Despite the long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, nearly 15 years after Skyrim’s debut, Bethesda Game Studios has refrained from involving an external team to create a spin-off for the beloved franchise. This cautious approach remains even though they previously allowed Obsidian to develop the successful Fallout: New Vegas.
Former Skyrim developer and loremaster, Kurt Kuhlmann, shared insights on the FRVR podcast, underscoring Bethesda’s protectiveness over The Elder Scrolls series. He noted that debates ensued about which company did a better job following New Vegas’s release, leading to discussions among fans over Bethesda versus Obsidian’s prowess in game development. Many believed Obsidian excelled with New Vegas and questioned why the studio didn’t handle Fallout entirely.
Such sentiments did not deter Bethesda’s decision-making strategies. Kuhlmann indicated that Todd Howard, Bethesda’s director, was particularly keen to prevent a similar debate regarding The Elder Scrolls. Howard’s protectiveness over the franchise has been evident throughout his tenure, with a preference for maintaining a consistent vision and level of quality.
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), as Kuhlmann mentioned, significantly alleviated the pressure during the gap between mainline releases. Providing continuous new content and engaging a thriving community, ESO has allowed many fans to have their Elder Scrolls experiences satisfied, even as others await single-player narratives.
Since Kuhlmann’s departure from Bethesda in 2023, there have been notable shifts within the company. With Xbox now emphasizing its major titles like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls amid corporate restructuring and layoffs, there have been changes in strategy. Obsidian, now a sibling company under Bethesda, is in the process of developing a new Fallout installment. Although the possibility of a spin-off remains open, Bethesda president Jill Braff reassured staff that Obsidian’s unique creativity will continue to be a highlight in their collaborative efforts moving forward.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.