What you need to know
- Microsoft is acquiring ZeniMax Media, meaning that Bethesda is joining Xbox.
- Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios has shared some thoughts on what has happened.
- Howard believes that both companies share a similar 'trajectory.'
As part of today's shocking news that Microsoft is acquiring ZeniMax Media, meaning Bethesda is joining Xbox Game Studios, Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios offered some interesting thoughts on the situation. He notes that the parntership between the companies first began in 1999 with discussion of an Xbox version of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
With each new console cycle, we evolved together. From bringing mods to consoles with Fallout 4, now over a billion downloads, to the latest technologies fueling Xbox Series X/S. These new systems are optimized for the vast worlds we love to create, with generational leaps not just in graphics, but CPU and data streaming as well. It's led to our largest engine overhaul since Oblivion, with all new technologies powering our first new IP in 25 years, Starfield, as well as The Elder Scrolls VI.
Howard also mentions that like Bethesda and Microsoft's partnership back on Morrowind, the two companies "share a deep belief" about how games should be accessible and have a similar "trajectory" that goes hand-in-hand.
As part of this deal, Xbox Game Studios is growing from 15 to 23 first-party studios, with new titles from Bethesda Game Studios and the other teams launching into Xbox Game Pass, which now has over 15 million subscribers.
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.
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
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.
