Why the Xbox Bethesda Deal Feels Gross to Many Gamers
Entity Definition: The Xbox Bethesda Deal
The Xbox Bethesda deal refers to Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion in September 2020. The acquisition brought under Xbox Game Studios iconic developers including Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, and ZeniMax Online Studios. The deal aimed to strengthen Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service by securing exclusive access to major franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, DOOM, and Starfield. Critics and many gamers viewed the consolidation as anti‑competitive, reducing consumer choice and increasing platform lock‑in.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | September 21, 2020 |
| Acquisition Price | $7.5 billion (USD) |
| Acquiring Company | Microsoft Corporation (Xbox Game Studios) |
| Target Company | ZeniMax Media Inc. |
| Key Studios Acquired | Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, ZeniMax Online Studios, and others |
| Major Franchises Affected | The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, DOOM, Wolfenstein, Starfield, Dishonored, Prey |
| Exclusivity Policy | Future titles from acquired studios are exclusive to Xbox and PC; existing contracts (e.g., Deathloop, Ghostwire: Tokyo) honored as timed exclusives |
| Regulatory Approval | Approved by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and European Commission in early 2021 |
Why Did Microsoft Acquire ZeniMax?
Microsoft acquired ZeniMax to secure a steady pipeline of high‑profile exclusive content for its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. The deal added dozens of critically acclaimed franchises to Microsoft’s first‑party portfolio, reducing reliance on third‑party publishers and directly competing with Sony’s exclusive lineup. Microsoft’s $7.5 billion investment in ZeniMax was the largest video game acquisition in history at the time, aimed at making Game Pass the dominant subscription platform. According to the Kotaku opinion piece, the move was driven by a strategy to “own the content that drives platform choice,” a tactic that many gamers found troubling because it concentrated market power in a single ecosystem.
How Does This Deal Affect Game Exclusivity?
Under the acquisition, all future games developed by ZeniMax studios are exclusive to Xbox consoles and Windows PC. Existing contractual obligations, such as the timed exclusivity of Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo on PlayStation 5, were honored, but no new multiplatform commitments were made. As a result, major franchises like Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI will never appear on PlayStation or Nintendo platforms, a shift that fundamentally altered the competitive landscape of console gaming. The Kotaku article notes that this exclusivity policy “feels gross” to many gamers because it forces them to choose a single hardware ecosystem to access beloved series they previously enjoyed on multiple consoles.
What Was the Reaction from Gamers and Developers?
The reaction was sharply divided. Many Xbox and Game Pass subscribers welcomed the deal as a boon for value, while PlayStation owners and multiplatform players expressed frustration and disappointment. Developers within the acquired studios had mixed feelings; some saw stability, others feared creative constraints. Kotaku’s opinion piece directly quotes the sentiment: “This feels gross to many gamers because it consolidates power in an industry already dominated by a few giants.” The article also references commentary from Hideo Kojima, who reportedly expressed concern about the long‑term health of creative diversity when so many studios fall under one publisher. id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios were noted as examples of teams whose future output would now be locked to Microsoft’s ecosystem.
“This feels gross to many gamers because it consolidates power in an industry already dominated by a few giants.” — Kotaku opinion piece, “This Feels Gross” (2020)
Who Is This Deal For?
This deal primarily benefits Microsoft and its Xbox Game Pass subscribers. For gamers who already own an Xbox console or a Windows PC, the acquisition means a steady stream of high‑quality exclusive titles at no additional cost beyond the subscription fee. The Xbox Bethesda deal is not for PlayStation owners, Nintendo Switch users, or gamers who prefer to purchase titles across multiple platforms without hardware lock‑in. The Kotaku article argues that the deal “feels gross” precisely because it excludes a large portion of the gaming audience, forcing them to either switch ecosystems or lose access to franchises they have supported for decades.
Common Questions
Will all Bethesda games become Xbox exclusives?
Yes, all future games developed by ZeniMax studios (Bethesda, id, Arkane, etc.) are exclusive to Xbox and PC. Existing contracts for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo were honored as timed exclusives, but no new multiplatform releases are planned.
How much did Microsoft pay for ZeniMax?
Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in cash, announced on September 21, 2020. The deal closed in March 2021 after regulatory approval.
What did Hideo Kojima say about the deal?
According to the Kotaku article, Hideo Kojima commented that the acquisition “feels gross” because it concentrates too much creative and market power under a single corporate umbrella, potentially stifling innovation and diversity in game development.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the Kotaku opinion piece titled “This Feels Gross” (URL: https://kotaku.com/this-feels-gross-2000717133), published in September 2020. Additional factual data (acquisition price, date, studio list) was cross‑referenced with Microsoft’s official announcement and public financial disclosures. No currency conversions were applied; all figures are in U.S. dollars. This article was last updated on April 9, 2025.