Fallout 5′ in Preproduction, ‘Elder Scrolls 6’ Is Bethesda’s ‘Primary Development Focus’

Bethesda Game Studios Confirms ‘Fallout 5’ in Preproduction, Prioritizes ‘The Elder Scrolls VI’

Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard confirmed on Friday that Fallout 5 is officially in preproduction, while The Elder Scrolls VI remains the studio’s primary development focus. The announcement comes as part of a broader strategy update from the studio following a period of significant workforce reductions within parent company Xbox.

In a studio update, Howard stated that the majority of the Bethesda team is currently working on the next chapter of The Elder Scrolls franchise. While no release date was provided, Howard noted that the team is where we planned to be in the development timeline, describing the project as something they are loving how it looks, and playing it every day.

Shared Technology Platform

Central to Bethesda’s future development strategy is Creation Engine 3. Howard described this as a shared technology platform, developed since the launch of Starfield, which allows the studio to support multiple projects simultaneously.

It allows our teams to support multiple projects simultaneously with new tools, rendering, and systems that define our games, Howard wrote. Both Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI are being built on this engine, which the studio intends to use to bring games to players sooner and support them for longer durations.

Expanding the Fallout Universe

While Fallout 5 is identified as a long-range destination, Bethesda confirmed that the franchise is a major priority with multiple projects currently in active development. Among these is a new, as-yet-unspecified Fallout project being created in partnership with Xbox’s Obsidian Entertainment.

Additionally, the studio confirmed that remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are in development, though Bethesda has not announced release dates for these titles. For the existing Fallout 76, the studio plans to launch a major expansion next year titled Raven Rock, which will serve as a prequel story to Fallout 3.

Status of Starfield and Studio Operations

Despite the shift in focus toward The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, Bethesda maintains that Starfield remains an important part of its future. The studio update arrives following a difficult period for the developer. Microsoft’s gaming division, which includes Bethesda and Obsidian, is undergoing a restructuring process that involves reducing its workforce by up to 3,200 employees—approximately 20% of its total staff—over the next year. This initiative, described by Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma as the most significant restructure in the company’s history, has resulted in the elimination of at least 1,600 positions and the divestment of several studios since July 6. Looking ahead, he emphasized that the studio is investing in bringing its core teams closer together to better navigate the current industry landscape and continue its long-term goals.

Summary of Announced Bethesda Projects