The gaming world is buzzing with speculation over which highly anticipated title will hit the shelves first: Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto 6 or Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls VI. The conversation gained momentum during an event for the second season of Amazon’s Fallout TV series, where Bethesda Creative Director Todd Howard shared his thoughts.
A Race to the Finish Line
In a candid moment on the red carpet, Todd Howard suggested that GTA 6 is likely to be released before The Elder Scrolls VI. Howard expressed admiration for Rockstar’s ability to craft immersive worlds, noting their skill in creating environments that feel alive, even without player interaction. While fans debate whether GTA 6, The Elder Scrolls VI, or even Fallout 5 will debut first, Howard’s comments have set expectations high for Rockstar to take the lead.
Understanding Development Timelines
When it comes to release predictions, Howard’s stance isn’t surprising. Fallout 5 remains in the early stages of development, with Bethesda channeling its efforts into The Elder Scrolls VI. Recent statements by Howard indicate that TES VI is still far from completion. Meanwhile, rumors about GTA 6 have pointed to a potential release date in November 2026, with little expectation of further delays.
The Historical Perspective
Bethesda’s development history provides some insight into the timelines we might expect. Previous titles, such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, had development cycles spanning several years. The studio’s recent project, Starfield, took five years to develop amid the challenges of creating a new IP during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this context, TES VI might not see the light of day until late 2027, while GTA 6’s release appears more imminent.
Todd Howard hinted that GTA 6 would likely launch before The Elder Scrolls VI, expressing high praise for Rockstar’s work in creating vibrant worlds.