Microsoft's Acquisition of Bethesda: Preventing Starfield from Skipping Xbox.

Concerns over potential PlayStation exclusivity of Starfield pushed Microsoft to buy Bethesda in 2020, according to Xbox Chief Phil Spencer's testimony in the FTC's attempt to block Microsoft's proposed purchase of Activision. Spencer noted how Sony's paid deals for Bethesda titles Deathloop and Ghostwire Tokyo spooked Xbox maker, and they couldn't be in a position as a third-place console where they fall further behind on their content ownership. However, Microsoft's exclusive capture of the console version of Starfield is now prime evidence for why the company's proposed Activision deal shouldn't go through, according to the FTC and Sony.