Bethesda Game Studios has issued a statement to reassure fans that The Elder Scrolls 6 remains its primary development focus, despite recent reports of layoffs within the studio following Microsoft's restructuring of the Xbox division. The studio stated that "The next chapter is on the way. We're where we planned to be, loving how it looks, and playing it every day."
In a note to fans, Bethesda detailed that the majority of its team is currently engaged with the next installment in The Elder Scrolls franchise. The studio acknowledged the long wait players have endured since the last mainline entry, noting that Skyrim, released 15 years ago, continues to be explored by millions. The statement also clarified that Zenimax Online Studios, developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, will collaborate more closely with Bethesda Game Studios on the franchise. This alignment aims to "create even better experiences for players" by bringing the teams closer together.
The Elder Scrolls 6 will utilize Creation Engine 3, the same engine being developed for use with Starfield and the newly announced Fallout 5. Bethesda leader Todd Howard explained that sharing this roadmap is intended to help fans understand the studio's ongoing work and strategic direction. Howard also acknowledged the studio's need to communicate more effectively with its player base while still protecting the eventual reveal of the game.
Howard added that this period of change at Bethesda, coinciding with the studio's 40th anniversary, is aimed at sharpening the focus on its core franchises to ensure delivery of high-quality experiences. The Elder Scrolls 6 was initially announced eight years ago, a timing Howard has since reflected on, suggesting he might have handled the announcement differently in retrospect.