What you need to know
- Microsoft recently announced that it intends to acquire ZeniMax Media.
- This means that the Bethesda Softworks games library is coming to Xbox Game Pass.
- Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says Microsoft will consider buying more video game companies in the future.
Microsoft shocked the video game industry with its recent news that it intends to acquire ZeniMax Media, meaning that Bethesda is joining Xbox and adding its games library to Xbox Game Pass, which recently crossed 15 million subscribers. Now, it appears that even with 23 studios as part of Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft may not be done yet.
In an interview with CNET, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says that moving forward Microsoft will consider buying other video game companies, noting that "You can't wake up one day and say, 'Let me build a game studio.'" Executive Vice President of Gaming at Microsoft Phil Spencer added that "Content is just the incredible ingredient to our platform that we continue to invest in."
Back in July 2020, Spencer stated there had been "no signal" from Microsoft to slow down on acquiring studios. Microsoft was reportedly interested in acquiring WB Games, alongside Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive. AT&T later decided not to sell WB Games for the time being.
Regardless of what moves Microsoft makes, mergers and acquisitions will continue to take place across the video game industry. Embracer Group continues to acquire large numbers of studios and IP. Sony, which owns major Xbox competitor PlayStation, was reportedly interested in acquiring Leyou Corporation, the parent company of studios like Splash Damage. Sony was then reportedly outbid by mega-conglomerate Tencent, who are currently in negotiations for Leyou.
Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold in one
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to over 200 games for one monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also adds Xbox Live Gold to the package so you can play online with your friends. You also get access to EA Play.
The full next-generation experience.
Xbox Series X is Microsoft's new flagship, as its most powerful console with over 12TF GPU performance and a custom SSD. It boasts up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS, full backward compatibility across four generations, and ray-tracing support.
Experience next-gen gaming for less.
Microsoft serves the next-generation for less with its budget-friendly Xbox Series S. The console packs the same high-performance CPU and SSD technology as Xbox Series X, while scaling back the GPU and removing the disc drive.
Xbox Series X/S
Main
- Xbox Series X: Everything we know
- Best games coming to Xbox Series X/S
- List of Xbox Series X specs
- What is the Xbox Series X release date?
- How much does Xbox Series X cost?
- Why you can't preorder Xbox Series X yet
- Best Xbox Series X Headsets
