Microsoft acquires Bethesda's parent company ZeniMax for US$7.5 billion

In a move that has taken the gaming industry by surprise, Microsoft has just acquired ZeniMax, the parent company of several well-renowned publishers like Bethesda, id Software, and more. According to a blog post by Bethesda, Microsoft has reportedly paid US$7.5 billion for the acquisition.

Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda means that it now practically owns a plethora of classic franchises such as Doom, The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, and Quake. The transfer of ownership shouldn't affect the present and future availability of existing and upcoming titles on other platforms. However, Microsoft could use this opportunity to develop some Xbox exclusives in the future. Interestingly enough, Jason Schreier says that Microsoft is working on two timed PlayStation 5 exclusives.

Fans will be pleased to know that Microsoft will be adding select Bethesda titles to Xbox Game Pass soon, presumably before the Xbox Series X drops. The additional titles should incentivize confused buyers towards Team Microsoft. A lot of the PlayStation 5's appeal came from its vast range of exclusives. With Bethesda under Microsoft's wing, Sony will have to do a lot more to remain competitive.