Bethesda head angry at Redfall and Starfield Xbox exclusivity

The Microsoft v FTC trial to get the go-ahead with the purchase of Activision Blizzard is leaving us with a good number of statements and revelations of internal emails that reveal the feelings of some personalities in the industry. One of them is Pete Hines, head of Bethesda, whose opinion on the exclusivity of Redfall and Starfield on Xbox has become more than clear.

Hines pointed out some statements from Microsoft in which they claim they have no intention of turning Call of Duty, or any Activision Blizzard series really, into an exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. “We have committed to Sony that we will also make them available on PlayStation beyond the existing agreement and into the future so that Sony fans can continue to enjoy the games they love. We are also interested in taking similar steps to support Nintendo’s successful platform,” said Microsoft in an official blog.

Hines is not happy

This was an intention that Hines did not like at all, who made it clear in one of the revealed emails. “I’m confused. Is this not the opposite of what we were just asked (told) to do with our own titles? What’s the difference?” said the Bethesda boss referring to the statement above. “Todd [Howard] is going to DICE in a couple weeks, you don’t think a journo might find him and press him on why the below is ok for COD or any Activision Blizzard games, but not TES6 or Starfield? Or at any/every future interview he does?”

Let’s remember that when Microsoft completed the acquisition of Zenimax Media, Bethesda’s parent company, it assured that the exclusivity of each game would be discussed in each specific case, but the reality is that, after the merger, they have all ended up being exclusive to Xbox: Redfall, Starfield, and the upcoming Indiana Jones title by Machine Games. In respect to The Elder Scrolls VI, Phil Spencer has not confirmed anything 100%, but we wouldn’t bet on it ending up on PlayStation 5. Or 6, at the current rate the industry is going.