It's only been hours since Microsoft announced that it acquired ZeniMax Media – bringing Bethesda and Obsidian into the same corporate fold – and fans are already asking for them to collaborate on Fallout: New Vegas 2. You might be wondering why that's all of a sudden a possibility when the first New Vegas game came out almost a decade ago. It's because Microsoft announced today that it had acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company to Bethesda Softworks. Fallout: New Vegas was a Fallout game published by Bethesda, but developed by Obsidian (itself purchased by Microsoft in 2018). With both Bethesda and Obsidian now under the Xbox umbrella, fans are starting to feel the potential for a sequel to the beloved Fallout game and Obsidian seemingly has no problem teasing.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ https://t.co/MqyiuNsWS2

— Obsidian (@Obsidian) September 21, 2020

As you can see in the tweet above, when someone tagged Obsidian in a tweet today and asked if Fallout: New Vegas 2 is a "legit possibility now," the studio responded with the playful shoulder shrug emoji. Of course, this doesn't confirm anything other than Obsidian playfully acknowledging the idea of a collaboration. But that simple tweet has already garnered upwards of 16,000 retweets, and fans are letting their imaginations run wild:

pic.twitter.com/AmfAma3CTT

— Lik Chan (@LikChan) September 21, 2020

Obsidian's social media team waking up to thousands of "New Vegas 2" tweets like pic.twitter.com/QKiVNvZWLG

— so much drama in the L.D.C. (@cringus__dingus) September 21, 2020

Me: Microsoft buying Bethesda is yet another step towards a hypercorporate dystopia much like the one depicted in Fallout games

Also me: Oh my god what if Obsidian makes New Vegas 2 — Tristan Cooper (@TristanACooper) September 21, 2020

Only time will tell if anything comes of the company's newfound connection - and it will likely be a very long time. Obsidian's hands are quite full right now, considering they still have Outer Worlds DLC, backyard-survival sim Grounded and (extremely Bethesda-like) fantasy RPG Avowed in development. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/11/22/every-ign-fallout-review-ever"] For more Fallout: New Vegas, read about the best Fallout stories we think should be told in Amazon's new Fallout show and then read about why we think Fallout: New Vegas is one of the best games of the past decade. Be sure to check out our video explaining every IGN Fallout  review ever after that. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

