"Microsoft's ZeniMax Acquisition Driven by Potential PlayStation Exclusivity of Starfield"

Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda was partly driven by the potential exclusivity of Starfield on PlayStation, according to Xbox chief Phil Spencer. Sony regularly pays competitors to "skip our platform," Spencer said, and Microsoft felt it needed to own Bethesda to compete. Microsoft spent $7.5 billion to acquire ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Elder Scrolls and Fallout studio Bethesda Softworks, and has promised Xbox and PC exclusives. Spencer refused to confirm whether Elder Scrolls VI is an Xbox exclusive or not.