Microsoft has announced they have acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks. Reportedly, the deal is costing Microsoft US $7.5 Billion.

The acquisition means Microsft now own all of Bethesda’s studios, including Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog and Roundhouse Studios. These developers have been responsible for popular franchises The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, DOOM, Dishonored, Prey, Quake and Starfield, to name a few. You guessed it, this means these IPs are now owned by Microsoft.

This is a massive win for Microsoft, especially with the Xbox Series S|X releasing on Tuesday, 10th November 2020. Coincidentally, pre-orders for the system are set to open tomorrow morning on September 22.