After seeing the news that Microsoft plans to acquire ZeniMax Media and Bethesda Softworks for $7.5 billion, the first question uttered by most (well, after “What the f**k?”) was: “Wait, is The Elder Scrolls 6 an Xbox exclusive now?” Officially, that’s a firm “no comment” from Bethesda right now, while head of Xbox Phil Spencer told Bloomberg that Bethesda games would appear on non-Xbox consoles on a “case by case basis”. Behind the scenes, it might present the sternest test of head of Xbox Phil Spencer’s philosophy of openness so far. The case for making Bethesda’s games exclusive is obvious – players have consistently made the case that PlayStation has had the better exclusives for at least the last generation, building a stable of mega-hits that have undoubtedly had an effect on the huge success of PS5 preorders. Until today, Microsoft had little more than a delayed Halo, some untested new franchises, and hazily release-dated Forza and Fable games. Now, should it be deemed the right approach, Xbox could also have The Elder Scrolls 6, the much discussed Starfield (even if we don’t actually know what it is), future installments of Fallout, Doom, Wolfenstein and more. It’s not a coincidence that the news came the day for Xbox Series X and S preorders opened. By classic games industry logic, making all of these games exclusive to Xbox is something of a no-brainer. These are some of the biggest franchises in the world, and locking them into Microsoft’s hardware would likely make them an enormous amount of money, potentially even tipping the balance of the upcoming new generation. The thing is, recently, Phil Spencer hasn’t been espousing classic games industry logic. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] “I find it completely counter to what gaming is about to say that part of that is to lock people away from being able to experience [exclusive] games”, he told GamesIndustry earlier this year. “Or to force someone to buy my specific device on the day that I want them to go buy it, in order to partake in what gaming is about. Gaming is bigger than any one device.” At the time, Spencer was explaining his philosophy for why new Xbox Game Studios games would appear on Xbox One, the Xbox Series X, in many cases the PC, and, as we know now, the Xbox Series S. But those words might echo a little louder now. Is there a chance Xbox will allow the Bethesda games it will soon own to be released on competing consoles? I’d say the signs are there. Quite apart from the fact that Xbox has already said it will honour the timed PS5 exclusivity for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo, and that past Xbox exclusives have already begun popping up on Switch, Bethesda itself has potentially been hinting at the idea today. In a blog post, Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard never quite said that the company’s games would remain multi-platform, but got pretty close: "Like our original partnership [with Xbox for Morrowind], this one is about more than one system or one screen. We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone - regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/01/interview-head-of-xbox-phil-spencer-unlocked-437"] This could, of course, be referring to Xbox’s existing openness - its multi-generational release structure for games, and new cloud streaming services. Like the existing Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft might be imparting a philosophy of making games that will work on as many devices as possible, as long as they’re controlled by Microsoft in some way. Except there’s also the chance that, unlike Microsoft’s other recent acquisitions, Bethesda will be sitting outside of the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. While a Microsoft press release made clear that Bethesda’s 8 studios were being added to its stable of 15 existing developers, it avoided using the Xbox Game Studios term. On top of that, Bethesda SVP of global marketing Pete Hines said, "We’re still working on the same games we were yesterday, made by the same studios we’ve worked with for years, and those games will be published by us." I’ve asked Microsoft for clarification on that language, but the issue of publishing is an interesting one. On its own website, Xbox lists games by its other studios, such as Playground Games or Ninja Theory, as being published specifically by Xbox Game Studios. If Bethesda will be publishing its own games after the acquisition, it could imply that the company will continue to create games for all platforms possible. So why would Microsoft allow such a thing? It might be as simple an answer as basic maths. At their largest, Bethesda’s games are legitimate phenomena. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has sold more than 30 million copies, a feat achieved in part because it’s been sold across so many platforms that it’s become a self-fulfilling meme. If Xbox takes a cut on every copy of the game sold (as it does with Minecraft copies sold on PS4), it might simply make more financial sense to release it across all possible platforms, no matter how many more consoles shifted by putting The Elder Scrolls 6 behind an Xbox-shaped wall. Minecraft is a good analogue in general here – a game simply too big to be removed from competitor platforms after Microsoft bought it. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/xbox-series-sx-video-montage"] In fact, Xbox could still benefit beyond the simple sales cut. It’s already confirmed that future Bethesda games will arrive at launch on Xbox Game Pass – to be able to tell customers that they can grab a Game Pass subscription to play all of Bethesda’s games, or pay a possible $70 for a single one of its games on PS5 is still a weighty move. To some, foregoing exclusivity might even come across as a gesture of goodwill, an opportunity for Xbox to look like the good guy, while PlayStation locks its best products away. The deciding factor, potentially, could come down to appearances. Does Phil Spencer want to look like the man that bought Bethesda but gave their games to everyone, or does he make Xbox into a newfound powerhouse of exclusives? They’re both strong looks, depending on who you talk to – seeing which he chooses will be one of the upcoming generation’s most fascinating moments. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

The LEGO Group has revealed a new set based on The Child (aka Baby Yoda) from Disney+ show Star Wars: The Mandalorian – announced alongside 'Mando Mondays', which will see new merchandise unveiled each week. The LEGO Star Wars The Child Construction Set is available starting October 30th and will let fans build a 20cm version of Baby Yoda, complete with cute details like the gearstick knob, his favourite toy from the show. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=baby-yoda-lego-images&captions=true"] Those who decide to adopt Lego Baby Yoda will be able to tweak his posable head, ears and mouth to create a range of expressions with the finished model. The model also comes with a supplementary information plaque and a Baby Yoda Minifigure. This toy reveal is part of a new Disney promotion called 'Mando Mondays' which will deliver new product reveals every week, based on characters from Star Wars: The Mandalorian. As well as the Lego Baby Yoda set, Hasbro Black Series figures and Funko Pop! Bobbleheads have also been revealed as part of the first wave of products. In other Star Wars news, check out our article explaining every character and cameo from the first season to prepare you for Season 2 of The Mandalorian. Temuera Morrison, the actor who portrayed Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones was recently cast as Boba Fett in the second series of the show. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

