Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda extends beyond mere promotional interests and holds strategic implications. The core intention behind this acquisition is to preclude the possibility of Starfield, a much-awaited game, becoming exclusive to PlayStation 5, thus aligning with Microsoft's strategy to stay competitive in the console market.

In the past, Bethesda had engaged in exclusive contracts for titles such as Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo. Observing the potential threat of lagging in terms of console sales and content, Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox, emphasized the necessity of obtaining exclusive content, as reported by The Verge, among other sources.

Following the procurement of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft commenced its defensive strategies in the U.S, unveiling crucial details. Acknowledging Xbox's lagging position in the console market, the firm confirmed that Starfield will not be released on PlayStation 5, dashing the hopes of fans who desired an exclusive launch on this platform.

Pete Hine, Bethesda's VP of Marketing and Communications, stated that launching Starfield across multiple platforms would have jeopardized the intended release date of September 6. By focusing on a limited number of platforms, the development team has managed to minimize time pressure, cut costs, and mitigate the risks associated with developing for multiple platforms.

In an interview, Phil Spencer disclosed that Bethesda had initially planned to release Starfield prior to its acquisition by Microsoft. Nevertheless, the decision was made to afford the development team extra time for enhancement.

Microsoft's Acquisition of Bethesda to Prevent Starfield from Becoming Exclusive to PS5