Microsoft finalizes acquisition of Bethesda, says some upcoming games will be exclusive to Xbox/PC

the_randomizer · Mar 9, 2021

I see this is off to a great start /s

Hark0n · Mar 9, 2021

the_randomizer said:
I see this is off to a great start /s

Well it can't possibly get any worse than Fallout 76 :rofl2:

the_randomizer · Mar 9, 2021

Hark0n said:
Well it can't possibly get any worse than Fallout 76

Famous last words

pickinanameainteasy · Mar 9, 2021

Damn you Todd! You've chosen the wrong side!!

the_randomizer · Mar 9, 2021

Well, if it's anything like their acquisition of Rare, all their IPs are going to suck from here on out.

Kioku · Mar 9, 2021

the_randomizer said:
Well, if it's anything like their acquisition of Rare, all their IPs are going to suck from here on out.

I 100% doubt this will be anything like shoving RARE under a rug. Guess we'll see, though.

Tom Bombadildo · Mar 9, 2021

Definitely won't be any of the big franchises like Elder Scrolls, Fallout, or DOOM, so I'm curious to see what exactly they plan on making "exclusive".

MikaDubbz · Mar 9, 2021

Tom Bombadildo said:
Definitely won't be any of the big franchises like Elder Scrolls, Fallout, or DOOM, so I'm curious to see what exactly they plan on making "exclusive".

I could see that new Starfield game turning Microsoft exclusive. That potentially could be a big exclusive for Microsoft.

raxadian · Mar 9, 2021

I called it.

Really, anyone who didn't saw this coming is quite naive.

Shenrai · Mar 9, 2021

I can't see them buying Bethesda for smaller franchises that won't put Xbox on the map in any way, shape or form. Big titles will either be full exclusives or times exclusive imo

NumberXIIIEdwin · Mar 9, 2021

All I can really say is, meh??? I sorta liked Oblivion and Skyrim. Wasn’t in love with them but they were fun enough to waste time on back when I was in high school. Tried to get into Fallout but never could. So as someone who doesn’t own an Xbox, they will not be missed.

MikaDubbz · Mar 9, 2021

Shenrai said:
I can't see them buying Bethesda for smaller franchises that won't put Xbox on the map in any way, shape or form. Big titles will either be full exclusives or times exclusive imo

But if Microsoft want to maximize profits then it will be in their best interests to keep games as multiplatform as possible, this has certainly proven true for Minecraft.

I think Microsoft should work to get an exclusive new IP or 2 out of the acquisition quickly, Starfield seems like a good place to start, and then hope to get another soon after. That way they can hope to play the bigger game of drawing in more gamers into their Xbox environment buying a system, live, and game pass and all that, but then keep already established multiplatform IPs multiplatform to ensure they make the most money they can on them. At least that's what makes sense to me.

Shenrai · Mar 9, 2021

MikaDubbz said:
But if Microsoft want to maximize profits then it will be in their best interests to keep games as multiplatform as possible, this has certainly proven true for Minecraft.

I think Microsoft should work to get an exclusive new IP or 2 out of the acquisition quickly, Starfield seems like a good place to start, and then hope to get another soon after. That way they can hope to play the bigger game of drawing in more gamers into their Xbox environment buying a system, live, and game pass and all that, but then keep already established multiplatform IPs multiplatform to ensure they make the most money they can on them. At least that's what makes sense to me.

I don't particularly believe that profits really matter to Microsoft considering they have already made their money back from the acquisition. In addition the "exclusive" framework has worked for Sony and Nintendo in the past. Even more so, the franchises which I believe most are worried about... being Elder Scrolls and Fallout, will likely sell big regardless if they are exclusive or not. To my understanding so far Microsoft has been about slowly growing their ecosystem and putting such big games multiplatform would be detrimental to that goal. This is just my own opinion though and we will likely see more soon.

USUKDecks · Mar 9, 2021

All the more reason for me to upgrade my card to an RTX 3070/80 .... but DAMN scalpers man!! :gun:

In preparation.... I've been hitting up "GOG" and "fitgirl" releases... a lot lately

MikaDubbz · Mar 9, 2021

Shenrai said:
I don't particularly believe that profits really matter to Microsoft considering they have already made their money back from the acquisition. In addition the "exclusive" framework has worked for Sony and Nintendo in the past. Even more so, the franchises which I believe most are worried about... being Elder Scrolls and Fallout, will likely sell big regardless if they are exclusive or not. To my understanding so far Microsoft has been about slowly growing their ecosystem and putting such big games multiplatform would be detrimental to that goal. This is just my own opinion though and we will likely see more soon.

