Microsoft buys ZeniMax Media/Bethesda for $7.5 billion

According to released news post on Monday, Microsoft purchased ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda softworks, for $7.5 billion in Cash. With this purchase, the legendary video game franchises such as Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Doom and Quake are not to the Microsoft family.

The acquisition includes Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog and Roundhouse Studios.

With the gaming industry protected to earn over $200 billion in 2021, Microsoft hopes this strategic move with put the games for some of the most popular developers under the XBOX and Windows 10 family.

Xbox brand head, Phil Spencer said in a blog post, “Bethesda’s games have always had a special place on Xbox and in the hearts of millions of gamers around the world.Our teams have a close and storied history working together, from the amazing first DOOM, and its id Tech engine, innovating games on PCs to Bethesda bringing their first console game to the original Xbox, the groundbreaking The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

“Over the years I’ve had many deep conversations with the creative leaders at Bethesda on the future of gaming and we’ve long shared similar visions for the opportunities for creators and their games to reach more players in more ways.”

Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft said , “Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends. “Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass—from Minecraft to Flight Simulator. As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide.”

Microsoft hopes to close on this deal in the second half of the fiscal year 2021.