Bethesda’s Todd Howard Opens Up on Microsoft Deal

Microsoft announced earlier today that they have acquired ZeniMax Media in a $7.5 billion dollar deal. ZeniMax is the parent company of Bethesda Softworks.

Todd Howard of Bethesda published a blog post on the official website where he wrote what this deal means to him.

“I have had the pleasure of working with, and partnering with, many of the best gaming and tech companies in the world. But our longest, and closest partner during my career, has been Microsoft.”

Todd stressed on how both the companies have gone hand in hand several times during their separate paths. Furthermore, he pointed out the similarity in Microsoft’s and Bethesda’s timeline over these years.

“From our beginning, we had primarily been a PC developer. In 1999, two things happened. One, Bethesda became part of a brand-new startup – ZeniMax Media. And Microsoft started development of their first video game console – The Xbox.”

Microsoft has a standing history with Bethesda. Together they have produced wonderful games such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, DOOM, Dishonored, Quake, and Starfield.

Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, was quick to welcome Bethesda and spell out the extent of this deal.

“As one of the largest, most critically acclaimed, privately held game developers and publishers in the world, Bethesda is an incredibly talented group of 2,300 people worldwide who make up some of the most accomplished creative studios in our industry across Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios.”

Bethesda has been an ardent supporter of the Xbox Game Pass. Fans of the franchise can expect to see the entire Bethesda catalog on Game Pass soon.

Read more-Bethesda to Be a Part of Xbox Game Studios As Microsoft Finalizes $7.5Bn Deal

What to expect with this development by Microsoft?

It is unclear whether Bethesda titles will become Xbox exclusives with this deal. There always a possibility that future titles will be timed exclusives. Could PlayStation suffer as a consequence of this deal? Only time will tell.

On the other hand, any such initiative by Microsoft might create unnecessary pitchforks in the gaming community. As of yet, none of the partners involved in the deal have spoken about this.

Todd Howard, however, has laid down the path he believes Bethesda is looking forward to after joining Xbox.

“Like our original partnership, this one is about more than one system or one screen. We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone – regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one.”