Bethesda.net Launcher: Microsoft Abandons Platform, Moves to Steam

With the end of Bethesda as an independent publisher, the beginning of the end begins for Bethesda’s unpopular launcher. The DRM system is buried after Microsoft’s multimillion-dollar acquisition of the group. Players will have the option to migrate their games and save them to Steam before the shutdown.

The migration to the new home will be possible from April. The exact information will be published later. In addition to games and saves, it also includes existing balances in the launcher’s wallet, as well as balances on games, purchased DLC, and cosmetic items. As a result, Bethesda emphasizes that no property is lost as a result of the hire. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to transfer scores manually; for most, however, this process should be automatic. According to the current status, no acquisition is possible only in the case of Wolfenstein: Youngblood.

Bethesda account still required

The Bethesda account link will not be released with the migration. Games that require a Betheda.net account will continue to do so, and the necessary servers will remain active. The company writes that access to mods, game items, and “exclusive news” is preserved.

There is no time limit for the transfer. However, the launcher will lose a feature from May, after which it will no longer be possible to launch games. However, this is not the same as losing the games, the library and therefore the possibility of moving to Steam will be maintained, emphasizes Bethesda. Although Microsoft also operates a store, this is not offered as an alternative, you can only switch to Valve’s platform.

Microsoft has no need

For the new masters of Microsoft, who are silent about the reasons for the end of the launcher, the publisher’s own launchers make little sense. Finally, the Windows Store, which is also not popular, has its own alternative on PC, and at the same time the group also sells many games through Steam. From an economic point of view, it would be crazy to rely on several self-builds. It will be interesting to see what happens to Blizzard’s Battle.net if regulators approve the Activision acquisition.

However, in the medium term, the goal is to strengthen Game Pass anyway. The subscription does not need a separate launcher, but many games. The fact that a move to the store is not forced, but plays no role, also indicates that consolidation is the goal.