ZeniMax Online Studios has announced that despite Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, The Elder Scrolls Online will continue to receive support on PlayStation 4. Microsoft made the announcement on September 21 that it had acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks and ZeniMax Online Studios. This acquisition effectively brought franchises like Fallout, Doom, Dishonored, Wolfenstein, and of course, The Elder Scrolls, under the Xbox umbrella leaving many to speculate what might happen for the PlayStation side of these games. While not much is known across the board, ZOS said today that ESO will remain on PS4. "By now I am sure that most of you have heard the exciting news: ZeniMax Media (the parent company of ZeniMax Online Studios) has signed a deal to be acquired by Microsoft, including Bethesda Softworks and all of its studios, including ZOS," ZeniMax Online Studios director Matt Firor said in a statement released on Twitter. "I want to take this moment to reassure the entire Elder Scrolls Online community that ESO will continue to be supported exactly as it was, and we fully expect it to keep growing and thriving on each of the platforms that are currently supported." Firor continued on and said he's excited to see how Microsoft and ZOS can work together to make ESO an even better game for everyone before thanking fans for the continued support over the years. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-elder-scrolls-review&captions=true"] As you can tell in the statement, Firor doesn't specifically mention PS4 but he did mention that support for the platforms ESO is on would continue and considering ESO is on PS4, it's safe to say support will continue for the title there. What this means going forward into a new generation of consoles is up in the air though. ESO will likely be playable as a PS4 game on the PlayStation 5 considering 99% of PS4 titles will be playable on PS5, but an upgraded PS5 version for the game could now be off the table, not that an upgrade like this was even in the works to begin with. Only time will tell. If you're looking to preorder an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S in light of the Microsoft acquisition news, check out our guide for where and when to preorder these consoles and then read how it will likely be years from now when we hear about The Elder Scrolls 6 again. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/06/11/the-elder-scrolls-6-teaser-e3-2018"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

Microsoft will reportedly honour the PS5 timed exclusivity agreed for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo, and that future Bethesda games will appear on Xbox, PC, and other consoles on a "case by case basis".

Xbox has announced that it plans to acquire ZeniMax Media, and with it Bethesda Softworks, creators and publishers of The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Wolfenstein, Doom, Dishonored, Quake, Starfield and more. Announced by Head of Xbox Phil Spencer in an Xbox Wire post today, Microsoft will acquire ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion – 3 times the $2.5 billion it paid for Mojang and Minecraft in 2014 – and the formal purchase is expected to close in the second half of 2021. The deal includes ZeniMax Media as a whole, Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios. In a blog post, Bethesda SVP of global marketing said, "We’re still working on the same games we were yesterday, made by the same studios we’ve worked with for years, and those games will be published by us." The move, Hines explains, is because Microsoft "access to resources that will make us a better publisher and developer." It's unclear whether Bethesda will be considered a part of, or separate to, the existing Xbox Game Studios fold. IGN asked Bethesda for clarification on that, and the effect on its in-development games – including Starfield's intended platforms, and the timed PlayStation exclusivity for Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo – but was told that there would be no comment beyond the existing statements given today. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=confirmed-xbox-series-x-games&captions=true"] Bethesda Game Studios executive producer Todd Howard wrote his own blog post about the benefits of the acquisition, pointing to the company's long association with Xbox, starting with porting Morrowind to Microsoft's first console. He says that Xbox Series S and X, "are optimized for the vast worlds we love to create, with generational leaps not just in graphics, but CPU and data streaming as well. It’s lead to our largest engine overhaul since Oblivion, with all new technologies powering our first new IP in 25 years, Starfield, as well as The Elder Scrolls VI. While avoiding any specifics, Todd Howard also alluded to the idea of exclusives indicating, perhaps that Bethesda would not be limited to the Xbox ecosystem: "Like our original partnership, this one is about more than one system or one screen. We share a deep belief in the fundamental power of games, in their ability to connect, empower, and bring joy. And a belief we should bring that to everyone - regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you play on. Regardless of the screen size, the controller, or your ability to even use one." Xbox also says it "will be adding Bethesda’s iconic franchises to Xbox Game Pass for console and PC." A press release added that Bethesda’s future games will be added, at launch, into Xbox Game Pass on Xbox or PC. It's perhaps not a coincidence that the announcement comes the day before Xbox Series X and S preorders open. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Marvel's Avengers 1.3 patch addresses over 1,000 player-reported issues, Crystal Dynamics has announced. The patch notes can be read in full on the Marvel's Avengers website, where the development team issued a short statement thanking the community for its "patience and support" throughout the game's first two weeks of launch. The 1,000+ issues addressed by the V1.3.0 patch include everything from "progression stoppers to small graphical fixes," and address problems with the game's combat, user interface, matchmaking and more. Crystal Dynamics has also suggested a few workarounds to some known issues in the game, which can be found in this Reddit thread. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/24/marvels-avengers-meet-modok"] Future updates for the game will focus less on bug fixing and will instead "integrate more quality-of-life adjustments and feedback-driven features/tuning." Crystal Dynamics plans to flesh out Marvel's Avengers with the community in tow, in order to nurture the service game ahead of the extra heroes and content coming in the near future. You can check out our review of Marvel's Avengers here. We awarded the game a 6/10, noting that it offers a "fun and endearing superhero campaign" that is unfortunately tied to a "repetitive and unrewarding" loot-based post-game. We've also got some exclusive Marvel's Avengers concept art from the game's art book, which offers a glimpse at alternate concepts for some of the game's heroes. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.  

