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[The_Mike]

They have to recoup the cost of purchase of Bethesda, it was a massive acquisition and I would be surprised as hell if they device to keep anything exclusive.

Exclusivity would just harm revenue, they had to look at the current Bethesda books and factored in how long it would take to recoup the purchase, there's no way they'd be cutting off platforms, hell, you'd want to EXPAND platforms, if anything!

Skyrim on fridges!

You do realise Microsoft has so much money that they could buy Sony ten times, if they were on sale right?

Bethesda wasn't about getting their money back. As I said previously, they will never get the 7. 5 billion back, even if they went multiplatform.

But explain to me, why should Microsoft invest 7.5 billion in Bethesda, if they release it on all platforms? I need to understand why Microsoft should buy a multiplatform studio if they kept being multiplatform.

Microsoft doesn't need money. They couldn't even feel the purchase of Bethesda. Microsoft is so much more than Xbox.

 

[OrtizTwelve]

Xbox CFO Talks Bethesda Exclusivity; “We Want Bethesda Content to be First or Better or Best on Xbox Platforms”

According to Xbox CFO, Tim Stuart, Microsoft wants Bethesda content to be first or better on Xbox platforms, including Xbox Series X|S.

wccftech.com

So what does this rather vague phrasing mean for Bethesda titles on other platforms? While Xbox CFO Tim Stuart didn’t make any announcements regarding Xbox exclusivity, he did have some rather interesting things to say about the matter, including the fact that Microsoft is keen to keep supporting cross-platform play.

“When we think about Bethesda, it's going to be the continuing to allow -- I'll say allow, but continue to sell their games on the platforms that they exist today, and we'll determine what that looks over time and will change over time”, the CFO said. “I'm not making any announcements about exclusivity or something like that. But that model will change.”

He added, “Microsoft is a platform. We're one of the first to really support Minecraft, Roadblock, Fortnite across platforms. So we highly encourage cross-platform play, simply from this landscape of, if it's good for the gaming ecosystem, it's good for us, classic rising tide lifts all boats.”

Like Phil Spencer, the executive points out that, in the long run, Microsoft doesn’t have intentions to pull content from either Sony or Nintendo. He did state, however, that Microsoft wants Bethesda content to show up the best it can on Xbox platforms, also hinting at some form of timed-exclusivity for Bethesda titles on Xbox.

Microsoft spent around 7 billion on this acquisition. It will be used 100% as some form of exclusivity, it’s only logical.

Expect Bethesda titles in the near future as XBOX exclusives via disc, digital, and Game Pass. Whether timed exclusives or not, remains to be the question. I suspect initially they will be timed, and over time, available only on XBOX and Game Pass (XBOX / Windows 10).

Microsoft purchased a lot of well known and respected properties, I would expect them to capitalize on it somehow and drive consumers to XBOX, and more specifically Game Pass. This is their ultimate goal.

 

[IntentionalPun]

They have to recoup the cost of purchase of Bethesda, it was a massive acquisition and I would be surprised as hell if they device to keep anything exclusive.

Exclusivity would just harm revenue, they had to look at the current Bethesda books and factored in how long it would take to recoup the purchase, there's no way they'd be cutting off platforms, hell, you'd want to EXPAND platforms, if anything!

Skyrim on fridges!

Microsoft is absolutely not going to calculate some direct need to recoup the 7.5 billion dollars.. they can't, because as these statements make clear, they are going to leverage Bethesda to make their platforms more attractive.. and making your platform more attractive is a strategic move with incalculable benefits.

Does that mean all Zenimax games are outright exclusive? No; but at bare minimum their CFO is outright suggesting timed exclusivity on Xbox.. better versions of games on their platforms.. and is absolutely not ruling out 100% exclusivity to their platforms.. nor have other executives.

It's a far more complicated situation than "They must make back the 7.5 billion."

 

[bighugeguns]

Do they? In what time frame?

Not if it drives Game Pass subs.

It will drive Game Pass subs regardless, why spend money to get Doom etc on PS5 when you just get it free on Xbox, that's a massive value incentive and will likely steal users from Sony, the sales on PS4/PS5 is extra revenue.

Time frame? Who knows, a decade? Who knows the numbers. The entirety of Bathesda probably generates an ass-load of money though.

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

Thats not what he said at all. Journalists are already running with this so unless MS comes out and denies, I'll believe they will release on PS5. Xbox will probably get Master Chief skins or something.

