According to Xbox head Phil Spencer, The Elder Scrolls 6 release is five-plus years away. The revelation surfaced during the ongoing Microsoft vs. FTC trial for the acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Spencer was under oath for his deposition in court when he revealed some crucial details about the future of Xbox. He also stated that The Elder Scrolls 6 project is in full swing, and Microsoft has some great ambitions for Bethesda’s long-standing title.
The Elder Scrolls 6 release may happen after 2028, platforms TBD
If Phil Spencer’s launch window were to be taken at face value, then The Elder Scrolls 6 would launch in 2028. That would make Elder Scrolls one of the longest developed AAA titles.
But the long waiting period is not the only thing gamers need to worry about. A 2028+ release window means that Bethesda’s long-awaited release could be beyond the capabilities of current consoles. While Spencer cautiously mentioned that platforms for Elder Scrolls are yet to be decided, recent discussions and news from the Xbox/Bethesda camp hint at the possibility of an Xbox exclusive title.
Todd Howard also had recently assured that Bethesda would maintain their multi-platform approach to all their major titles. As recently as mid-2022, he had also revealed that The Elder Scrolls 6 was still in pre-production, which shows the rate at which the game’s development is progressing.
The deposition also revealed Microsoft’s plans to launch the new Xbox console in 2028. Based on the events that unfolded in recent weeks with the Xbox Showcase predominantly featuring Starfield, one thing is patently obvious: Microsoft expects Bethesda to bring their console back to prominence. So, The Elder Scrolls 6 release has a lot more riding on it than just becoming the most anticipated title in a very popular gaming franchise.
It has been well over a decade since The Elder Scrolls franchise’s fifth installment was launched. Since its launch, Skyrim has sold well over 60 million copies, making it Bethesda’s highest selling game. Skyrim is also one of the highest selling games on PC and Xbox/PS consoles.
Source: The Verge
