The Elder Scrolls 6 Might Play a Big Role in the Xbox Series X/S Lineup

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The Elder Scrolls 6 Might Play a Big Role in the Xbox Series X/S Lineup

Key Takeaways

  • The Elder Scrolls 6 is still in development after six years with few updates as to its status.
  • The current console generation may last until 2026 or 2027, and TES6’s release could coincide with the end of the Xbox Series X/S.
  • TES6 could potentially be one of the last major Xbox Series X/S releases before the next hardware generation.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation when it comes to The Elder Scrolls 6. Having grown up with Morrowind and Oblivion, and later becoming enamored with Skyrim, the thought of returning to Tamriel is like revisiting an old friend who’s been away for far too long.

In the course of its development spanning several years, “The Elder Scrolls 6,” the latest installment in Bethesda’s renowned RPG franchise, has been largely kept under wraps. Fans have been anticipating substantial news or updates on this title since its initial announcement in 2018, but to no avail so far. The studio’s primary focus has been on the introduction of their new intellectual property, “Starfield,” which was launched last year, followed by ongoing improvements and additions. The recent Rev-8 update preceding Starfield’s first major DLC, Shattered Space (expected release date September 30), reaffirms Bethesda’s commitment to providing long-term support for their new IP.

It appears increasingly likely that The Elder Scrolls 6, given its delay, is still some time away from release. Although no official confirmation has been made yet, considering it’s been six years since we last heard about it and taking into account the current generation of consoles, the timing might line up with the twilight of Xbox Series S and X. If this turns out to be true, it could also mark a sort of transition or handover in the gaming industry.

In addition to The Elder Scrolls VI (TES6), it’s believed that Bethesda is currently developing Fallout 5, which will be the next installment in their popular franchise. However, like TES6, updates on this project have been sparse as well.

The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Send Off the Current Xbox Series Generation With a Bang Before the Next Generation Switch

The Current Console Generation is Around Its Halfway Point

Currently, we’re four years into the lifespan of the ninth generation of gaming consoles, and it’s expected to continue until around 2026 or 2027. Unlike previous generations that typically lasted about five years, this one has extended slightly. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were launched in 2013, with their successors appearing in 2020. This prolonged lifespan could potentially position “The Elder Scrolls 6” for an intriguing release timing due to the diminishing returns on technological leaps between generations.

Why The Elder Scrolls 6 Might End Up Being the Last Major Xbox Series X/S Release Before the Next Generation

Bethesda clearly understands the high anticipation surrounding The Elder Scrolls 6, and as time passes, that pressure is likely to grow. Delaying the release until the next generation is fully established might result in a loss of goodwill and patience from fans. Similar to how games like The Last of Us, released towards the end of the PlayStation 3 era, found themselves in a similar position, it’s possible that TES6 could follow suit. However, it’s important to note that this is all speculation at this point, and Bethesda may have different strategies for introducing The Elder Scrolls 6.

As Microsoft owns Bethesda, it’s highly likely
TES6
will be included on Game Pass.

Given its prolonged production timeline and the evolving characteristics of contemporary generations, there’s a chance that TES6 could be delayed until the current generation is nearing its end, timing its release to coincide with the mass market entry of the next generation of Xbox consoles. In this scenario, it would serve as something of a grand finale for the Xbox Series X/S, wrapping up the generation on a high note. Subsequently, it may follow in the footsteps of The Last of Us, getting an upgrade for genuine next-gen hardware later on. It’s also conceivable that The Elder Scrolls 6 might come out well before the next Xbox, but until Bethesda confirms something definitive, it appears reasonable to speculate that TES6 could bring an end to the current era of Xbox gaming.

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2024-09-02 19:13