5. Phil said on a case by case basis so yeah ps5 will get some games but at the end of the day if u want Bethesda games day one u better get a Xbox because they have 7.5 billion reasons to say when and where those games are releasing from now on

[ziggurcat]

You still wouldn't need to get an Xbox if those games are on GamePass.

[AsunaYuukiTheFlash]

Or you can just get it on PC.

[System_Call]

There is no way Microsoft can gain that money back if they keep those games from coming to Playstation. They know those games sell better on Playstation platform.

This is like minecraft I guess but if not, it is very sad for those developers that their games are not going to be available on the lead and biggest console platform in the market.

[MadLad]

Hah.
Now Sony fans are supporting MS if they want anything from ES, to Fallout, to id, to all of the other devs under Bethesda.

I couldn't care either way; I have gamepass on PC, so this only benefits me, but we're on N4G where you have multiple people who scream for Sony to buy virtually every solid developer, and now MS owns one of the largest dev/publisher had in the industry.

If they decide to make future titles Xbox/PC exclusive, well, that's a giant hit to Sony, and somewhat to Nintendo.

[Sunny_D]

I mean supporting MS doesn't mean much. They were already much richer than Sony for years. In fact people have been supporting MS already if they bought Minecraft. All this might do is create a domino effect that many in the gaming industry may end up not liking, but we'll have to see.

[janus225]

Ill say it again Microsfot is going multiplatforms they going to capitalize on digital market with Gamepass. They need great studios to attract more gamers. Soon or later Microsoft will decline gamepass on PS console. Wait and see.

[MadLad]

So N4G will finally appreciate gamepass?

If MS stops creating consoles, all we get out of it is a Sony that has a monopolization on the market, and it's not going to bring anything positive to the consumer.

[Neonridr]

for the time being anyways.

[franwex]

Strange, but okay. Microsoft properties have appeared in other platforms. Even Excel is available on the Mac-and that rivalry is way more fierce than the console wars.

This means that they are absolutely not kidding around with Game Pass. The games will be available there day one-or buying them full price on day one. For the casual-heck even for me-that seems very attractive.

[Father__Merrin]

its clearly obvious making these acquisitions like they did with mojang keeps their future if they decide to bail out of the hardware market it does look like they will be a publisher one day. the meltdowns have begun again!!! on twitter users were saying no point buying PlayStation now that Bethesda is xbox exclusive another pc user claimed no Doom for ps5 means ps5 is doomed.

where as the playstation fans were much more muted claiming it makes sense to aquire to make it more comparitive to sony etc but now the games will be on ps5 anyways they have eaten some crow and in stead of backtracking thier claim now is these games will be on gamepass day 1. i have to question how big budget games can make gamepass day 1 and be viable it doesnt stay there forever only few months which is enough to at least play it but no ownership. sony is right big budget games cant be day one on gamepass temp services and be a success for the develop and publisher

[J-DARKnes]

That's a good move by Microsoft, just like they did with minecraft.

[RgR]

This is probably the biggest relief in gaming I've had all year.

[thornh]

Don't have the numbers but I'm willing to bet Bethesda sold more games on the PS4 than on the Xbox One. Not sure about PC but I'm sure PS4 was up there. MS likes money (you know, M$). Why would they go exclusive with games and make half the money they could be making? THAT makes no sense.

This is all I could find immediately. These are first week sales of Fallout 4. I'm sure the percentages didn't change too much after that. Someone tell me why Bethesda or MS would want to keep this as an exclusive?

"In terms of platforms, the post-apocalyptic RPG sold through an impressive 58 percent of all copies on the PlayStation 4, with 3,010,966 shifted on Sony’s current-generation console—-close to double the amount of the Xbox One version, which moved 1,729,944 units during the same period. The PC release sold just 449,694 copies, although these days the majority of Windows games are shifted digitally."

[MadLad]

This is going to sell Xbox, PCs (Windows) and gamepass. If they do still offer the games on other platforms, that's still 100% profit for MS.

Bethesda's acquisition is the definition of a power move.

[thornh]

And if Sony were to pull off such a power move they would get nothing but negative press. If MS thinks several million people will abandon the Playstation brand because of Bethesda they are seriously delusional.

The point of my comment is people are arguing MS will make these games exclusive to Xbox and PC. My point is they love money above all else. They will make more money continuing to sell the games multi-platform.

[MadLad]

Okay, so, we're talking about two companies - both of which are internationals that have stake in multiple industries.
Both of which have a games division. Both of which sell consoles. Both of which are acquiring 3rd party developers. Both of which charge to play online, yet still push a secondary subscription service.
Yet, somehow, that makes MS the money hungry one, but not Sony.

You're also stating there's some sort of industry bias towards Sony, as they hold some of the best reviewed games had in this generation, multiple game of the year awards, and are constantly covered on the large success that the PS4 was this gen.

That MS bias is overwhelming, I must say. It's not like I've seen a thousand articles on Halo's graphics in the last month, or how MS has no games, despite acquiring multiple studios, etc.
Oh yes; the industry is just 100% pushing MS and hitting Sony lol.

