While it is not exactly clear how this will work, the ‘Vault’ subsidiary would be a good way to host Microsoft’s new acquisitions under an almost independent banner, providing ZeniMax studios (which includes Bethesda, Arkane, MachineGames and more) a level of freedom, although it is still owned by Microsoft. The text explicitly says that Microsoft will acquire “exclusive control of the entire ZeniMax” independently, but the document suggests that they will do so through the subsidiary Vault. We will be sure to learn more once the agreement is fully clear with the European Union.
It is a different approach from previous Microsoft acquisitions, such as Obsidian, Ninja Theory and Double Fine, which were formally part of Microsoft and hosted under its Xbox Game Studios brand. Whether ZeniMax studios become known as part of Vault or not, the move to create a Microsoft subsidiary to complete the merger appears to mark a level of independence compared to other acquired companies.
This is in line with previous reports on Bethesda’s semi-independence under Microsoft. Phil Spencer told CNET in September that “they don’t want to become us” in reference to the deal. Pete Hines, senior vice president of global marketing at Bethesda, said in a statement that “we are still working on the same games from yesterday, made by the same studios we have worked with for years, and these games will be published by us,” more or less least at the same time.
We have not yet heard how the acquisition will work with regard to the exclusivity of future Bethesda games. However, Bethesda boss Todd Howard recently said it is “hard to imagine” a game like Elder Scrolls 6 being exclusive to the Xbox. Arkane’s Deathloop will be released later this year as a timed PS5 exclusive, with Microsoft honoring the deal after acquiring Arkane as part of the ZeniMax acquisition.
Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.