Microsoft Would Consider Buying More Games Companies After Bethesda

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said that the company will continue considering buying video game companies "where it makes sense." In an interview with CNET about the company's $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media and Bethesda, Nadella confirmed that Microsoft would continue looking to expand. Explaining what Microsoft would look for, Nadella said, "We'll always look for places where there is that commonality of purpose, mission and culture. We will always look to grow inorganically where it makes sense." Nadella appears to see buying established companies as a more efficient means of adding to Xbox's line-up than opening new studios (although Microsoft has created 'AAAA' studio The Initiative in recent years): "You can't wake up one day and say, 'Let me build a game studio'. The idea of having content is so we can reach larger communities." Head of Xbox Phil Spencer added, "Content is just the incredible ingredient to our platform that we continue to invest in." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/22/the-5-biggest-takeaways-from-xboxs-bethesda-acquisition"] Nadella and Spencer didn't offer any indication as to whether other acquisitions were in the works. The surprise purchase of ZeniMax and Bethesda is one of the biggest purchases in game industry history, and we've listed the 5 biggest takeaways from the deal. It's led to speculation as to whether Bethesda games will become Xbox exclusives now, with some at IGN saying they'd be shocked if The Elder Scrolls, Fallout or Doom appeared on PS5 now. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.