Xbox’s head, Phil Spencer, recently disclosed that the highly anticipated RPG Starfield could have been exclusive to PlayStation. To prevent this scenario, Microsoft acquired ZeniMax, the parent company of Bethesda. During a conversation with the FTC regarding the Activision Blizzard acquisition, Spencer revealed that Sony frequently pays competitors to exclude Xbox. Microsoft felt the need to secure Bethesda to avoid further content exclusivity on PlayStation.
Spencer stated, “When we acquired ZeniMax, one of the reasons behind it was that Sony had struck deals for Deathloop and Ghostwire, paying Bethesda to prevent their release on Xbox. As a third-place console, we couldn’t afford to fall behind in terms of content ownership, so we had to secure exclusive content to remain competitive in the industry.”
In 2021, Microsoft purchased ZeniMax and its subsidiaries, including Bethesda, for a staggering $7.5 billion. Following the acquisition, it was announced that “some” games from Bethesda would be exclusive to Xbox and PC. Redfall has since been released exclusively for Xbox and PC, and the same treatment is planned for Starfield.
To learn more about what Phil Spencer discussed with the FTC, you can read our article on The Elder Scroll 6’s platform uncertainty and its projected release in five years or more. Furthermore, Spencer emphasized the potential “irreparable harm” Xbox would face if they were to backtrack on their Call of Duty PlayStation promises.
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Basant Kasayap is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Bollywood to regional cinema, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
