Microsoft purchases Bethesda Softworks in industry-changing acquisition [Updated]

Enlarge / Just a few of the gaming franchises Microsoft now owns.

Major game franchises like Doom, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and more will soon be Microsoft properties. That's because the Xbox and Windows maker announced Monday morning it is buying the corporate parent of Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax Media.

"Like us, Bethesda are passionate believers in building a diverse array of creative experiences, in exploring new game franchises, and in telling stories in bold ways," Microsoft wrote in its announcement. "All of their great work will of course continue and grow and we look forward to empowering them with the resources and support of Microsoft to scale their creative visions to more players in new ways for you."

From many platforms to one?

Bethesda has confirmed an acquisition price tag of $7.5 billion. For context, that's three times the price Microsoft paid for Minecraft maker Mojang back in 2014. Mojang, of course, continued to be a multiplatform developer after its Microsoft acquisition-a decision that led to the odd sight of Microsoft publishing a Mario-themed "Mash-Up Pack" for Minecrafton Nintendo consoles.

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