It was recently announced that Microsoft is acquiring ZeniMax Media in a $7.5 billion deal, expected to close by the second half of 2021. As ZeniMax is the parent company to a variety of popular publishers, including Bethesda Game Studios, Alpha Dog, and Tango Gameworks, it means some of the biggest video game franchises will soon fall under the Microsoft banner. But that doesn't mean certain Bethesda games won't still come to Sony's PlayStation 5.

The deal gives Microsoft a huge one-up in terms of title exclusivity, and with the next-gen consoles set to release in November, the company needed the boost to gain a competitive edge against the PlayStation 5. It’s been confirmed future Bethesda games, such as Starfield, will debut on Game Pass the same day they become available for Xbox and PC. Similarly, existing Bethesda franchises will also soon be added to Xbox Game pass.

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While the next-gen console games confirmed for PS5 have arguably been better received than those coming to Xbox Series X, the promise that future popular titles may release exclusively on Xbox Game Pass gives players an incentive to go the Xbox route. If the deal pays off like expected, then Microsoft might finally have what it takes to close in on Sony in the coming console war.

What Bethesda Has Said About Its Future With PlayStation

PlayStation 5 Logo Color Background

However, not all hope should be lost for Sony. Microsoft has confirmed PS5 timed exclusive Bethesda games like Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo will have their exclusivity windows honored, and it's been confirmed certain Bethesda games will continue to publish multiplatform. Future games will become available on Xbox, PC, and "other consoles on a case by case basis,” Xbox's Phil Spencer told Bloomberg. Similarly, Pete Hines, the Vice President of Public Relations and Marketing at Bethesda, also confirmed the company will continue to self-publish certain titles, implying such games may be available multiplatform.

"The key point is we’re still Bethesda. 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."

Finally, upon revealing the deal with Microsoft, Bethesda Executive Producer Todd Howard implied some games may continue to be multiplatform.

"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."

It appears Bethesda Softworks remain committed to accessibility, and as such, there may still be a future for its titles on PlayStation 5.

NEXT: Microsoft Reveals Xbox Series S Packaging & Both Consoles' Full Specs

Source: GameSpot