New Strategic Direction at Bethesda

Following a period of significant corporate restructuring within the Xbox division, Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard has provided a comprehensive update on the studio's long-term roadmap. Howard confirmed that the development teams are currently leveraging Creation Engine 3, a sophisticated technology platform developed following the release of Starfield, to power their upcoming projects.


Regarding the studio's current priorities, Howard stated: «Our teams are now developing The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 on Creation Engine 3, a technology platform we've been building since Starfield's launch. It allows our teams to support multiple projects simultaneously with new tools, rendering, and systems that define our games.»


Focus on Major Franchises

While Fallout 5 is currently in the preproduction phase, the studio's primary development resources are dedicated to the next installment of The Elder Scrolls. Despite the massive and enduring success of Skyrim, which has sold over 65 million copies, Howard acknowledged the long wait for a successor.


«The Elder Scrolls VI is our primary development focus today, with the majority of our team currently working on the next chapter of the franchise. We're where we planned to be, loving how it looks, and playing it every day,» Howard noted.

Expanding the Fallout Universe

Bethesda is significantly expanding the Fallout brand, with multiple projects currently underway:

  • Collaborative Efforts: A new Fallout project is in development in partnership with Obsidian Entertainment.
  • Remasters: The studio confirmed they are working on remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas.
  • Fallout 76: A major expansion titled Raven Rock, serving as a prequel to Fallout 3, is scheduled for next year.
  • Multimedia: In addition to game development, the studio is collaborating with Amazon Studios and Kilter Films on an unscripted television project related to Fallout Shelter.

Organizational Changes

These updates arrive as the broader Microsoft-owned gaming division undergoes a major restructuring. While specific details on the impact of recent workforce reductions on Bethesda and Obsidian remain private, the shift toward a more integrated development model continues. ZeniMax Online Studios is set to work more closely with Bethesda Game Studios on the The Elder Scrolls franchise to streamline production and enhance player experiences across both single-player and online titles.