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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Microsoft completed its purchase of ZeniMax Media, Bethesda Softworks’ parent company, on March 9, 2021. The $7.5 billion cash deal announced in September 2020 gave Xbox control of Bethesda’s studios, technology, franchises and catalog—but Microsoft promised only that some future titles would be exclusive to Xbox and Windows PC. It did not announce that every Bethesda game would leave PlayStation.
What Microsoft actually bought
The legal transaction was an acquisition of ZeniMax Media, not a purchase of Bethesda Softworks as an isolated label. Bethesda Softworks was ZeniMax’s publishing business; Bethesda Game Studios was one of the development teams under that parent company. The deal therefore covered publishing operations, development studios, intellectual property, technology and previously released games.
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XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Carbon Black | $49.49 | Buy on Amazon |
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Logitech G F310 Wired Gamepad Controller Console - Blue/Black | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue | $54.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller + USB-C Cable | Carbon Black | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Microsoft’s announcement identified eight development teams joining Xbox: Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog and Roundhouse Studios. The portfolio included The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, Wolfenstein, Dishonored, Prey, Quake, The Evil Within, The Elder Scrolls Online and the then-in-development Starfield. Microsoft described the acquisition as increasing its internal Xbox development organization from 15 to 23 teams.
Microsoft’s original announcement and Bethesda’s explanation provide the corporate and studio context.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
When the deal was announced and closed
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 21, 2020 | Microsoft announced an agreement to acquire ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion in cash. |
| January 29, 2021 | The European Commission received notification of the proposed transaction. |
| March 5, 2021 | The European Commission declared the transaction compatible with the common market. |
| March 9, 2021 | Microsoft announced that the acquisition had formally closed. |
The regulatory decision is recorded in the European Commission’s case document. The closing announcement is on Xbox Wire.
Why the price is described as both $7.5 billion and $8.1 billion
$7.5 billion was Microsoft’s announced cash transaction value in September 2020. In its fiscal 2021 Form 10-K, Microsoft later reported an $8.1 billion total purchase price, primarily cash. These figures refer to different reporting points and should not be treated as a contradiction: one was the announced deal value and the other was the final accounting figure reported after closing.
For the original transaction terms, see the SEC transaction exhibit. Microsoft’s later accounting disclosure appears in its FY2021 Form 10-K.
What “some Xbox and PC exclusives” meant
Microsoft’s March 2021 statement said that Xbox consoles, Windows PC and Game Pass would be the best places to experience new Bethesda games, including “some new titles” exclusive to Xbox and PC. The wording established a direction, not a complete release list.
- Some future Bethesda titles could be withheld from rival consoles.
- Microsoft did not say that every existing Bethesda game would become exclusive.
- It did not publish a title-by-title platform policy for every franchise.
- “Xbox and PC exclusive” is broader than “Xbox-console exclusive,” because Windows releases are included.
That distinction matters for franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom and Quake. Ownership gives Microsoft substantial control over future projects, but the 2021 announcement alone does not establish the platform for every unannounced sequel or spin-off.
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- With broad game support, the Logitech Gamepad F310 works with old standbys to today's biggest titles, so it's easy to set up and use with your favorite games.
- Profiler software allows the gamepad to be programmed to perform keyboard and mouse commands for games without gamepad support.* * Requires software installation.
- A familiar control layout that doesn't require a learning curve to be able to use, with all the same buttons as on an Xbox 360.
- The unique floating D-pad rests on four switches-instead of a single pivot point-making it responsive to quick changes in direction.
- The six-foot cord lets you lean back and play a comfortable distance from your PC monitor.
Why some Bethesda games still appeared on PlayStation
An acquisition does not automatically cancel contracts signed before the transaction closed. Microsoft honored existing arrangements, including timed PlayStation 5 exclusivity for Arkane’s Deathloop and Tango Gameworks’ Ghostwire: Tokyo.
| Term | Meaning | Bethesda example |
|---|---|---|
| Timed exclusivity | A game is unavailable on a rival console for an agreed period, then may release elsewhere. | Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo retained pre-existing PlayStation 5 arrangements. |
| Permanent/platform exclusivity | The publisher does not release the title on a specified rival platform. | Requires title-specific evidence; the 2021 announcement was not a universal list. |
| Multiplatform release | The game launches on competing consoles, often alongside PC. | Availability differs by title and contract. |
The UK Competition and Markets Authority discussed the existing arrangements in its 2022 document. Microsoft also explained its treatment of pre-existing commitments in its ZeniMax facts document. Neither example should be described as a permanent PlayStation-only release.
