Since Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda, the industry has been scrutinising precisely how Xbox will integrate the studio into its diverse habitat. As a predominantly PlayStation user, I’ve personally been concerned about exclusivity. Specifically will the “Elder Scrolls VI” be a purely Xbox dedicated property? Though there’s been no official confirmation, rather a broad road-map, there’s sufficient evidence that indicates a return to Tamriel might not be a viable destination for Sony.
During Microsoft’s celebratory welcome of Bethesda to the Xbox firmament, Phil “The Power!” Spencer made an oblique promise regarding their matrimonial alliance, stating that all Bethesda games, not immediately contracted to other utilities, would be available where ever Gamepass existed. So even though upcoming Bethesda shooter “Deathloop’s” timed exclusivity with PlayStation will be honoured, there’s a strong implication that Elder Scrolls 6, as well as many of Bethesda’s other prodigious assets won’t be.
Despite all the pontificating, the continued bluster concerning the advocacy for a more autonomous domain to be expended, it’s apparent that Microsoft is as supportive of exclusives as Sony are. When you are spending $7.5 billion to acquire a studio that retains the “Elder Scrolls” and “Fallout” in their extensive portfolio, it makes sense to curtail its exposure beyond the Xbox brand. It’s the same reason people own a PlayStation. I mean if you’re buying a PlayStation and aren’t playing an over the shoulder, third-person shooter, then what are you playing?!
You have to commend them. They have the substantial resources, as well as the gall to just simply “buy” a major game developer. Something that Sony just isn’t capable of emulating. This is also a compliment to Sony, that Microsoft had to spend billions of dollars to stay competitive with them. It also creates much needed competition in a stagnating market, because the last thing consumers need is a 1 company industry that can dictate and regulate gaming to suite their selfish, corporate needs.
Am I a little bitter about this acquisition? Sure. I adored Skyrim, in all of its mired purity. And the knowledge that a decade long wait for a follow-up to Skyrim is potentially in doubt, just seems so cruel. This isn’t a deliberate attempt to abstain from a “rival” console because of some vengeful conquest. Nor is about brand loyalty, or some resentment towards the “Elder Scrolls” because of its absence from PlayStation, but one of finance and logistics. I already own a PS5, an expensive hobby tempered by domestic responsibilities, that negates much of my fleeting income. So with neither the money nor the space for another console, certainly not for the privilege of 1 game, if the Elder Scrolls is destined for a permanent PlayStation sabbatical, then sadly for me I’ll have to fight mud-crabs elsewhere.
What do you guys think? Have you ever bought a console purely for 1 exclusive? Let me know in the comments below. Cheers.