Regulators in the United States and Europe have approved Microsoft’s acquisition of Zenimax Media, which means Bethesda is now an Xbox studio. But what does this mean for the companies involved and for fans of games like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls? Well, Microsoft is going to start answering the questions on Thursday, March 11 with a video presentation, according to sources familiar with the plans.
Microsoft is unlikely to discuss the details of Bethesda’s upcoming projects. Details about the previously announced sci-fi role-playing adventure Starfield are likely to come this summer, so Xbox and Bethesda will not be talking about it now. Instead, they will explain what the deal means for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
In particular, a number of Bethesda games should soon make the leap to Game Pass. Microsoft will also use this time to reiterate that any future (and contractually eligible) game under the Zenimax umbrella will hit Game Pass during launch.
Xbox and Bethesda are also not planning to merge their summer showcases. Both companies are preparing announcements for around E3 (the Electronic Entertainment Expo), but they will be holding it separately. However, Microsoft may try to offer them back-to-back as part of a one-two punch for Xbox.
Ultimately, it is still unclear whether Microsoft and Bethesda will address the issue of platform exclusivity. PlayStation fans want to know if Bethesda releases like Starfield, Indiana Jones or The Elder Scrolls VI will also launch on PS5. The Thursday presentation can give a black-and-white answer, or it can keep things gray – especially if the plans from game to game are more nuanced and conditional.
Microsoft will probably confirm the event the next day or two.
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