Summary
With the franchise celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the fandom is looking more and more for news aboutThe Elder Scrolls 6, especially considering how influentialSkyrimwas during the 2010s. However, Microsoft’s ownership over Bethesda has created much speculation overThe Elder Scrolls 6and whether it will be exclusive to Xbox systems—something that’s recently come into further question.
It’s been almost 13 years since the original release ofSkyrim, and over six years since the announcement trailer forThe Elder Scrolls 6hit the E3 stage. Those six years have been marked by silence about said game, but Bethesda recently shed some light on the title, with the studio playing around in’early builds' ofThe Elder Scrolls 6. Now thatStarfieldis out the door and Bethesda’s Creation Engine is upgraded, the company has more room to pivot towards the next entry in one of its biggest IPs.
Xbox’s Multiplatform Strategy Has Thrown The Elder Scrolls 6 Exclusivity Issue Into Confusion
One conundrum surroundingThe Elder Scrolls 6is the exclusivity question. Phil Spencer, in an interview with British GQ back in 2021, seemed to confirm thatElder Scrolls 6would be exclusive to the Xboxfamily of systems. The Xbox lead suggested that he saw the title followingStarfieldon exclusivity, something corroborated by a 2022 FTC hearing that revealed three future Bethesda titles would be Xbox exclusive. The possibility sparked controversy among fans, as well as discussion over Microsoft’s increasing domination over the industry. However, Xbox’s recent multiplatform strategy has confused this matter further.
Xbox Has Opened The Door For The Elder Scrolls 6 To Be Multiplatform
Hi-Fi Rush,Sea of Thieves, andGroundedare all going multiplatform. Not only is this a big push away from exclusivity, butHi-Fi Rushwas published by Bethesda, making this discussion aroundThe Elder Scrolls 6all the more prudent.
In aninterview with Polygon’s Chris Plante, Phil Spencer explained that this shift stems from the current industry landscape, where ballooning game costs are causing big changes. Rising costs mixed with a stagnant console market has reasoning behind exclusivity “pressured as the cost of the game goes up”.
Spencer also points to Gen Z’s spending habits, saying “All of their stuff is available wherever they want. So for Xbox, our brand pivot—as we attract and maintain relevance with a younger audience—is ‘Xbox is a place where I can find the great games I want to’”. These lines of reasoning prop up the idea of a multiplatformElder Scrolls 6, something also backed up by some rumors about allfirst-party Xbox titles going to other consoles. Rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, of course, but there’s the possibility for a reversal of any exclusivity statement.
There’s Precedent For Microsoft Going Multiplatform Already
This multiplatform strategy is nothing new, however. Microsoft has keptMinecraftavailable on every platform imaginable for years. It’s also made a deal with Sony tokeepCall of Dutyon PlayStation, though the future of franchises outside that titan is less certain. Regardless, Microsoft has shown the most willingness to work with other consoles out of the big three in recent years.
Fans Should Look To Starfield And Indiana Jones
WhileHi-Fi Rushis a Bethesda title, it’s the big fish that will likely signal which wayElder Scrolls 6goes. IfStarfieldand/orIndiana Jones and the Great Circlecome to platforms other than Xbox, it will pave the way for any other big Bethesda game to follow suit. Whatever Microsoft ends up pursuing, fans have made it clear that their preference lies witha multiplatformElder Scrolls 6.