[Gameseeker_Frampt]

Which 3rd party developer did Sony acquire? Insomniac is the only studio Sony has bought this decade and the only game that they had made that was published by a 3rd party was 2013's Fuse. Are you seriously trying to say that that is the same thing as buying Zenimax which is an actual 3rd party publisher?

[MadLad]

@gameseeker

I make several points as to thornh's comment was hypocritical, and you pick out the one simply with the least credibility, only because Sony doesn't have the same amount of cash to buy these large devs as MS does?
It doesn't make my comment any less true. And the acquisition of companies was literally the least of my points, being I was simply pointing out how dumb it is to say MS only cares about money, in comparison to Sony, who operates in basically the same exact way.

- both are multinationals
- both have stake in multiple industries
- both have a games division
- both willing to outright buy 3rd party devs
- both charge to play online
- both offer a second subscription service

Yet somehow MS is greedy, and the other not. That was my point. If you're going to critique me, at least follow the point.

[Gameseeker_Frampt]

@TheRealTedCruz

Ok, I see what the confusion is - you have no idea what the word "greedy" means. Apparently, you think that making money and greedy are interchangeable terms, which they are not. Microsoft purchasing game publisher Zenimax to keep their third-party games off of rival platforms is the definition of greedy. In absolutely no way is that even remotely the same as Sony buying the game studio Insomniac which made almost exclusively developed games for Sony (and all of which Sony owns the IP). Listing a bunch of irrelevant business decisions in a poor attempt to confuse the subject is kind of sad but lets take a look at some of them.

- both charge to play online - When was the last time Microsoft released a first-party exclusive game that wasn't focused on MP? Definitely wasn't Gears of War 5, Crackdown 3, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, or Forza 7. Meanwhile, Sony is releasing Horizon Zero Dawn, God of War, Spider-Man, Days Gone, The Last of Us Part 2, and Ghost of Tsushima with no MP (or with the case of the last 2 games released months later as free updates to an already complete SP package). Sony did release Dreams which is focused on MP but doesn't require PS+ for that online MP. Compare that with Minecraft where Microsoft does require you to pay for XBox Live to play online.

- both offer a second subscription service - This one is pretty simple. When was the last time Microsoft had a conversation where they didn't talk about GamePass? Compare that with Sony where they are able to actually talk about their games and consoles without bringing up PS Now. One company is focused on making games we want to buy while the other is focused on adding perceived value to a service in order for us to buy it.

Microsoft has repeatedly shown that they are focused on making money while Sony has shown that making games comes first. While Microsoft has been canceling games and releasing low-quality games like Sea of Thieves and Crackdown 3, Sony was funding first-party games like Knack 2, Gravity Rush 2, and Dreams which were going to be commercial failures but Sony wanted to make those games. Now Microsoft thinks that by throwing around enough money they can make people forget that they are the same company that for its entire gaming history has failed at developing first-party games.

[oof46]

I remember when Phil said they still had a few surprises left. We all thought that was just EA Play going to Game Pass. Wasn't expecting this.

[OptimusC]

this is logical. have games multi-plat and then they can still have specific exclusive things etc. in the future. all i know is that we'll definitely see the next Elder Scrolls on multiple systems.

[ocelot07]

It's a decent bit of business. They will have there gamepass subs plus ps5 sales and pc sales.

[jeromeface]

Rip Bethesda

[MadLad]

Oh yeah; MS having access to Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Starfield, is just going to hurt them.
Let alone the devs they'll have access to like Id, Arkane and so on.

[iplay1up2]

So Game Pass day one? $60 on Playstation?

[Knightofelemia]

Wow 7.5 billion that almost comes close what Mickey Mouse spent on buying Marvel and Star Wars together.

[S2Killinit]

So does this mean they will be on other platforms? Probably not, but it does cast some questions.

[slavish0]

because the deal won't be final for a year

[blackblades]

Yeah, we'll see the true nature of there plan until then. Can you imagine if the deal failed apart between now and then.

[Father__Merrin]

Eso will continue on PlayStation and games like the next elder scrolls etc I'd be surprised if the next doom is xbox exclusive although the lesser games look like they will be xbox only like dishonoured 3

[ILostMyMind]

It doesn't matter who owns what, as long as the best platform is not excluded from multiplatform games.

Microsoft would earn a lot more if it released everything on PlayStation. There are no exclusive games on XBox, everything is already on PC anyway.

[Xavi4K]

it won't go multiplat they owned it to lock it to their ecosystem. Just like Forza gears heal blade and the list continues...Phil spencer did say that it will be case by case...so I don't see it coming

[j15reed]

Sony fans praying those major titles come to their platform. Remember Xbox has no games now it’s MS would be smart to keep everything multiplat. Lol maybe if y’all beg hard enough by the time they come out Phil might throw y’all an Xbone.

[Agito1987]

This doesn't mean Sony will get any games by default. I think they will get some. But not all.

[Vasto]

This article is a lie.

"We’re still working on the same games we were yesterday, made by the same studios we’ve worked with for years, and THOSE games will be published by us.”

This only applies to games already announced. Phil said they will continue to honor those. Same as what Microsoft did with games like Outer Worlds and Wasteland 3. Whats the release date for Hellblade 2 and Avowed on PS?