Microsoft makes significant moves towards the gaming industry

The American tech giant Microsoft aims to be as influential in the gaming market as in the technology sector.

A recent leak revealed Bethesda's roadmap, which emerged from the FTC v. Microsoft case. This roadmap showcased both anticipated and previously unknown projects, including a fresh installment of Doom titled “Doom Year Zero.” Beyond the specific games, this leak also brought into focus the increasing dominance of Microsoft in the gaming world.

There have been growing concerns regarding Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Bethesda's roadmap, which outlines game projects spanning from 2020 to 2024, features eagerly awaited titles such as “Dishonored 3” and a follow-up to “Ghostwire: Tokyo,” both projected for a 2024 release. The connection between Microsoft and Bethesda adds a layer of intrigue to these announcements, especially since Bethesda transitioned into an Xbox entity in 2021. This move was part of Microsoft's broader strategy to amplify its presence in the gaming sector. Furthermore, Microsoft's acquisition appetite did not wane as they revealed plans to purchase Activision Blizzard for a whopping $69 billion, a decision currently under regulatory review.

Microsoft makes significant moves towards the gaming industry

The plot thickens when considering another piece of information from the leaked documents: Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, expressed an interest in acquiring Nintendo. If Microsoft manages to sidestep regulatory barriers, they are on track to hold significant sway over a multitude of beloved game titles and franchises. This control may reshape the way future games, including those mentioned in Bethesda's roadmap, are conceived, produced, and distributed.

Additional titles such as the “Fallout 3 Remaster” and an “unnamed licensed IP game” have also piqued curiosity. Observers are eager to understand how Microsoft will navigate these developments. Questions arise: will Microsoft homogenize the gaming landscape or will they bring forth a richer and more varied array of high-quality content? All these points highlight not just the upcoming games but also shine a light on Microsoft's burgeoning influence in the industry. Given the existing scrutiny around Microsoft's proposed takeover of Activision Blizzard, their forthcoming steps will undoubtedly attract significant attention.