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According to documents made public as part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) injunction against Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard,Starfieldwas originally not an Xbox-only game. That is right the massively anticipated space-faring RPG was originally going to be released on PS5!
Related:Jim Ryan Will Refuse Key Information with Activision Developers if Acquisition Goes Through – The Console Wars Rage On
The disclosed documents state that prior to Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax, bothStarfieldandRedfallwere fully planned to be released on Sony’s flagship console. AsStarfieldwas originally announced in 2018, before the finalising of the ZeniMax deal in 2021, it makes complete sense that the Bethesda RPG was meant to ship to Sony consoles.
Before the deal was complete, it was unclear if certain games would be made Xbox console exclusives. However, once business was done Microsoft announced that certain games, including future Bethesda titles, would be tied exclusively to Xbox and PC.
Also, can’t recall if they’ve said this before, but the FTC believes Starfield was originally planned to also release on PS5 (seems logical given time it was in development)pic.twitter.com/Ce51btTs6j
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo)July 28, 2025
Lost In Space: What Do These Documents Mean For the Future of Starfield And Other Games?
The FTC appear to be using the acquisition of Zenimax as evidence to attempt to block the almost $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard stating that:“Microsoft’s actions following its 2021 acquisition of ZeniMax speak louder than the Defendants’ words.”
Though Microsoft has insisted it does not plan to make Activision games likeCall of Dutyexclusive both the FTC and competitor Sony believe otherwise. Sony has even stated that they fear Microsoft’s deal could result in thefuture sabotagingof Activision games on PlayStation.
Related:“It’s the constant disrespect to Xbox fans…” Xbox and GamePass Prices Set to Be Raised Soon, Understandably Annoying Consumers
In contrast, Microsoft has used its acquisition ofMinecraftdeveloper Mojang as evidence that massively popular games would still be available on multiple platforms. Microsoft has also attempted to make deals with Nintendo and Sony over the future of IPs such asCall of Duty.However, Sony appears to of refused any deal as of late according toGI.biz.
The case this week will go to trial as the FTC attempts to receive a preliminary injunction against the merger that would result in the deal being put on hold as the FTC reviews that it complies with U.S. antitrust law. A federal court last week also issued a temporary restraining order requested by FTC, to effectively block the Activision Blizzard deal going through until the trial has been resolved.
Related:Leaked Emails Show That Microsoft Is Concerned About Fanboy Game Reviewers
A preliminary injunction could mean that Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard would not be finalized by the proposed contract deadline of July 18. After this date, the two parties would have to renegotiate, which could lead to Microsoft paying a $3 billion “break-up” fee to Activision Blizzard If a new deal isn’t reached.
The document detailing the PlayStation release ofStarfieldandRedfallalso comes hot on the heels of a recent social media petitioninvolving makingStarfielda PS5 exclusive. Although the Bizarre petition may have been a prank or practical joke it currently has over 3,000 signatures and will probably grow in numbers as news from the trial continues to be released. In the long run this acquisition will most likely lead toStarfieldand other games being forever tied to Xbox and PC alienating PlayStation players from certain AAA games.
Related:The Microsoft/Activision Deal May Be Blocked In Yet Another Country!
With this being an ongoing trial and each day bringing out new information, that ma either help or hinder Microsoft’s defence of the deal, there are sure to be many more interesting revelations. Be sure to stay tuned to FandomWire, where we will be sure to cover any other big news pertaining to this case as it comes out!
Source: Axios JournalistStephen Totilo.
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Massimo Castelli
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :67
Massimo Castelli is a part of FandomWire’s Video Game Reviewers and News Writers team. With a degree in Journalism and English from the University of Strathclyde and a passion for all things gaming and comic book-related, there is no one more qualified to ramble about video game lore and comic-book trivia than him.
