20 Most WTF Video Game Moments Of The PS4, Xbox One & Nintendo Switch Generation

8. Microsoft Buys Bethesda For $7.5 Billion

Red Dead Redemption
Xbox/Bethesda

In a move just about nobody saw coming, earlier this year Microsoft spent $7.5 billion on ZeniMax Media, the parent company of not only Bethesda but also id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, and others.

Though we won't know the full tectonic impact of the acquisition for a good while yet, it's clearly a massive power-move by Microsoft, who will presumably be leveraging these IP in an attempt to grow Xbox Game Pass, possibly by making revered franchises such as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom, Wolfenstein, and so on exclusive.

It remains to be seen how this will all pan out, of course, but whatever side you fall down on, it's one of the most shocking business decisions of the entire generation, indicating just how hungry Microsoft is to regain the market share they lost with the Xbox One's bungled launch.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.