Todd Howard Confirms The Elder Scrolls 6 Returns to Classic Bethesda Roots After Recent Detours
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Todd Howard revealed in a recent interview that The Elder Scrolls 6 will return to the classic single player style of Skyrim, marking a shift away from the experimental design of Fallout 76 and Starfield.
In a recent appearance on Kinda Funny Games, Bethesda studio head Todd Howard offered a rare update on the long-awaited development of The Elder Scrolls 6. While a definitive release date remains off the table, Howard addressed what fans have been wondering for years. He acknowledged that both Fallout 76 and Starfield served as creative detours from the studio's traditional formula. When development shifts back to Tamriel, the team is deliberately returning to the classic, open world exploration style that defined Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Oblivion.
Howard noted that the core DNA of the studio remains intact, with the majority of the developers who built Skyrim still working at Bethesda. More than 250 staff members are currently dedicated to the project, making it the studio's primary focus. Behind the scenes, the team spent the last several years upgrading the technology stack from Starfield's Creation Engine 2 to a brand new Creation Engine 3, which will power The Elder Scrolls 6 and future titles. Howard also teased an upcoming development milestone, though he kept specific details under wraps.
For players who have spent over a decade waiting for a follow up to Skyrim, this confirmation offers a clear sign of direction. Bethesda is leaning away from experimental multiplayer mechanics and vast procedural generation in favor of the focused world design that made its earlier RPGs legendary. While the wait is far from over, knowing that the studio is actively prioritizing its classic single player strengths should give the community plenty of confidence as development presses forward.
Original reporting by Marloes Valentina Stella over at Polygon. Read the full story here
Tags: The Elder Scrolls 6, Bethesda, Todd Howard, RPG, PC Gaming
Original article: Polygon