Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, had an interview with British GQ where he discussed the 20th anniversary of Xbox, the current state of Xbox, and where the company will be headed. The interview was framed around all of Xbox’s gambles that have got them to where they are today.
One gamble in particular seemed to catch the eye of many gamers, that of $7.5 billion gamble of purchasing Bethesda and how they plan to release their future games. Spencer mentioned how he saw the sequel to Skyrim (The Elder Scrolls VI) being similar to that of Starfield, setting up both to be Xbox exclusives.
“It’s not about punishing any other platform, like I fundamentally believe all of the platforms can continue to grow,” Spencer told GQ. “But in order to be on Xbox, I want us to be able to bring the full complete package of what we have. And that would be true when I think about Elder Scrolls VI. That would be true when I think about any of our franchises.”
Ever since Microsoft purchased Zenimax/Bethesda to the tune of $7.5 billion, players have argued over whether or not future, highly-anticipated titles would be Xbox exclusives. With Starfield being announced previously as an Xbox console exclusive and today’s quote, it all but assures that they will.
I feel like I’m writing this for the umpteenth time but it bears repeating, it makes sense for Bethesda games to be Xbox exclusive games. Before you call me an Xbox fan boy, this is coming from a guy who doesn’t even own an Xbox console (though, I’m still hunting for a Series X). When you spend $7.5 billion on a company and their products, that becomes your product to do with it what you will. Xbox has every right and SHOULD release games solely on their platform (and on PC since they are all about doing that). Just like Insomniac Games should only release on PlayStation consoles because that’s Sony‘s prerogative.
The only reason why Deathloop released on PlayStation consoles and why Ghostwire: Tokyo will release on PlayStation consoles is due to a pre-existing deal that was made before Bethesda was purchased. Any games after that are Xbox’s to do with them as they please.
So, The Elder Scrolls VI will be an Xbox console exclusive. Starfield will be an Xbox console exclusive. Redfall will be an Xbox console exclusive. This is the new normal. This shouldn’t be a question/debate anymore. It’s time to adjust accordingly.
