Phil Spencer Says He Can't Say Much About Xbox's Bethesda Acquisition Right Now or Else He'd be Breaking the Law

Ever since Microsoft announced that it would be acquiring ZeniMax Media, and by proxy Bethesda Softworks and all of its studios, there have been hundreds of questions swirling in regards to the time to come. Will Microsoft brand all Bethesda titles exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem? How will this affect previously appear plans from Bethesda? And when will the publisher'due south full catalog be coming to Xbox Game Pass? Well, now we accept a adept idea of why those over at Xbox haven't specifically answered some of these lingering inquiries.

In a chat with GameReactor, Xbox caput Phil Spencer said that due to the ongoing nature of the ZeniMax acquisition, he tin can't comment much on specifics related to how Microsoft will manage Bethesda going forrard. For those unaware, the bargain won't be finalized until early 2022, meaning that due to certain regulations that are in place, commenting on some topics right now aren't possible for Spencer.

"We expect early on in 2022 the bargain will close. Merely I say that because I want people to know, I'm non sitting down with Todd Howard and Robert Altman and planning their time to come. Because I'grand currently not allowed to practice that, that would exist illegal," Spencer said conspicuously. "Your question is completely inbound, but I get a lot of questions correct at present: 'is this game exclusive? Is this game exclusive?' And correct now, that is not my job in regards to ZeniMax. My job is non to sit downwardly and go through their portfolio and dictate what happens."

Obviously, once these restrictions are lifted, Spencer will surely be talking more nigh the course that Microsoft has in mind for Bethesda. Speaking in wide strokes, Spencer did say that he wants all of the Bethesda studios to create their best projects while working under Microsoft. "I want those amazing studious to create the best games they ever created," Spencer said. "I desire them to practise the nearly amazing work and support them in doing that."

With the Xbox Series X and S poised to launch in simply a few curt weeks, the addition of Bethesda to Xbox Game Studios definitely has Microsoft ready well heading into next-gen. And fifty-fifty if Spencer tin't provide much information nonetheless on how the publishing label volition exist utilized, it seems similar the future could be brilliant for both parties.

Have something to tell us about this article?