The anticipation for The Elder Scrolls 6 continues to grow as Bethesda developers, including the prominent Todd Howard, offer yet another update on the game’s progress. Fans are eagerly awaiting a release date, but it seems the wait will be longer than hoped.
Progress and Patience
June last year marked six years since the announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6, leading Todd Howard himself to remark, “oh wow, that has been a while.” At least there’s progress; the game entered “early development” in August 2023, with early builds showcased by March 2024. Yet, Howard recently reaffirmed the need for patience, telling fans that the game “is still a long way off” in a GQ magazine interview celebrating Fallout 4 Anniversary Edition. “I’m preaching patience. I don’t want fans to feel anxious,” he stated.
Speaking to Game Informer, Howard noted, “It’s progressing really well. The majority of the studio’s on 6, but I’ll say this: we always overlap. So, we’re very used to overlapping development.” Despite the overlapping, the team is dedicated to getting every detail right, even if it takes longer than expected. Emil Pagliarulo, the studio design director, emphasized the importance of a well-cooked game, comparing it to letting a turkey roast just right.
Technological Advances and Fan Expectations
Angela Browder, studio director, enthused about the technological leaps being made, promising that The Elder Scrolls 6 represents an “endless set of possibilities” that is thrilling both as a developer and a gamer. “It’s gonna be dope. It’s dope!” she exclaimed.
Despite these alluring updates, there’s still no release window, leaving fans hungry for any hint of a timeline. Speculation has even led some to believe a live-action Skyrim trailer hinted at a 2027 release date. This speculation comes as no surprise, given that the announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6 now matches the age Skyrim was when its successor was first revealed.
Looking Ahead with Excitement
In a recent article, Howard admitted The Elder Scrolls 6’s prolonged development time but also hinted at a potential surprise release akin to the shadowdrop of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. “I like to just announce stuff and release it,” he said, suggesting a spontaneous release might be possible in the distant future.
Additionally, earlier confirmations reveal that a character honoring a beloved fan will be part of the game, in light of a successful charity campaign raising over $85,000 for Make-A-Wish. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains in playtesting, and while the exact release remains a mystery, the dedication to a fantastic final product is clear.