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Tag: Bethesda Softworks

  • Microsoft In Talks to Purchase Discord

    Microsoft In Talks to Purchase Discord

    Shortly after reports that Discord was investigating a sale, a new report says that Microsoft has emerged as a front-runner in the discussions.

    Microsoft is a natural candidate for a purchase of Discord, given the company’s focus on gaming. In addition to its Xbox platform, Microsoft recently bought ZeniMax Media, and its gaming studio Bethesda Softworks, in an effort to bring more game development in-house.

    As Bloomberg highlights, Microsoft has been shopping for companies that could help it establish, grow and interact with a community of users. The company recently tried to purchase TikTok and was in talks to acquire Pinterest. Services such as this are seen as especially valuable as a result of the pandemic, as virtual communities can help address people’s need for social interaction in a safe way.

    “Microsoft possibly acquiring Discord makes a lot of sense as it continues to reshape its gaming business more toward software and services,” said Bloomberg Intelligence Analyst Matthew Kanterman. “There’s a big opportunity to bundle Discord’s premium offering, Nitro, into the Game Pass service to drive more subscriptions from the last reported 18 million.”

    The report indicates the sale could be north of $10 billion, but nothing is final.

  • Microsoft Buying ZeniMax Media/Bethesda Softworks For $7.5 Billion

    Microsoft Buying ZeniMax Media/Bethesda Softworks For $7.5 Billion

    Microsoft has announced it is acquiring ZeniMax Media, the parent company of gaming studio Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion in cash.

    Bethesda Softworks is the studio behind The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Rogue Warrior, Ghostwire: Tokyo and others. Bethesda has established itself as one of the most successful, privately held game studios in the world.

    Microsoft’s acquisition will help the company capitalize on the growing gaming market, and fits in well with its current software strategy. While the Microsoft of the past fiercely protected its own platforms, under CEO Satya Nadella the company has emphasized providing the best software experience on all available platforms. This has resulted in more of its software being available on macOS, iOS, Android and Linux, in addition to Windows.

    The same is true for gaming. Microsoft is focusing on providing the best gaming experiencing wherever, and on whatever device, a person may be playing. Owning a studio with Bethesda’s track record is a big step toward that goal.

    “Gaming is the most expansive category in the entertainment industry, as people everywhere turn to gaming to connect, socialize and play with their friends,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Quality differentiated content is the engine behind the growth and value of Xbox Game Pass—from Minecraft to Flight Simulator. As a proven game developer and publisher, Bethesda has seen success across every category of games, and together, we will further our ambition to empower the more than three billion gamers worldwide.”