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Now that Microsoft’s $7.5 billion deal to buy ZeniMax has been approved by regulators, the tech giant will finally begin to share some insight on what it means for Xbox going forward. This is according to VentureBeat, which reports that Microsoft will hold a “video presentation” on Thursday, March 11 to talk about the deal and its impact on the future of Xbox. [Update: Microsoft has officially announced a roundtable video with Bethesda to discuss the deal and more. As rumored, the event is held today, March 11, starting at 10 AM PT]
The report said Microsoft is “unlikely” to talk about specifics for future Bethesda games, going on to say that more information on Starfield is likely to come in the summer. What we will get out of the briefing on Thursday, according to the report, are some details on what the buyout means for Game Pass.
Specifically, VentureBeat said “a number of Bethesda games” should be added to Game Pass “soon.” The report also said that “any future (and contractually eligible) game from under the Zenimax umbrella will hit Game Pass at launch.”
The report goes on to claim that Microsoft and Bethesda are planning big showcases over the summer around the time of E3, but they will be distinct events. These events will be held separately, pursuant to Microsoft’s decree that Bethesda will remain autonomous, but it’s claimed that Microsoft may push for the briefings to be held back-to-back.
A big unknown for this week’s rumored event is if it will contain any details on the exclusivity questions that fans have. People want to do know if high-profile upcoming Bethesda games like The Elder Scrolls VI, Indiana Jones, and Starfield will come to PlayStation consoles.
According to the report, “The Thursday presentation may provide a black-and-white answer, or it might keep things gray–especially if its plans are more nuanced and conditional from game to game.”
For what it’s worth, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has said he has shied away from sharing specifics about the ZeniMax deal because he was legally forbidden from doing so. According to Spencer, Microsoft will make a decision for each game on a title-by-title basis.
The report said Microsoft is expected to officially announce the upcoming Bethesda video presentation any time now.
