Now that’s Starfield is out already and freefalling fast on Steam, all eyes are on Bethesda Game Studios’ next big game – The Elder Scrolls 6.
The enigmatic next entry of The Elder Scrolls series has been a topic of much debate and anticipation. First announced a little over seven years ago, The Elder Scrolls 6 still remains largely shrouded in mystery. Delving into insights from Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer at Bethesda, who worked on iconic titles like Skyrim and Starfield, reveals a glimpse into what might lie ahead for the series.
Bruce Nesmith’s association with Bethesda goes back to 1995, and he retired from the studio in 2021. During this tenure, Nesmith has made considerable contributions to Elder Scrolls and Fallout, among others. His recent candid interaction with The MinnMax Show brought forth interesting details about The Elder Scrolls 6. He shared that the game would be “absolutely” similar to Skyrim in some ways, like leveling up and progression. This approach sees players enhancing the skill system by repeatedly using them instead of merely allocating skill points. Additionally, the game is speculated to integrate facets of the magic system Nesmith designed for Skyrim. The system was a deviation from previous titles like Oblivion and Morrowind, leaning towards ease of comprehension and immediate power, albeit at the cost of adaptability and creativity.
However, first things first thing, when is The Elder Scrolls 6 coming out?
As someone who’s in the know, Nesmith is well aware of the pressures faced by Bethesda. So much so that, he makes an audacious claim – the studio felt pressured to announce The Elder Scrolls 6, even if it meant deviating from their typical modus operandi. Nesmith recounts, “Only the fact that the pitchforks and torches were out got Todd to say ‘Yes we’re going to do Elder Scrolls 6, it’s for real it’ll happen.'”
So, what does this mean? For The Elder Scrolls 6, don’t expect to hear anything about it from Bethesda until it’s closer to its release date.
Now, is this good news or bad news? Well, that depends on how you look at things. Based on the actual timeline of The Elder Scrolls 6’s development, the game isn’t any closer to being finished now than when it was first announced several years back. Even if Bethesda shifts all its focus to The Elder Scrolls 6 post the release of Starfield, we’re still looking at a potential release date of 2028. Of course, the more optimistic fan will point to a leaked document from Microsoft that hinted at a potential release in FY 2024. However, the Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, has previously mentioned that TES 6 is at least “five-plus years” away if not longer.
Fortunately, Bethesda appears to be correcting its course after years of deviations. Nesmith pointed out to Fallout 4 as an example of how the studio will likely handle things. Bethesda announced, detailed, and launched the award-winning title within a span of six months in 2015. Such a condensed cycle is their preferred approach, avoiding prolonged periods of anticipation which could potentially wane interest or set unrealistic expectations.
While audiences are eager for tidbits and trailers, Nesmith’s words offer reassurance. Historically, Bethesda has followed a pattern of producing intricate and expansive worlds, and The Elder Scrolls 6 will likely be no exception. Although the waiting period might seem longer than before, the eventual outcome promises a rich and immersive experience that honors the legacy of The Elder Scrolls while pioneering new frontiers.
If it’s any consolation, Todd Howard believes that Starfield was built to be enjoyed for as long as Skyrim.
