Bethesda games are set to be exclusive to platforms where Game Pass exists, Xbox has confirmed, with the publisher’s future output being mostly dedicated to the Xbox Series X, S, and PC following its record-breaking acquisition. This announcement comes after much speculation that Bethesda games would continue to release on the PS5, Switch, et al in the future, with Xbox now revealing this won’t be the case.
Why Bethesda games won’t be on PS5
Bethesda’s game exclusivity was revealed by the Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, in a roundtable meeting yesterday. In the meeting, Spencer stated that while previous contractual obligations would be honored, the deal struck with the publisher was to ensure that its games would “ship on platforms where Game Pass exists.” As Game Pass is an Xbox-exclusive service, this means that these games will avoid the likes of the PS5, PS4, and Switch.
“If you’re an Xbox customer the thing I want you to know is this is about delivering great exclusive games for you that ship on platforms where Game Pass exists and that’s our goal,” Spencer said. “That’s why we’re doing this. That’s the root of this partnership that we’re building and the creative capability we will be able to bring to market for our Xbox customers, it is going to be the best it’s ever been for Xbox after we’re done here.”
Spencer also noted that games with “contractual things or a legacy on different platforms” may still be launched outside of Xbox, but as Bethesda has few such established partnerships with other consoles, it’s unclear which games he’s potentially referencing.
What Bethesda games will be Xbox exclusive?
Spencer’s comments indicate that the vast majority of Bethesda’s future output will be exclusive to Xbox and Windows 10, aside from games that have contracts with other platform owners. This means that currently active online games such as Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls Online will remain on PS4 and PS5, though it’s unclear if games that are currently in development will be multi-platform.
Arkane Studios’ Deathloop will remain a PS5 exclusive, though announced games such as The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield are unlikely to launch on PlayStation unless Sony signed contracts with Bethesda prior to its Microsoft acquisition.
Xbox also revealed a slew of Bethesda games that will be coming to Game Pass, adding a number of the studio’s most popular titles including Dishonored 2, Skyrim, and Fallout: New Vegas.
In other console news, It was recently revealed that Denuvo Anti-Cheat would controversially come to the PS5. Crash 4 also released on next-gen consoles, and you can find out how to make the upgrade here.