Starfield showed how the policy could work
Microsoft identified Starfield as a future Bethesda title intended for Xbox and PC Game Pass on launch day. It subsequently launched for Xbox and Windows PC rather than PlayStation, making it a practical example of the Xbox-and-PC strategy.
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Game Pass was a central part of the acquisition
The deal strengthened Microsoft’s subscription strategy in two ways. First, Bethesda’s back catalog supplied recognizable games for Game Pass. Second, Microsoft said future Bethesda releases were intended to arrive in Game Pass on launch day for Xbox or PC. That gave Microsoft first-party content it could add without negotiating a separate licensing deal with an outside publisher.
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- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
- Access is not ownership: Game Pass generally requires an active subscription, and a title can leave the catalog or vary by edition.
- Availability differs: platform, region, subscription tier and title determine what a subscriber can play.
- Purchasing remains possible: a game may be sold separately even while it is included in Game Pass.
Bethesda’s official catalog is the appropriate place to check current title-by-title availability instead of assuming that the entire catalog follows one rule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The financial and platform strategy
Content acquisition
Microsoft obtained established franchises and experienced teams immediately rather than building comparable capabilities internally. That can shorten the path to new releases, although it does not remove the normal risks of game development.
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High-profile first-party games can attract and retain subscribers, while older titles make a service useful between major launches. Microsoft also gained content suitable for console, Windows PC and cloud distribution.
Competitive positioning
The deal shifted competition from a simple console-versus-console question toward an ecosystem question: which combination of device, account and subscription provides the games a player wants? Releasing on Windows PC broadens Microsoft’s reach without giving the same software to a direct console rival.
Execution risks
Microsoft’s transaction disclosures identified integration, employee retention, regulatory restrictions and the possibility that gaming investments would not achieve expected returns. Delays, quality problems, franchise fatigue and the tension between full-price sales and subscription growth remain business risks. The acquisition created more capacity, not a guarantee of successful releases.
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- XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
- WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
- PC READY. NO EXTRAS NEEDED — Plug the USB-C cable into your Windows PC and you're playing instantly. No adapters, no Bluetooth pairing, no additional purchases required. Works across the XBOX app, Steam, and more.*
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
What the acquisition means for each type of player
Xbox owners
You gained a larger first-party portfolio and a stronger reason to use Game Pass, but each game’s platform and catalog status still needs to be checked individually.
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Microsoft explicitly treated Windows PC as a destination alongside Xbox consoles. Players may access titles through Game Pass or buy them through the storefronts supported by that game, including Steam in some cases.
PlayStation owners
Previously released games and pre-existing contractual releases may remain available. Future Bethesda games cannot be assumed to launch on PlayStation merely because earlier entries did.
Game Pass subscribers
The acquisition expanded the potential catalog, but access depends on the selected plan, platform, region and whether Microsoft continues to include a particular title.
Choosing between a subscription, a console and individual purchases
| Option | Best suited to | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | Players wanting Xbox console access, PC access, online console multiplayer, cloud gaming and a broad first-party library. | Microsoft’s April 21, 2026 U.S. update listed $22.99 per month; regional pricing and catalog membership can differ. See the official page. |
| PC Game Pass | Windows players who do not need an Xbox console. | The same April 21, 2026 U.S. update listed $13.99 per month; some games may require separate accounts or launchers. Compare plans at Xbox’s comparison page. |
| Xbox Series X or Series S | Players seeking a living-room Xbox device and console Game Pass access. | Series S is digital-only; a capable PC or a preference for PlayStation-only games may make a console purchase poor value. Product details: Series X and Series S. |
| Individual game purchase | Players who want permanent access without a recurring subscription. | Prices, editions and supported platforms vary by title; consult the Bethesda catalog. |
There is no universally cheapest choice. A subscription can be economical for someone playing several included games, while buying one title can cost less than maintaining a service for months. Check the specific game, your platform and the renewal price before committing.
Bottom line
Microsoft bought ZeniMax Media, completed the transaction on March 9, 2021, and gained the ability to steer selected future Bethesda releases toward Xbox and Windows PC. The company did not promise that every Bethesda game would become Xbox-only. Existing contracts, timed exclusivity, Game Pass terms and title-specific decisions all matter, so platform availability must be evaluated game by game.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
