Back in September 2020, it was originally announced that Microsoft would be acquiring ZeniMax Media, the parent company of development teams including Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. As of today, that acquisition has formally happened, with Phil Spencer (Head of Xbox) making the announcement that all these studios are now part of the Xbox Family.
In a statement by Mr Spencer:
There are still many questions that gamers need to have answered around the future of many IPs from Bethesda and the other studios. In the immediate future things don’t seem to be changing. For example, some upcoming off-Xbox console exclusives such as Arkane Studios’ DEATHLOOP on the PlayStation 5 are still confirmed to be going ahead for now.
But with Spencer sharing that “gamers should know that Xbox consoles, PC, and Game Pass will be the best place to experience new Bethesda games” and that there will be “some new titles in the future that will be exclusive to Xbox and PC players”, that trend may be shifting sooner rather than later.
In the more immediate term however, I would expect to see more ZeniMax Media games be rolled out onto Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S very soon. You can read the full statement made by Spencer by clicking HERE.