Now that Microsoft’s $ 7.5 billion purchase for the purchase of ZeniMax has been approved by regulators, the technology giant will do so eventually begins to provide some insight into what this means for Xbox going forward. This is according to VentureBeat, which reports that Microsoft will hold a ‘video presentation’ on Thursday, March 11 to talk about the deal and its impact on the future of Xbox. [Update: Microsoft has officially announced a roundtable video with Bethesda to discuss the deal and more. As rumored, the event is held today, March 11, starting at 10 AM PT]
The report says that Microsoft is unlikely to talk about specific aspects for future Bethesda games, and continues that more information about Starfield is likely to come in the summer. What we shall going according to the report Thursday from the briefing, are some details on what the buyout means for Game Pass.
In particular, VentureBeat said “a number of Bethesda games” should be added to Game Pass soon. ‘The report also said that “any future (and contractually eligible) game under the Zenimax umbrella will hit Game Pass during launch.”
The report further claims that Microsoft and Bethesda are planning large showcases during the summer around the time of E3, but this will be a clear event. These events are held separately based on Microsoft’s decision that Bethesda will remain autonomous, but it is claimed that Microsoft may insist on the briefings.
A big unknown for this week’s rumors is whether it will contain details on the exclusivity questions fans have. People want to know if upcoming Bethesda games like The Elder Scrolls VI, Indiana Jones and Starfield will be coming to PlayStation consoles.
According to the report, ‘the Thursday presentation could give a black-and-white answer, or it could keep things gray – especially if the plans are more nuanced and conditional from game to game.’
For what it’s worth, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said he scrambled to share the details of the ZeniMax deal because he was legally prohibited from doing so. According to Spencer, Microsoft will decide on a title-by-title basis for each game.
According to the report, Microsoft is expected to officially announce the upcoming Bethesda video show.
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