There’s been a lot of confusion since this mornings announcement that Xbox was purchasing Bethesda Softworks for the ridiculous sum of $7.5 million in cash. One question on a lot of gamers lips — specifically, PlayStation gamers — is: what happens to the other consoles? Will Bethesda’s games continue to release on Nintendo Switch? Will the upcoming Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo still be a timed exclusive on PlayStation 5? Will the PS5 get the fabled Elder Scrolls 6 when it eventually releases? The answers are a mixed bag of yes and maybe.

Microsoft head Phil Spencer has confirmed in an interview with Bloomberg that they will be honouring the exclusivity deals that Bethesda had in place previously with PlayStation. Ghostwire: Tokyo is set to release at some point in 2021 and Deathloop in the first quarter and both will be exclusive for some stage to the PlayStation 5.

The future of The Elder Scrolls: Online also seems to be in safe hands. 

“I want to take this moment to reassure the entire Elder Scrolls Online community that ESO will continue to be supported exactly as it was,” said Matt Firor, Studio Director at ZeniMax Oline Studios. “We fully expect it to keep growing and thriving on each of the platforms that are currently supported.”

Xbox plans to bring the Bethesda library to Game Pass for PC and Console. It’s also a safe bet to assume future Bethesda titles will release on Game Pass at launch. Spencer has confirmed that Bethesda games will continue to come to PC as well as Xbox.

When it comes to other games and consoles into the future, Spencer only offered an open-ended “we’ll take other consoles on a case-by-case basis.” 

The purchase of Bethesda Softworks is a big move by Xbox to leverage their lack of first-party titles and continue to build Xbox Game Pass. They also revealed today that the subscription service has risen from 10 million subscribers in April to 15 million. 

Microsoft expects the deal to close in the second half of the fiscal year 2021 which ends on June 30th. 

In a blog post, Pete Hines the Senior Vice President at Bethesda said:

“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.

Yes, it’s a big change for us, but after taking a minute to absorb the magnitude of this acquisition, we’re going to continue doing what we know and love: making great games. We’re going to keep trying new things. We’re going to take the same passion we’ve poured into what we do, and the passion that our community brings to the things we make, and do even better.”

The Director and Executive Producer at Bethesda Game Studios, Todd Howard also left a comment in a blog post.

“Like our original partnership, 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.

We can’t think of a better group of people to do that with than those at Xbox. We have friendships that go back to those original days. From Phil to his senior leaders to developer support, they don’t just talk about putting players first, they passionately live it.

Let me know what you think in the comments section below.