They can't talk about it. They don't own Zenimax yet. What part of this aren't you understanding?

Absolutely ridiculous overreaction. If you legitimately thought MS spent 7.5 billion just for skins and timed exclusivity then you're out of your god damned mind.

 

[Bergoglio]

You know what the funny thing is? Even if it all came out on PS5, the best and most complete versions will be on xbox platforms. So the catch remains.

 

[FritzJ92]

Here is the business side of things, when something goes exclusive, you don't take a competitors product as potential sales. If it was about making sales or more money, they wouldn't went into a partnership so MS could benefit from game sales on all platforms. But by purchasing them MS wants to own the IP and dictate what happens next.

It will drive Game Pass subs regardless, why spend money to get Doom etc on PS5 when you just get it free on Xbox, that's a massive value incentive and will likely steal users from Sony, the sales on PS4/PS5 is extra revenue.

Time frame? Who knows, a decade? Who knows the numbers. The entirety of Bathesda probably generates an ass-load of money though.

But they said the math checks out without Sony... so why do people keep bringing them in?

 

[bighugeguns]

Microsoft is absolutely not going to calculate some direct need to recoup the 7.5 billion dollars.. they can't, because as these statements make clear, they are going to leverage Bethesda to make their platforms more attractive.. and making your platform more attractive is a strategic move with incalculable benefits.

Does that mean all Zenimax games are outright exclusive? No; but at bare minimum their CFO is outright suggesting timed exclusivity on Xbox.. better versions of games on their platforms.. and is absolutely not ruling out 100% exclusivity to their platforms.. nor have other executives.

It's a far more complicated situation than "They must make back the 7.5 billion."

They're literally already flexing that leverage, Doom Eternal is free right now on Gamepass. That's going to be the driver of users to their platform. You can spend $70 on Playstation, or you can get it free on Xbox. If you stay on Playstation, MS gets revenue, if you move, MS gets more long term revenue.

 

[Airbus Jr]

You know what the funny thing is? Even if it all came out on PS5, the best and most complete versions will be on xbox platforms. So the catch remains.

Contrary to that..

Bethesda usually release their game twice

A Game of The Year Edition a year latter or more with all DLC included

So..by the time it hits other platform ( PS/Nintendo)

They most likely will get the complete package on day one

 

[bighugeguns]

Almost fell off my chair when I saw Doom Eternal free on Gamepass, MS does not screw around at all.

They're really going for the "Dude are you fkn crazy get an Xbox, <big hot title> is free on it!" approach.

 

[Andodalf]

They're literally already flexing that leverage, Doom Eternal is free right now on Gamepass. That's going to be the driver of users to their platform. You can spend $70 on Playstation, or you can get it free on Xbox. If you stay on Playstation, MS gets revenue, if you move, MS gets more long term revenue.

del

 

[Bergoglio]

Contrary to that..

Bethesda usually release their game twice

A Game of The Year Edition a year latter or more with all DLC included

So..by the time it hits other platform ( PS/Nintendo)

They most likely will get the complete package on day one

I find it hard to believe that Microsoft will allow it.

Do you want the best version of TES6 on xbox? Keep all DLC, expansions, console mod, marketing, graphics update, patch etc on xbox for an indefinite time.

 

[kyussman]

I've been a PlayStation exclusive gamer for the last two gens(PS3 and PS4)because that's where the games I enjoy have been.I've had no reason to invest in Xbox during that time....but the Bethesda aquisition has given me many reasons to invest in an XSX if those franchises are not going to be available on PS5 moving forward.
I've no idea what the deal will be with franchises like Wolfenstein,Dishonored etc.....but if they do all go Xbox exclusive then I won't want to miss out and an XSX purchase will be on the cards for me later in the gen(I'll be picking up a PS5 in the new year).
Will be interesting to see how it all shakes out.

 

[AJUMP23]

I guess you won't really know until Bethesda announces the release of their next game. Then we can see how far the long are of exclusivity reaches. I wouldn't worry about it though, I can't wait to just get them on Gamepass as a day 1 no additional cost.

 

[Airbus Jr]

I find it hard to believe that Microsoft will allow it.

Well judging by the headline news thats most likely the scenario

I see this as an absolute win for everyone

 

[jhjfss]

TLDR : Yes, No, Maybe, Maybe Not

 

[Orta]

Xbox & PC first, Switch Pro ports to follow a year or so down the line

As far as you know who goes, don't even acknowledge their existence.

