Bethesda Game Studios is doubling down on its roots with The Elder Scrolls VI, aiming for a return to the gameplay style that defined earlier titles like Skyrim and Oblivion. This comes after what studio director Todd Howard describes as “creative detours” with Starfield and Fallout 76. The shift signals a renewed focus on the immersive, exploration-driven RPG experience fans have come to expect from the franchise, and a clear message: don’t expect a direct follow-up to Starfield anytime soon.
Howard confirmed in a recent interview that the majority of the development team is now focused on The Elder Scrolls VI, with many of the original Skyrim developers still at the studio. This core team is leveraging a significantly upgraded game engine, moving from Creation Engine 2 – which powered Starfield – to Creation Engine 3, specifically designed for The Elder Scrolls VI and future Bethesda titles. The development team is currently at a significant milestone, internally playing a build of the game and refining the experience.
Creation Engine 3 Powers the Next Elder Scrolls
The move to Creation Engine 3 represents a substantial investment in Bethesda’s technology pipeline. According to Howard, the studio has spent “the last several years bringing Creation Engine 2… up to Creation Engine 3.” This upgrade is crucial for delivering the kind of immersive world and gameplay Bethesda is promising with the next Elder Scrolls installment. The engine improvements are intended to recapture the essence of what made previous Elder Scrolls games so popular – a focus on player exploration and a richly detailed world.
Howard acknowledged that announcing The Elder Scrolls VI in 2018 was perhaps premature, stating it wasn’t his “preference” to reveal the project so early in development. However, he emphasized the team’s commitment to delivering a game that lives up to the expectations of long-time fans. The studio is consciously steering away from the approaches taken with Fallout 76 and Starfield, which Howard characterized as experiments that, while valuable, diverged from the studio’s “classic style.”
No Plans for a ‘Starfield 2.0’
For those hoping for a substantial update or expansion to Starfield, Howard delivered a firm message: there is no “Starfield 2.0” in development. The studio’s resources are firmly focused on The Elder Scrolls VI, and while further news regarding Starfield is expected “soon,” it won’t involve a major overhaul of the existing game. This prioritization underscores Bethesda’s commitment to returning to the formula that has historically defined its success.
The decision to refocus on the core Elder Scrolls experience appears to be a direct response to feedback from players and a recognition of the studio’s strengths. By bringing back the team that created Skyrim and utilizing a new, more powerful engine, Bethesda is aiming to deliver a game that feels both familiar, and innovative. The studio is leaning into its established strengths, promising a return to the immersive, single-player RPG experience that has captivated players for decades.
While a release date for The Elder Scrolls VI remains distant, Howard’s comments offer a clear indication of the game’s direction. The studio is prioritizing a return to its “classic style,” leveraging a new engine, and focusing the majority of its resources on delivering a compelling and immersive experience. The future of Bethesda’s RPGs appears to be firmly rooted in the world of The Elder Scrolls.
What comes next for Bethesda remains to be seen, but the studio’s commitment to The Elder Scrolls VI is undeniable. As development progresses and more details emerge, fans can expect further updates on this highly anticipated title. Share your thoughts on the future of The Elder Scrolls in the comments below!