Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has described the company's next-generation plans, codenamed Project Helix, as a "family of devices," but declined to provide specifics on whether The Elder Scrolls 6 will be a console exclusive. Speaking at Gamescom 2026, Sharma indicated that the upcoming hardware would push performance boundaries and integrate PC gaming experiences into consoles.
"We’ve been hard at work on a great next generation and a great family of devices for Helix, and we’ll share more soon," Sharma told the BBC. She also emphasized the industry's need to innovate in affordability and efficiency, citing current hardware and component crises. This suggests a potential shift in Xbox's strategy, possibly including multiple hardware form factors beyond a traditional console, perhaps echoing the Xbox Series S's focus on affordability or even hinting at a more integrated handheld device.
When pressed about the exclusivity of highly anticipated titles like The Elder Scrolls 6, Sharma acknowledged that "every platform needs some form of exclusive experiences and content." She pointed to Gears and Clockwork as examples of Microsoft's commitment to exclusives, stating the company will "do the best we can to continue to do that, all in the context of the business being healthy." However, she offered no definitive statement regarding The Elder Scrolls 6's platform availability, describing it only as a "beautiful game."
The ongoing discussion around exclusivity comes as the increasing cost of game development incentivizes wider platform reach. While former Xbox head Phil Spencer previously suggested that The Elder Scrolls 6 could be made exclusive profitably, the company's current stance remains unconfirmed.
Further complicating the exclusivity landscape, reports suggest a delay for Forza Horizon 6's planned PlayStation 5 release. Originally slated for a limited exclusivity window before coming to Sony's platform this year, insiders now claim the port is unlikely to materialize until 2027. The success of the game could lead to a re-evaluation of its multiplatform strategy.
Microsoft's gaming division maintained a reserved approach to major hardware and exclusivity announcements at Gamescom, leaving many questions about the future of Project Helix and its flagship titles unanswered.