So, do you feel Microsoft's recent acquisition is a good thing overall, or a bad thing overall?
For me, personally? Bad, as much as I'd like to own all three consoles, I just can't afford to, and Xbox's the one that I'm missing out because its exclusives just aren't up to snuff. So I'm basically at Microsoft's mercy as to whether I'll be able to play Bethesda's games. It's not too bad because I don't play Arkane's games, id's games and Machineworks' games and GhostWire is still gonna be on PS5, but missing out on TES6 and Starfield is a big ouch.
For Bethesda? It's a mixed bag. I honestly don't know why Microsoft's paying top dollar for what's basically just a couple more games to put on Game Pass, but I'd expect for them to at least use the financial stability to be able to get better QA and bug testing, and probably a new engine once their next two games are out the door. Aside from that, I hope Microsoft doesn't mismanage the hell out of them as so many previous acquisitions have.
For Microsoft? It's good. Marginally, imo, but it's good. I could see them using either id, Machineworks or Arkane (all studios talented with first person games) to help/supplant 343, which clearly needs the assist at this point. But even if they allocate them the independence that Ninja Theory, Double Fine, etc, seem to be enjoying, they'll still get the sequel to Skyrim as an exclusive, even if it's to give away for free for whatever reason. That counts for a lot.
For the gaming market at large? I don't think it changes much tbh. We'll probably see less Skyrim ports and Bethesda will naturally become less of a dominant force in the industry, but aside from that, I don't see why Sony or Nintendo would have any reason to be concerned. But as always, we won't see the effects fully play out until a long while down the line.
I do wonder if this is it for Microsoft or if they'd try to buy another publisher. CD Projekt Red comes to mind as a potentially cheap and illustrious acquisition, but given how we're at Bethesda levels already, can't rule out another one of the top dogs.
I doubt this was done purposefully, but doesn't it rub anyone the wrong way that the Microsoft-Bethesda acquisition was finalized only days after PS5 pre-orders went live, and a day before Xbox pre-orders go live?
You're being naive if you don't think this was announced today on purpose. It's business, dropping the bomb that is acquiring one of the biggest companies in the industry before your product goes on sale is the best advertising money can buy.