Bethesda’s Todd Howard recently provided an update on the development of The Elder Scrolls 6. Seven years following its initial reveal, Howard noted that fans would still have to ‘wait a while’ before the much-anticipated Skyrim sequel launches. However, the seasoned Bethesda director shared exciting news: the studio is nearing a significant internal milestone for the project, promising that The Elder Scrolls 6 will embody the ‘classic style’ of Bethesda RPGs, much like fan favorites Oblivion and Skyrim.
During a recent appearance on the Kinda Funny Games podcast, Howard discussed various subjects, including both The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield. He reaffirmed previous statements, assuring listeners that development is ‘going well’ and that Bethesda is ‘happy with it,’ while also emphasizing that the game’s release is still some time away.
Notably, Howard confirmed that Bethesda is on the verge of reaching a major internal development milestone for The Elder Scrolls 6, though specific details about this achievement remain under wraps.
Expressing satisfaction, he stated, ‘We’re happy with where we pushed the technology and how the game is coming together. We’re able to play it. We’re about to pass a big milestone internally.’
Howard, known for his directorial roles in Starfield, Fallout 4, and The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, confirmed that the majority of the studio, alongside various partners, is dedicated to working on The Elder Scrolls 6.
He further revealed that a significant portion of his own time is committed to The Elder Scrolls 6, despite Bethesda reportedly managing several other projects. A reassuring detail for long-time fans is the confirmation that most of the developers who created Skyrim are still with Bethesda and are actively contributing to the new Elder Scrolls title.
The Return to Bethesda’s Cherished ‘Classic Style’
In recent years, Bethesda’s major releases have steered away from their traditional formula. Fallout 76 (2018) embraced a multiplayer live-service model, and Starfield (2023) introduced mechanics distinct from previous studio titles. Howard, however, assures fans that The Elder Scrolls 6 will signify a deliberate return to the studio’s iconic ‘classic style.’
Howard elaborated, explaining that ‘in many ways, Fallout 76 and Starfield represent a creative departure from that classic Elder Scrolls and Fallout experience—think Skyrim, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, or Oblivion—where the world is explored in a very specific manner. With our current work on The Elder Scrolls 6, we are intentionally returning to that beloved classic style that we’ve missed and understand intimately.’
He also mentioned that Bethesda has dedicated the past few years to evolving its proprietary Creation Engine 2, which powered Starfield, into Creation Engine 3. This enhanced engine will serve as the foundational technology for ‘Elder Scrolls 6 and future projects.’
Historically, Bethesda and Howard have provided minimal details about The Elder Scrolls 6, offering only general updates on its development. Last November, Howard reiterated that the game was ‘still a long way off,’ admitting that it had been ‘too long’ since the previous main installment in the Elder Scrolls saga.
More recently, in December, several Bethesda executives, including Howard, offered further project updates. Howard specifically noted that development was ‘progression really well.’ Angela Browder, the studio director, highlighted the significant technological leaps being made for The Elder Scrolls 6, describing the game’s ‘endless set of possibilities’ as ‘exciting.’ Bethesda design director Emil Pagliarulo reinforced the sentiment, stating the studio is committed to taking all necessary time to ensure the game’s exceptional quality.
The Elder Scrolls 6, the highly anticipated successor to The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, was initially unveiled at E3 in 2018 with a concise teaser. Seven years on, the landscape of gaming events has changed, with E3 no longer active, yet development on the project steadily progresses.
Beyond The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda is also rumored to be developing unannounced Fallout projects. Additionally, Starfield is slated for a significant update later this year, with a reported release planned for PlayStation 5.