Let’s be honest; Sony has positively won the battle of consoles this year with its vast lineup of titles at launch against Microsoft limited range of games. Although the Xbox Series consoles will have the option of GamePass, it’s just not the same experience as getting your hands on new games.

With games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls being available on Day One exclusively, it was a no brainer to get the PS5 console first and then the Xbox Series at a later date. But Microsoft just showed us that winning a battle, doesn’t imply that you had won the war.

Microsoft back in the game.

Earlier this morning, Microsoft announced the acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane and so much more. As a gamer, you’ll quickly recognize some of these developers that brought us amazing games such as Doom, Fallout, Elder Scrolls and Dishonored.

So what does this mean for gamers? Well, we are pretty much screwed is what I think. I’m a pessimist so hear me out first before judging. 

If you’re an Xbox and or a PC gamer, then this acquisition is astounding. You’ll be able to gain access to Bethesda’s existing and future games, without much of a hassle through the GamePass subscription of Xbox. It also opens a whole world of possibilities for a Microsoft Games Universe! Visualize how cool it would be if Doomguy and Master Chief ever got to meet or even better if they were the same person all this time?!

Now if you’re a PlayStation user, imagine not having access to the next Fallout, Elder Scrolls and especially Doom games? Exclusivity has been the bane of gamers all around. Xbox users never got to experience incredible games like God of War, Spider-Man and even Uncharted. And now Microsoft could do the same with its future line-up of games to deny its console rival, Sony, any access.

Whatever Microsoft decides to do next with its acquisition, every gamer will experience some form of impact in the years to come. I commend Microsoft for playing the long game in this war and for being in the lead now.

And so the war is renewed.

Ibrahim's a hardcore gamer and Star Wars fan. He's obsessed with Obi-Wan Kenobi, even claiming that he's a descendant of the fictional Jedi Master. Other than that delusion, Ibrahim's pretty down to earth, collecting figures and buying games he'll never finish.