E3 2021 is now behind us. And it was one of the less notable E3 events in recent years. The event was held virtually, and there was a distinct lack of blockbuster announcements. It didn’t help that some big names didn’t show up, and those that did didn’t have a whole lot to say (*cough* Capcom). But one thing people are talking about is Xbox exclusive games. Thanks, Bethesda (or should I say “Microsoft”?).
News broke late last year that Microsoft were set to acquire Bethesda for $7.5 billion. The deal completed in March 2021, and immediate speculation turned to Xbox exclusivity. Let’s be honest, Microsoft’s selection of exclusive titles for Xbox has been lacking since the Xbox One’s release. And gamers were keen to know if this purchase was all about turning that around (it was). But what would this mean for Bethesda’s biggest games, such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Starfield? It looks like we got our answer at E3…
Will Bethesda games be Xbox exclusives?
Will Starfield be Xbox exclusive? It’s one of the most anticipated titles of the last decade. And after months of speculation, it was confirmed at E3 2021 that Starfield will be an Xbox Series X|S and PC exclusive. Microsoft were also keen to point out that gamers can play it ‘day one’ with Xbox Game Pass. Xbox Game Pass was, of course, one of the main drivers behind Microsoft’s purchase of Bethesda. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer said of Game Pass: “This is about delivering great exclusive games for you that ship on platforms where Game Pass exists.” After all, any Xbox exclusives games list would’ve been pretty short prior to the acquisition. Which brings us to The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5.
Fallout 5 hasn’t been announced yet, but some information is out there (here’s what we know so far). There’s been no specific comment about what platforms it will be coming to. But as one of the most popular series in gaming, Microsoft would be silly to release it (at least immediately) for the PS5. A substantial number of people would be totally willing to purchase an Xbox Series X|S console to play it. Same goes for the The Elder Scrolls VI, which was announced way back at E3 2018. It’s slated for release sometime after Starfield (which launches on 11th November 2022), so it’s still far away. While there’s no word just yet about the platform availability of this particular game, it seems obvious from E3 that it’ll be Xbox-only.
Xbox Exclusive Games: Will Bethesda games be on PlayStation?
Certain Bethesda games will still be available on PlayStation for contractual reasons. Games where an exclusivity agreement existed prior to Microsoft’s purchase of Bethesda will be honoured (such as Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo which are timed PS5 exclusives). Phil Spencer recently confirmed as much. This likely means previous Bethesda mega-hits Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be staying put, too.
As for future entries in those franchises – The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 – as well as Starfield, it seems increasingly unlikely they’ll ever grace the PS5. Especially after E3 2021 and everything I’ve discussed above. These three games will undoubtedly be huge for Xbox. Of course, Microsoft could decide a few years after release that there’s a bit of money to be made by dropping them for PlayStation. What are the chances of that, though? I’d say it’s unlikely, but not impossible. Don’t go expecting a ‘day one’ launch on PS5 for these titles, though. It’s just not going to happen.
What does this mean for PS5?
This might all sound like a huge problem for Sony. They have lost their share of two of gaming’s biggest franchises, and a hotly anticipated new IP in Starfield. Lots of PlayStation owners won’t want to miss out and it could be that some jump ship. Although that doesn’t mean they won’t come back. Many people will be happy to own two consoles if both are releasing games they care about.
At the end of the day, competition is what this is all about. Sony have been dominating the exclusivity battle for a few years now. Big games like God of War, Uncharted 4, The Last of Us Part II and Horizon Zero Dawn helped them succeed, and Microsoft have finally realised that’s what they need if they want to reclaim the top spot. But for gamers, it shouldn’t matter who is winning these silly console wars. It comes down to the quality of the games we get to enjoy. And immense pressure creates diamonds. Because of that, I think the best is yet to come for both sides.
Are you excited for Starfield? How do you feel about The Elder Scrolls VI or Fallout 5 being Xbox exclusive games? Let us know in the comment section below, and don’t forget to check out our other gaming articles…
