Seven billion dollars.
Microsoft is once again shaking up the landscape and making us wonder what is truly reality. The tech giant today announced that it intends to acquire ZeniMax Media as well as its subsidiaries for $7.5 billion in cash. The acquisition will give Microsoft ownership of publishing offices and studios including 2,300 employees, Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane, Machine Games, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios.
Microsoft will now run the franchises for The Elder Scrolls, Dishonored, Wolfenstein, Prey, Doom, the upcoming Ghostwire: Tokyo, Quake, Rage, and The Evil Within. Among others. The added libraries will most certainly be used to bolster Microsoft’s current library on the Game Pass. It will have to be seen how this affects future title releases on third party consoles.
“Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass—from Minecraft to Flight Simulator. As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide.”
Senior vice president at ZeniMax Pete Hines posted an announcement expressing his hope for the future between the two companies.
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.
Source: ZeniMax Announcement
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