Update: IO Interactive has now officially re-released its 2003 third-person shooter Freedom Fighters on PC via GOG, Steam, and Epic Games Store. The game has been "updated to work on modern systems" and is available with a 33% launch discount. In a press release, GOG explained that, "Freedom Fighters was unavailable on PC for years and is now coming out digitally for the first time."

Freedom Fighters has arrived (again)! Download it today on @GOGcom @EpicGames and @Steam with 33% off in the first week!

It's time to beat The Red Army, and re-join the Resistance! pic.twitter.com/JWLNdQXB6C — Freedom Fighters (@FreedomGame_IOI) September 21, 2020

[poilib element="accentDivider"] IO Interactive's 2003 shooter Freedom Fighters has been re-rated by PEGI, leading to speculation that we may see a re-release of some kind. Spotted by ResetEra user dex3108, the game can be seen on the PEGI website, rated for PC only at this point. The publisher listed is the game's developer IO Interactive instead of EA Swiss Sarl, who published the original game on PC, GameCube, PS2 and Xbox. IO Interactive went independent in 2017, retaining the rights to its Hitman IP. Speaking to GamesIndustry after going independent, IO made clear that it had retained the rights to Freedom Fighters as well as Hitman. Last year, we also heard that IO was working on a new game that wasn't Hitman-related. This rating suggests that a re-release or remaster of the cult classic could be around the corner. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2003/08/15/freedom-fighters-gamecube-gameplay-2003-08-15-7"] If you missed Freedom Fighters at the dawn of the millennium, the game was a third-person shooter with an alternate-history premise, where resistance fighters repel the Soviet Union from its occupation of New York City. The player could recruit other 'Freedom Fighters' to the cause and issue commands. We scored the game an 8.4 back in 2003, saying it was "a game that gets better the more you play it", and praising how its tactical elements slotted alongside its 3rd person combat. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, WandaVision marks the first series from Marvel Studios streaming exclusively on Disney+.

The winners of the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Sunday during a virtual ceremony, with Watchmen leading with the most wins of the night (11). Its network, HBO, took home the most wins of the awards ceremony with 30. (That tally includes 19 wins during last week's Creative Arts Emmys.) HBO's Watchmen -- which IGN named the Best TV Series of 2019 -- won limited series, while cast members Regina King and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II won the limited series category's lead actress and best supporting actor awards, respectively. This is the fourth Emmy win for Regina King. Watchmen also won Best Writing for a Limited Series Movie or Dramatic Special for Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson. Lindelof dedicated his win to the victims and survivors of the 1921 Tulsa massacre, which is depicted in the series. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/17/damon-lindelof-reacts-to-watchmen-being-named-igns-tv-series-of-the-year"] Watchmen lost, however, in the category of Best Directing for a Limited Series, Movie or Dramatic Special where Unorthodox's Maria Schrader beat three different Watchmen helmers. Meanwhile, Schitt's Creek enjoyed a historic sweep of all the categories in the comedy field, winning seven awards in all. Mark Ruffalo won for lead actor in a limited series for I Know This Much Is True, where he plays twin brothers. Zendaya won best actress in a drama series for Euphoria, the youngest ever recipient in that category. Succession's Jeremy Strong won best actor in a drama series. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver won for Variety Talk Series, while RuPaul’s Drag Race won for Best Competition Program. Succession's Jesse Armstrong won for best writing in a drama series. HBO also won best TV movie for Bad Education, starring Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney. Billy Crudup won Apple TV+ their first-ever Emmy with a Best Supporting Actor victory for The Morning Show. Last week's Creative Emmys saw The Mandalorian win Disney+ its first Emmy, while HBO's Watchmen won for cinematography and costuming. Key winners are listed below, with a full list available on the Emmys website.

