Fallout, DOOM, The Elder Scrolls coming to Xbox Game Pass

Sep 22, 2020 04:55 GMT  ·  By

One of the most surprising moves in the gaming industry was announced earlier today when Microsoft confirmed that it has entered into an agreement to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks.

ZeniMax Media doesn't own just Bethesda Softworks, but a plethora of other important studios responsible for critically-acclaimed franchises. All these studios will belong to Microsoft once the deal is closed, including Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios.

The studios mentioned above are behind franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, DOOM, Dishonored, Prey, Quake, Starfield, and many more. Since the deal is almost done, Microsoft announced plans to add Bethesda's popular games to Xbox Game Pass for console and PC.

Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said.

As far as the deal goes, Microsoft will pay $7.5 billion in cash to purchase ZeniMax Media and all its studios, a much higher amount than the Redmond-based company paid back in 2014 for Mojang, the studio behind the critically-acclaimed Minecraft franchise.

With the addition of Bethesda, Microsoft will grow from 15 to 23 creative studio teams and will be adding Bethesda’s iconic franchises to Xbox Game Pass. This includes Microsoft’s intent to bring Bethesda’s future games into Xbox Game Pass the same day they launch on Xbox or PC,” Microsoft said.

Today's announcement makes Xbox Game Pass truly the best value in the gaming industry. If you're a gamer and can't afford to pay for triple-A titles as they come out, a $10 or $15 monthly subscription will give you access to a huge library of great games. Not only that, but you'll have access to all titles launched by Microsoft's studios for free on launch day via Xbox Game Pass.