Microsoft's $7.5 billion acquisition of Bethesda aimed at preventing Starfield from being a PS5 exclusive.

Xbox head Phil Spencer revealed during the trial between the US' Federal Trade Commission and Microsoft that one of the main reasons for the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, and subsequently Bethesda Softworks, was to prevent potential PlayStation exclusivity of Starfield. Spencer framed Sony as a hostile competitor, stating that Microsoft needed to secure content to remain viable in the business and compete effectively. The trial also revealed that The Elder Scrolls 6 is at least another five years away.