Drama Series

• Better Call Saul
• The Crown
• The Handmaid's Tale
• Killing Eve
• The Mandalorian
• Ozark
• Stranger Things
• Succession - WINNER

Comedy Series

• Curb Your Enthusiasm
• Dead to Me
• The Good Place
• Insecure
• The Kominsky Method
• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Schitt's Creek - WINNER
• What We Do in the Shadows

Limited Series

• Little Fires Everywhere
• Mrs. America
• Unbelievable
• Unorthodox
• Watchmen - WINNER

TV Movie

• American Son
• Bad Education - WINNER
• Dolly Parton's Heartstrings: These Old Bones
• El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

• Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show
• Olivia Colman, The Crown
• Jodie Comer, Killing Eve
• Laura Linney, Ozark
• Sandra Oh, Killing Eve
• Zendaya, Euphoria - WINNER

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

• Jason Bateman, Ozark
• Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us
• Steve Carell, The Morning Show
• Brian Cox, Succession
• Billy Porter, Pose
• Jeremy Strong, Succession - WINNER

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

• Christina Applegate, Dead To Me
• Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Linda Cardellini, Dead To Me
• Catherine O'Hara, Schitt's Creek - WINNER
• Issa Rae, Insecure
• Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

• Anthony Anderson, Black-ish
• Don Cheadle, Black Monday
• Ted Danson, The Good Place
• Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method
• Eugene Levy, Schitt's Creek - WINNER
• Ramy Youssef, Ramy

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

• Cate Blanchett, Mrs. America
• Shira Haas, Unorthodox
• Regina King, Watchmen - WINNER
• Octavia Spencer, Self Made: Inspired By The Life Of Madam C.J. Walker
• Kerry Washington, Little Fires Everywhere

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=watchmen-all-the-comic-book-references-in-the-hbo-series&captions=true"]

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

• Jeremy Irons, Watchmen
• Hugh Jackman, Bad Education
• Paul Mescal, Normal People
• Jeremy Pope, Hollywood
• Mark Ruffalo, I Know This Much Is True - WINNER

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

• Helena Bonham Carter The Crown
• Laura Dern Big Little Lies
• Julia Garner Ozark - WINNER
• Thandie Newton Westworld
• Fiona Shaw Killing Eve
• Sarah Snook Succession
• Meryl Streep Big Little Lies
• Samira Wiley The Handmaid's Tale

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

• Nicholas Braun, Succession
• Billy Crudup, The Morning Show - WINNER
• Kieran Culkin, Succession
• Mark Duplass, The Morning Show
• Giancarlo Esposito, Better Call Saul
• Matthew Macfadyen, Succession
• Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid's Tale
• Jeffrey Wright, Westworld

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

• Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• D'Arcy Carden, The Good Place
• Betty Gilpin, GLOW
• Marin Hinkle, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live
• Annie Murphy, Schitt's Creek - WINNER
• Yvonne Orji, Insecure
• Cecily Strong, Saturday Night Live

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

• Mahershala Ali, Ramy
• Alan Arkin, The Kominsky Method
• Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
• Sterling K. Brown, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• William Jackson Harper, The Good Place
• Daniel Levy, Schitt's Creek - WINNER
• Tony Shalhoub, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

• Uzo Aduba, Mrs. America - WINNER
• Toni Collette, Unbelievable
• Margo Martindale, Mrs. America
• Jean Smart, Watchmen
• Holland Taylor, Hollywood
• Tracey Ullman, Mrs. America

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

• Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Watchmen - WINNER
• Jovan Adepo, Watchmen
• Tituss Burgess, Unbreakable KimmySchmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend
• Louis Gossett Jr., Watchmen
• Dylan McDermott, Hollywood
• Jim Parsons, Hollywood

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/16/watchmen-season-finale-review-what-to-watch"]