Microsoft, Bethesda Softworks deal: What does it mean for gamers, Sony’s PS5?

Microsoft on Monday announced its plans to acquire US-based ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, one of the largest, privately held game developers and publishers in the world, for $7.5 billion. The deal comes as a major boost for Xbox – Microsoft’s gaming offering – with Bethesda bringing an impressive portfolio of games, technology, talent, as well as a track record of blockbuster commercial success. 

The company is popularly known for several critically acclaimed and best-selling gaming franchises, including The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, among others.  

The planned acquisition includes publishing offices and development studios spanning the globe with over 2,300 employees, including Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. 

"Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialise and play with their friends," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a statement. 

What does it mean for gamers? 

The Microsoft Xbox owners can expect exclusive access to games developed by Bethesda Softworks. The company is already offering its Game Pass for both console as well as PC. All those who subscribe to the service, should have access existing games as well as those from Bethesda, Id, Arkane -- both old and new. 

"Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass -- from Minecraft to Flight Simulator. As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide," Nadella said. 

What does it mean for Sony’s PS5? 

The timing of this announcement is very strategic. It came a day before Microsoft’s next-gen gaming consoles Xbox X and Xbox S went for pre-orders. Microsoft’s closest competitor, Sony was set to launch to its PS5 later this year.  

A lot of gamers would be confused between the two consoles and could be weighing their options. Now, with few games exclusively available on Xbox, it can be a dealbreaker for some. 

"This is an awesome time to be an Xbox fan. In the last 10 days alone, we`ve released details on our two new consoles which go on pre-order tomorrow, launched cloud gaming in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and now we`re making another investment in the most critical part of our strategy -- games," said Phil Spencer, Executive Vice President, Gaming, at Microsoft.