 

[Boss Man]

If they’re not going to make those games exclusive, I kind of wish Sony and MS could just work out some way to put Gamepass on PS5.

Timed exclusives are the worst.

 

[Kittehkraken]

Let the backtracking of everyone who was 100% sure Bethesda was Xbox exclusive begin.

 

[NickFire]

They're literally already flexing that leverage, Doom Eternal is free right now on Gamepass. That's going to be the driver of users to their platform. You can spend $70 on Playstation, or you can get it free on Xbox. If you stay on Playstation, MS gets revenue, if you move, MS gets more long term revenue.

This is exactly how the monetization of most games will shake out. There will be some pure exclusives. But the big hitters will come down to free (and probably earlier) for gamepass subscribers, and full retail price otherwise. People need to bear in mind two things. First, there is a huge difference between capacity to lose billions and willingness to do so. Second, gamepass is the main focus of MS next gen (and current gen) plans. Gamepass is not going to be significantly adversely affected by MS selling games elsewhere. Just look at Disney and Netflix. Do either suffer in a material way from the ability to purchase blu-rays, or digital versions from cable companies? Of course not.

 

[Bergoglio]

Well judging by the headline news thats most likely the scenario

I see this as an absolute win for everyone

If you give me the chance to play a PS5 GOTY version of TES or Starfield or DOOM full of content, I will never get xbox game pass.

 

[bighugeguns]

This is exactly how the monetization of most games will shake out. There will be some pure exclusives. But the big hitters will come down to free (and probably earlier) for gamepass subscribers, and full retail price otherwise. People need to bear in mind two things. First, there is a huge difference between capacity to lose billions and willingness to do so. Second, gamepass is the main focus of MS next gen (and current gen) plans. Gamepass is not going to be significantly adversely affected by MS selling games elsewhere. Just look at Disney and Netflix. Do either suffer in a material way from the ability to purchase blu-rays, or digital versions from cable companies? Of course not.

My biggest worry is that third party publishers can't keep their pants zipped up.

They'll see this as an oppertunity to make base games extremely bare bones and absolutely fucking bury you in DLC and MTX, even more so than they already do.

That'll screw with the value leveraged by Gamepass, guess that's why MS is buying up studios so hard, they have to keep the games in check from churning out "demos" which need to be built like Legos using your money.

 

[Chukhopops]

I see a scenario where there is maybe 6 to 12 months exclusivity for GP / Steam and then the games will be available elsewhere.

You still build incredible value for your subscription model, the games stay in your catalogue increasing its value over time and you make extra money from the sales on other platforms later when the games become less strategic.

 

[Airbus Jr]

If you give me the chance to play a PS5 GOTY version of TES or Starfield or DOOM full of content, I will never get xbox game pass.

Yeah but on xbox you get to play the game earlier

Thats the plus point im talking about

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

Not keeping Bethesda titles off of PC is going to cost them console sales and won't help justify the cost of buying them.

 

[NickFire]

My biggest worry is that third party publishers can't keep their pants zipped up.

They'll see this as an oppertunity to make base games extremely bare bones and absolutely fucking bury you in DLC and MTX, even more so than they already do.

I'd say that is a very valid concern for what we can expect from a gamepass model. In fact I think it's inevitable that micro-transactions will increase when there is no direct purchase cost. But I think I'd be more worried about 1st and second party games. 3rd party's will always cram them in too, but I doubt you will see too many big name 3rd party games hit gamepass during a title's peak direct sales period.

 

[Bergoglio]

Yeah but on xbox you get to play the game earlier

Thats the plus point im talking about

I get it. But what if in that period of exclusivity, the subscribers increase frightfully? Do you respect that 6/12 months of exclusivity or do you extend?

 

[Airbus Jr]

I get it. But what if in that period of exclusivity, the subscribers increase frightfully? Do you respect that 6/12 months of exclusivity or do you extend?

I cant say for sure

That decision is up to them ( bethesda or xbox)

 

[bighugeguns]

I get it. But what if in that period of exclusivity, the subscribers increase frightfully? Do you respect that 6/12 months of exclusivity or do you extend?

I don't agree with timed exclusivity, I think still go for global multi-platform release, but you put it out for free on Gamepass is a bigger potential winner, you bank on marketing hype from sales across the board, and you still leverage your zero cost incentive to drive users to your platform.

Staggered release marketing is always shitty, gotta blow your whole load out the door.