Of course the money matters, everything ultimately comes back to profit here. All these acquisitions by Microsoft are being made in hopes of ultimately leading to more money from Microsoft, and they clearly don't care so much how that has to happen anymore, putting their own games on other platforms like PC and even some on Switch, putting GamePass on computers and smart devices, keeping Minecraft multiplatform. Clearly there is a view at Microsoft now that exclusivity is not the big important thing they once thought it needed to be, because it seems their new model is actually working quite well. So I think the logic would be not to ruffle feathers with already established IPs, and keep them multiplat. But again, get a new IP or 2 exclusively for Microsoft because it can't hurt to still drive gamers directly into the Xbox ecosystem, and to strengthen the brand with properties that feel fully Microsoft through and through since they never appeared elsewhere to begin with.

Rahkeesh · Mar 9, 2021

Yeah Microsoft is not that short-sighted with Xbox division. They want to grow their extended ecosystem first and foremost. Them playing "nice" putting a few things on Switch or Steam is still aligned with that goal, just using an open hand at times instead of a closed fist. The Switch and Steam games sign into Xbox live, and they finally got Sony to accept the same with Minecraft. Note if this was Epic they would be winding down support for existing games on other platforms, that's not something Microsoft is likely to do. That doesn't mean they are above different shades of exclusivity going forward.

I expect its really the other way around: minor new IPs are the ones more likely to show up on other systems. Major ones with major pull will be the exclusives, lost sales be damned, its more than worth it to get people in your door. Sony has been buying timed exclusives with the new Final Fantasy games so its not that unprecedented, and a new console generation is the perfect time to start moving an established series elsewhere.

Let's also keep in mind how MS is increasingly pushing xCloud. That's something they could get Sony die-hards to try on their laptop or tablet if they don't want to buy an Xbox or gaming PC. Hell Phil's already hinted that he wish he could stream to Playstations and Switches too. Just getting them into gamepass ultimate subscription is all that matters, when gamepass subscriber growth is literally 5% of Nadella's paycheck.

MikaDubbz · Mar 9, 2021

Rahkeesh said:
Yeah Microsoft is not that short-sighted with Xbox division. They want to grow their extended ecosystem first and foremost. Them playing "nice" putting a few things on Switch or Steam is still aligned with that goal, just using an open hand at times instead of a closed fist. The Switch and Steam games sign into Xbox live, and they finally got Sony to accept the same with Minecraft. Note if this was Epic they would be winding down support for existing games on other platforms, that's not something Microsoft is likely to do. That doesn't mean they are above different shades of exclusivity going forward.

I expect its really the other way around: minor new IPs are the ones more likely to show up on other systems. Major ones with major pull will be the exclusives, lost sales be damned, its more than worth it to get people in your door. Sony has been buying timed exclusives with the new Final Fantasy games so its not that unprecedented, and a new console generation is the perfect time to start moving an established series elsewhere.

I just don't get the logic of new IPs elsewhere and old IPs stay to Microsoft, that doesn't strengthen either brand. After years of Elder Scrolls being multiplatform, few are going to immediately recognize it suddenly as a Microsoft only property and will anger a sizable amount of the install base of the series, and meanwhile a brand new property that could be your own Legend of Zelda or God of War, you're going to let go multiplatform and not become directly tied to the Microsoft brand?

tech3475 · Mar 9, 2021

MikaDubbz said:
But if Microsoft want to maximize profits then it will be in their best interests to keep games as multiplatform as possible, this has certainly proven true for Minecraft.

I think Microsoft should work to get an exclusive new IP or 2 out of the acquisition quickly, Starfield seems like a good place to start, and then hope to get another soon after. That way they can hope to play the bigger game of drawing in more gamers into their Xbox environment buying a system, live, and game pass and all that, but then keep already established multiplatform IPs multiplatform to ensure they make the most money they can on them. At least that's what makes sense to me.

I think it depends on whether they want to prioritise building up Xbox (I.e. Get more people to buy into the ecosystem) or prioritise per game revenue sales.

Shenrai · Mar 9, 2021

tech3475 said:
I think it depends on whether they want to prioritise building up Xbox (I.e. Get more people to buy into the ecosystem) or prioritise per game revenue sales.

Yea we can't really know until they state it outright. I do, however think that they are capable of transitioning a game from being originally multiplatform to one solely in the Microsoft ecosystem as evidenced from previous acquisitions. I don't think Microsoft really cares if something big like Elder Scrolls becomes exclusive.... Just got to accept it assuming its their strategy.

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