Bethesda director Todd Howard has disclosed that a recent play test was conducted for The Elder Scrolls 6 (ES6), marking a significant milestone in its development. Despite this progress, Howard clarified that the game remains distant from its release date.
Development and Timeline
Howard, speaking in a GQ interview published on 2025-11-10, emphasized that the wait for ES6 has been "too long." He described Bethesda's approach to the series as necessitating breaks between games, showcasing a preference for innovation over producing direct sequels.
The studio's previous work on Starfield and their current focus on Fallout 5 and other projects have contributed to the prolonged development timeline.
Current Focus and Play Tests
The recent play test signals tangible progress in ES6's creation, offering insights into gameplay mechanics and build functionality. However, Howard has stressed that the game, despite its development stage, requires more time before it is ready for public consumption.
Bethesda appears set on delivering a unique experience, possibly seeking to differentiate ES6 from its predecessors and address the looming expectations built over the years.
