In a recent court document from the Microsoft-FTC trial, surprising details have emerged about Microsoft’s expectations for the PlayStation sales of Bethesda’s highly anticipated game, Starfield, and MachineGames’ upcoming Indiana Jones title. The document reveals that Microsoft initially projected selling over 10 million copies of these games on PlayStation consoles, prior to their decision to make them Xbox exclusives.
Following Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax, which includes Bethesda Softworks and their other renowned franchises, most Bethesda titles have become exclusive to Xbox platforms.
While the legal battle surrounding the acquisition is ongoing, Microsoft is edging closer to finalising its purchase of Activision Blizzard for a staggering $69 billion.
The implications of exclusivity for future Activision projects under Microsoft’s ownership remain uncertain. However, Microsoft has previously assured that Call of Duty will continue to be available on PlayStation consoles even after the acquisition concludes.
Starfield, one of the highly anticipated titles from Bethesda, is set to release on September 6 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access versions becoming available on September 1. On the other hand, the release date for the Indiana Jones game, developed by MachineGames, is yet to be confirmed.
As the legal proceedings progress, the gaming industry awaits further developments regarding exclusivity and the potential impact of these high-profile acquisitions on the availability of beloved game franchises across different platforms. Gamers and industry enthusiasts will be closely watching how Microsoft navigates exclusivity agreements and balances their approach to provide exciting experiences for players on both Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Featured Image: Bethesda