In a recent interview, former Bethesda publishing head Pete Hines harshly criticized how the studio has been treated following its acquisition by Microsoft.
According to the executive, in a conversation with journalist Kirk McKeand, the company’s culture was completely altered, and the team is no longer part of something “authentic” or “genuine.”
Without directly naming the tech giant, Hines revealed that he felt powerless to protect employees and maintain the efficient environment they had built over the years.
“I saw how it was being damaged, torn apart and, frankly, mistreated and abused,” he stated. The executive even said that the current internal situation should not come as a surprise to the public, pointing out a certain hypocrisy among those who “say one thing and do another.”
It is worth noting that Hines had planned to leave his position as early as 2022, but multiple delays to Starfield led him to remain at the studio until the end of 2023 to ensure the RPG’s release.
Microsoft spent an impressive $7.5 billion to acquire ZeniMax Media in 2021, integrating Bethesda much more directly into the structure of the Xbox division over time.
Before his retirement, the executive even testified in the legal battle against the FTC and reportedly questioned internally the decision to keep the Call of Duty franchise multiplatform while Bethesda productions were losing versions on rival consoles.
Today, we know that the company’s strategy has undergone major changes, with major bets such as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle already confirmed for PlayStation 5.
