More than half a decade has passed since the announcement of Elder Scrolls 6, and the anticipation among fans is palpable. The previous installment, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, was a monumental success, selling over 60 million copies as of June 2023. This sets a formidable precedent for Elder Scrolls 6, which was first introduced to the public at Bethesda’s 2018 E3 conference alongside the recently released Starfield. However, since that initial teaser trailer, details about this open-world epic have been scarce.
Behind the Scenes at Bethesda Game Works
Bethesda Game Works (BGW), renowned for the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, has been focusing on Starfield, which was released in September 2023.
“Yes, ‘Elder Scrolls 6‘ is in pre-production and, you know, we’re going to be doing ‘Fallout 5’ after that, so our slate’s pretty full going forward for a while. We have some other projects that we look at from time to time as well.” – Todd Howard, Director of Bethesda Game Works (via IGN)
This suggests that the game entered full development only after the release of Starfield. Howard’s statement to Gamespot in August 2023 indicated that while the game is in early development, Elder Scrolls 6 wouldn’t be a focal point for some time.
A Glimpse into the Release Timeline
The wait for Elder Scrolls 6 has been a topic of much speculation. Court documents from the Microsoft-Activision FTC dispute, as reported by The Verge, suggested a release not before 2026. Bethesda’s pattern of releases hints at a possible launch between 2027 and 2030, considering the development timeframes of their previous major titles. The use of their new Creation Engine 2, however, might shorten this cycle.
Trailer Anticipation and Marketing Strategies
Bethesda’s strategy regarding trailers has kept fans on edge. Given the pattern observed with Starfield, a second trailer for Elder Scrolls 6 might not emerge until closer to its release. However, the somewhat lukewarm reception of Starfield, as reflected in its 83 Metacritic score, could prompt an earlier reveal to reinvigorate the fanbase.
EXCLUSIVE: Secret Audio Recording of Todd Howard Announcing The Elder Scrolls 6 Release Date to Investors and Intricate New Perk System for Player-NPC Relationships pic.twitter.com/ZvjsI6mYYy
— Ranton ~ TOP MONK 🏝️🇺🇦 (@realranton) February 1, 2023
Platform Availability and Exclusivity
The acquisition of Zenimax Entertainment by Microsoft in March 2021 has raised questions about platform exclusivity. Axios’ Stephen Totilo reported that while platforms for Elder Scrolls 6 are “technically TBD,” Microsoft indicated to the FTC in September 2022 that the game might be exclusive to Xbox and PC.
“In order to be on Xbox, I want us to be able to bring the full complete package of what we have. And that would be true when I think about ‘Elder Scrolls 6.'” – Phil Spencer, Microsoft Gaming CEO (via GQ)
This move aligns with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s vision for Xbox and follows the pattern seen with Bethesda’s other recent releases like Redfall and Starfield.
The Setting: A Return to Tamriel’s Roots?
The location of Elder Scrolls 6 remains a mystery. The initial teaser sparked rumors of Valenwood as the setting, but speculation has since shifted towards Hammerfell or High Rock, regions explored in The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall. It’s been nearly three decades since that title, and a revisit to the northwestern corner of Tamriel could be a fresh experience for players. The official Elder Scrolls Twitter account added to the speculation with a suggestive tweet about the Hammerfell region in 2020.
In conclusion, while the official release date for Elder Scrolls 6 remains unannounced, the build-up to this RPG giant’s release is nothing short of epic. Fans are eagerly awaiting more information, trailers, and details about the game’s setting. With Bethesda’s track record of delivering immersive and expansive worlds, the expectations are high, and the excitement is real. The journey to Elder Scrolls 6 might be long, but it promises to be a rewarding one for RPG enthusiasts worldwide.
