It finally took place yesterday, March 11th: the big roundtable on the Bethesda takeover by Microsoft. Solid announcements for future titles were left out, but the Xbox boss let it be known that Sony fans would have to be brave about upcoming games like The Elder Scrolls VI.
In view of the multi-billion dollar takeover deal, it was already foreseeable that upcoming Bethesda games would predominantly be available exclusively on Microsoft platforms, but a back door was left open until the end, so that PS5 buyers can still have hopes for at least one or the other were allowed to make another title from Bethesda. After yesterday’s roundtable, there is no final clarity, but Xbox boss Phil Spencer has now significantly limited the scope for interpretation, to the chagrin of Sony supporters.
As for the support of platforms other than those in the Xbox orbit, Spencer confirmed that existing agreements and availabilities will continue to be honored. In short, this means that both Ghostwire: Tokyo and Deathloop will continue to be available for Sony consoles as planned by Bethesda.
“We have games that exist on other platforms, and we will continue to support those games on the platforms on which they are available,” said Spencer. “There are player communities that we appreciate and that we will continue to invest in. And even in the future there could be things that have contractual backgrounds or a legacy on different platforms.”
So far, so good, but then comes the very clear restriction: “But if you’re an Xbox customer, then I want you to know one thing: It’s about offering great exclusive games for you that are based on the Platforms appear where Game Pass exists; that’s our goal. That’s why we’re doing this in the first place, and that’s the foundation of this partnership we’re building. We want to bring these creative opportunities to Xbox customers to market bring – and they’ll be the best ever on Xbox. “
Translated means: In addition to the above-mentioned games that have already been announced for the PlayStation, other representatives such as DOOM Eternal or The Elder Scrolls Online will remain available as usual, but for the future blockbusters it will now finally look bad on the PS5.
Keyword upcoming titles: Microsoft, together with Bethesda, is holding out the prospect of another showcase for summer 2021, at which they will then present upcoming projects. We may then hear more about Starfield or The Elder Scrolls VI.
Bethesda has now officially been welcomed within the Xbox family.
