Before Zenimax was acquired by Microsoft, Starfield and Redfall were also planned for PS5. And the FTC, writing in black and white in a document filed at the trial, opposes the antitrust commission to Microsoft, for the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
The document doesn’t explain much, given that most of its parts are censored, but the news isn’t surprising given that the Zenimax acquisition happened in 2021 and that Bethesda has released all of its latest titles on PlayStation consoles as well, even being awarded twice. Exclusives: Deathloop from Arkane Studios and Ghostwire: Tokyo from Tango Gameworks.
During the trial, the FTC also contacted Bethesda, in the person of Pete Hines, to clarify apologies expressed to PlayStation players in an interview with Gamespot in 2021, specifically for the Starfield for Xbox exclusivity. Heinz explained that he was simply worried about their anger: “I don’t like it when our players get angry about something we do.”
Hines also claimed during the trial that Starfield wouldn’t have come out in September if it had to come out on PS5 as well.
Remember, Zenimax/Bethesda still has several active games on PlayStation consoles, including Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls Online.
Edward Langley is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment and lifestyle. He focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developing stories. His work highlights issues, trends and events that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance and accessible journalism.