Microsoft & Bethesda E3 2021 Showcase: 8 Ups & 4 Downs

1. Microsoft Charts The Course For A Killer Future

While Microsoft and Bethesda's showcase didn't offer too much in the way of instant gratification, it did prove that Microsoft is playing the long game with players, which will hopefully end up paying off both next year and in 2023.

In recent years Microsoft has been building up a roster of acclaimed first-party studios, but between the years it takes to develop a game and the obvious challenges of the pandemic, it'll be a little while before we see the fruits of this labour truly pay off.

But by the time we're two or three years into this generation, it seems highly likely that Microsoft is going to have the mighty AAA output to finally hold a candle to Sony's peerless blockbuster offerings.

With so many compelling outfits now working under Microsoft, it seems likely they'll never again repeat the Xbox One's frustrating lack of exclusive tentpole releases, and the fact they'll all release day-and-date on Game Pass is just the cherry on top.