In an interview ahead of Starfield’s release, Todd Howard gave fans a disappointing update on when they can expect The Elder Scrolls 6.
The game was announced in 2018, but there have been very few updates on its progress. Howard has now said that it likely won’t be finished until “probably 2028,” though he also says “it’s anyone’s guess.”
This is certainly not the news fans were hoping for, particularly from a game that was announced the same day as Starfield. At the time, The Elder Scrolls 6’s teaser was exciting, but five years later, it’s largely viewed as a mistake.
When asked if he regrets the decision to announce the game possibly a decade ahead of launch, Howard said “I have asked myself that a lot…I don’t know. I probably would’ve announced it more casually.”
In a more positive development, Howard also teased what the team wants to accomplish with The Elder Scrolls 6. “I will say that we want it to fill that role of the ultimate fantasy-world simulator. And there are different ways to accomplish that given the time that has passed.”
What that will look like remains to be seen. Bethesda is obviously focused on Starfield at the moment, and given the current 2028 release window, it’ll be a while until we learn anything substantial.
Perhaps the only solace Elder Scrolls fans can take is that they won’t have to wait as long as Fallout fans, as Fallout 5 won’t release until after The Elder Scrolls 6.
Here are some additional details from the interview:
- Howard said that the team is still in the early stages of development for The Elder Scrolls 6, and that they are still “figuring out what the game is.”
- He also said that the game will be “much bigger” than Skyrim, and that it will take advantage of the latest technology.
- Howard did not say anything specific about the setting of the game, but he did say that it will be “something that fans will be excited about.”
Overall, the news that The Elder Scrolls 6 won’t be released until at least 2028 is disappointing for fans. However, Howard’s comments about the game’s scope and ambition are encouraging, and it sounds like the team is committed to making it a truly special experience.
