A leaked Bethesda roadmap recently surfaced from the FTC v. Microsoft case, disclosing both expected and unannounced projects, such as a new Doom installment called “Doom Year Zero.” However, the spotlight isn’t just on Bethesda’s future lineup; it casts questions on Microsoft’s growing influence in the gaming industry.
There is a lot of unrest over Microsoft taking control of Activision Blizzard
The roadmap includes Bethesda games planned from 2020 to 2024, like the highly-anticipated “Dishonored 3” and a sequel to “Ghostwire: Tokyo,” both slated for 2024. But it’s Microsoft’s ties to Bethesda that make these revelations extra intriguing. Bethesda became an Xbox property in 2021, part of Microsoft’s strategic expansion in the gaming ecosystem. Microsoft’s acquisition spree didn’t stop there; they announced intentions to buy Activision Blizzard for $69 billion, though it’s currently facing regulatory scrutiny.
Why does this matter? Microsoft Gaming chief Phil Spencer’s disclosed ambition to acquire Nintendo in the same set of leaked documents adds another layer to the story. If Microsoft successfully navigates its way around regulatory hurdles, it’s set to gain monumental control over a variety of popular game titles and franchises. This could dramatically shape how future titles, including those in Bethesda’s roadmap, get developed, distributed, or even conceptualized.
The roadmap also listed “Fallout 3 Remaster” and an “unnamed licensed IP game,” leaving fans and critics alike wondering about Microsoft’s role in steering these developments. Will the tech giant use these high-profile acquisitions to standardize the gaming experience, or could they enrich the industry with more diverse, high-quality content? All this serves not just as a sneak peek into what games to expect but as a talking point about Microsoft’s gradually-increasing influence. With regulators already questioning Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company’s next moves will be watched closely it seems.
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