Elder Scrolls 6 'looks amazing', Xbox exec confirms after Bethesda visit

Xbox's chief content officer Matt Booty has confirmed he's seen The Elder Scrolls 6 running at Bethesda Game Studios, describing the long-awaited RPG as looking 'amazing'. As reported by VGC, the comments come nearly eight years after the game's initial announcement at E3 2018.

Speaking to Variety, Booty addressed the game's notable absence from recent Xbox showcases, explaining the careful balance between building excitement and making promises about release timing. 'I can tell you, having visited Bethesda and sat with Todd and seen Elder Scrolls playing, it looks amazing, and it's coming along well,' Booty said.

What this means for development

According to Todd Howard, director of Bethesda Game Studios, the majority of the development team has shifted focus to Elder Scrolls 6 following the completion of Starfield. 'The majority of the studio is on that game, and some of our partners,' Howard told Kinda Funny Games.

This represents a significant milestone in the game's development cycle. Howard confirmed the team can now play the game internally and that it's 'about to pass a big milestone internally'. However, he cautioned that despite this progress, 'it's going to be a while yet' before release.

The shift in resources suggests Bethesda has moved beyond pre-production phases into active development. For a studio that typically works on one major project at a time, having most staff dedicated to Elder Scrolls 6 indicates serious momentum after years of uncertainty.

Eight years since announcement

The Elder Scrolls 6 was first revealed with a brief teaser trailer at E3 2018, showing little more than a mountainous landscape and the series logo. At the time, Bethesda admitted the game was still years away from release, prioritising Starfield development first.

Since then, fans have received minimal official updates about the project. The lack of gameplay footage or concrete details has led to speculation about the game's scope and technical ambitions. Bethesda has previously indicated the game will use the Creation Engine 2, the same technology powering Starfield.

The timeline reflects Bethesda's methodical approach to major releases. Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched in 2011, making Elder Scrolls 6 one of the most anticipated sequels in gaming, with a development gap that will likely exceed 15 years by release.

What we still don't know

Despite the positive development update, key details about Elder Scrolls 6 remain unconfirmed. Bethesda hasn't announced target platforms, though Xbox Series X|S and PC seem likely given Microsoft's ownership of the studio. The game's setting, story, and core gameplay mechanics also remain undisclosed.

Booty's comments suggest Xbox is waiting for the 'right moment' to reveal more substantial details. This cautious approach follows industry criticism of games announced too early, leading to extended wait periods and changing expectations.

For UAE fans who've waited since Skyrim's launch, the confirmation that the game is playable represents tangible progress. However, without a target release window, the wait continues for one of the most anticipated RPGs in development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elder Scrolls 6 playable yet?

According to Xbox's Matt Booty and Bethesda's Todd Howard, the game is currently playable internally and is passing major development milestones. However, this refers to internal testing, not public availability.

When was Elder Scrolls 6 first announced?

The game was first announced with a teaser trailer at E3 2018, nearly eight years ago. The brief trailer showed only a mountainous landscape and the Elder Scrolls logo.

When will Elder Scrolls 6 be released?

No release window has been announced. Todd Howard recently stated 'it's going to be a while yet' despite the game being playable internally and development progressing well.

What platforms will Elder Scrolls 6 be on?

Bethesda hasn't officially confirmed platforms, but Xbox Series X|S and PC are expected given Microsoft's ownership of the studio. PlayStation availability remains unconfirmed.

How many people are working on Elder Scrolls 6?

Todd Howard confirmed that 'the majority of the studio' at Bethesda Game Studios is currently working on Elder Scrolls 6, along with some partner studios. This represents a major shift in resources following Starfield's completion.

Written by

Share

Copied