Microsoft has acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion, the company announced.
Bethesda Softworks is the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios, and owns major franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, DOOM, Dishonored, Prey, Quake, Starfield, and more.
The acquisition of ZeniMax media grows Microsoft from 15 to 23 creative studio teams. Bethesda Softworks’ catalog of games will also be added to Xbox Game Pass. Future Bethesda Softworks titles, including Starfield, will launch in Xbox Game Pass day and date with their release.
“The key point is we’re still Bethesda,” said Bethesda Softworks senior vice president of global marketing and communications Pete Hines in a statement. “We’re still working on the same games we were yesterday, made by the same studios we’ve worked with for years, and those games will be published by us.”
Hines continued, “So why the change? Because it allows us to make even better games going forward. Microsoft is an incredible partner and offers access to resources that will make us a better publisher and developer. We believe that means better games for you to play. Simply put—we believe that change is an important part of getting better. We believe in pushing ourselves to be better. To innovate. To grow.”
Bethesda Game Studios’ Todd Howard added, “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.”
For more information, visit the blog post from Phil Spencer, EVP Gaming at Microsoft.