According to a recent statement from Microsoft, three upcoming Bethesda releases will be exclusive to Xbox and PC platforms. It is not clear which specific games are being referred to, but many people are eagerly anticipating the release of Starfield, Bethesda’s first new IP in 25 years. The release date for Starfield has not been announced, but it is expected to launch sometime in 2023.
Microsoft has recently been in the news due to controversy surrounding its attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard. The acquisition has drawn the attention of regulators, who may block the purchase. In 2020, Microsoft successfully acquired ZeniMax, the parent company of Bethesda, and already owns other gaming studios such as id Software and Arkane, the developer of Dishonored. Given its significant influence in the gaming industry, it appears that Microsoft is seeking to make certain upcoming releases exclusive to its hardware and operating system.
According to a statement provided to the Federal Trade Commission in relation to the Activision Blizzard merger, Microsoft has announced that “three future titles” from Bethesda will be exclusive to Xbox and PC platforms. While the names of these releases have been withheld from the statement, it does mention that these games are intended to be “played primarily alone or in small groups,” which may give some indication of which titles are being referred to.
What will be the three future Bethesda titles that will be exclusive
It has been confirmed that both Starfield and Redfall will be exclusive to Xbox Series and Windows PCs. The third mystery game has not been identified. However, it has been suggested that The Elder Scrolls 6 may be exclusive to Microsoft, and it is possible that this game is the third release on the redacted list. This is purely speculation at this point, but the fact that these future titles are intended for either single-player or small group multiplayer suggests that The Elder Scrolls 6 may not be available on other systems like PlayStation.
It is not yet known if Microsoft plans to make Fallout 5 an exclusive title. It is too early to say at this point. However, if games like The Elder Scrolls 6 are only available on powerful PCs or current-gen Xbox consoles, it may disappoint some players who do not have access to these systems.