 

[Boss Man]

I'd say that is a very valid concern for what we can expect from a gamepass model. In fact I think it's inevitable that micro-transactions will increase when there is no direct purchase cost. But I think I'd be more worried about 1st and second party games. 3rd party's will always cram them in too, but I doubt you will see too many big name 3rd party games hit gamepass during a title's peak direct sales period.

Honestly, I’m kind of OK with this. I’ve spent $30-$60 on so many games that I never played more than 1-2 hours of. I’d be happy to get 8 hours out of a game that I might not have even tried otherwise, then pay for more (and know exactly what I’m getting) if I want.

 

[IDKFA]

As long as Microsoft don't lose their minds and make ESVI and Starfield Gamepass exclusives then I'm good. I'll just buy digital copies on XSX or PC.

 

[Bigfroth]

I rather not have bethesda games come to PS5 at all than get PS5 versions that are gimped intentionally.

 

[SupremeHoodie]

Not coming to Sony. lol

 

[Airbus Jr]

Not coming to Sony. lol

Can we screenshot this comment when it happens

Will be a funny looking one in the future

 

[nikolino840]

Becouse they are superior

 

[NickFire]

Honestly, I’m kind of OK with this. I’ve spent $30-$60 on so many games that I never played more than 1-2 hours of. I’d be happy to get 8 hours out of a game that I might not have even tried otherwise, then pay for more (and know exactly what I’m getting) if I want.

I did not mean to suggest this would always be a bad thing. When done right monetizing a game via micro-transactions can be beneficial to everyone (Fortnite being the best example ever IMO). There will be cases where I feel the micro-transactions are disgusting I expect. But there should be some instances of doing it right by everyone too.

 

[QuantumZebra]

PS5 gets COD xp boost XSX gets Starfield and TE6 it all balances out

 

[soulbait]

He literally says

"We don’t have intentions of just pulling all of Bethesda content out of Sony or Nintendo, we want it to be first or best on our platform''

The exact opposite is clear.

Actually, by leaving Skyrim and the Fallout games that are currently available on PS4 and Switch, this statement is honest: the content is not being pulled out. If the new games never go to the other systems, then it was never there in the first place to be pulled out.

Just sayn'

 

[Airbus Jr]

Think im gona take the bet with this guy^

If hes right..i have nothing to lose...

If hes wrong..well..got a new house !

 

[Blond]

IMO they just want to hardball Sony into letting Gamepass on PlayStation, that’s pretty obvious.

 

[Bonfires Down]

4 pages? People are really thirsty for Bethesda games it seems.

Too bad we don’t have the full context so we can see the question he’s answering as that would clear things up. My guess is that it is indeed about existing content, mainly ESO.

 

[LisaMariaMartin]

They can't talk about it. They don't own Zenimax yet. What part of this aren't you understanding?

But they are talking about it. All the damn time. We get a new interview every other week since they announced it.

 

[alabtrosMyster]

Since they now include PC when they say "best or better on Xbox platforms" the statement is meaningless.

However,it seems fair to assume that the PlayStation versions would not be as polished (if they ever came to be).

 

[DaleinCalgary]

I don't believe for a second unannounced games will come to playstation

 

[Andodalf]

But they are talking about it. All the damn time. We get a new interview every other week since they announced it.

Oh for real? When did they give any specifics about anything related to any game?


They've spoken in broad generalizations about how the acquisitions serves to help their vision for the brand. That's it.

 

[Mercenary09]

Well how about that. That thread I made awhile back was sure full of people telling me how dumb I was to think that any of these games will come to PlayStation. More and more it sounds like these games will launch first on Xbox and go elsewhere after or they'll have something to make people want to play them on Xbox. But it doesn't sound like they'll keep them off PlayStation.

 

[iHaunter]

Intentionally optimize more for XSX to sabotage competition?

 

[NickFire]

Well how about that. That thread I made awhile back was sure full of people telling me how dumb I was to think that any of these games will come to PlayStation.

Don't feel bad. Pretty much anyone who looked at the situation from a business standpoint was flamed.

 

[Neko Mimi Mode]

The words used here are

"What we’ll do in the long run is we don’t have intentions of just pulling all of Bethesda content out of Sony or Nintendo or otherwise.”

and to really hammer it home he adds

"That’s not a point about being exclusive"

its obvious what he's saying and that is - MS have no intention of pulling existing content or agreed content from other platforms. This is not related to future exclusive content and he says so himself.

The fact Sony console only owners are the only ones misinterpreting that here tell me we've moved on to the bargaining stage.

 

[FrankWza]

So............yup