Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls VI is currently the primary focus for its development team, with the studio utilizing a new internal platform, Creation Engine 3. While the project remains in active development, Bethesda also revealed that Fallout 5 is in the early stages of pre-production, supported by the same modular engine technology.
The Elder Scrolls VI Development Status
Bethesda Game Studios reports that the majority of its staff is dedicated to the next chapter of The Elder Scrolls series. Addressing the long wait for the successor, the studio stated, “The next chapter is on the way. We are where we had planned to be, love how it looks, and are playing it every day.”
Development is centered on the Creation Engine 3 platform. This engine has been under construction since the release of Starfield. According to Bethesda, the engine’s architecture is designed to support multiple projects simultaneously through updated rendering systems and development tools, allowing for parallel work on both The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5.
Did you know?
The transition to Creation Engine 3 marks an evolution in Bethesda’s workflow. By creating a unified engine, the studio aims to share core systems across its major franchises.
Fallout 5 and Multi-Project Pipeline
While The Elder Scrolls VI occupies the primary development slot, Bethesda confirmed that Fallout 5 is officially in pre-production. The studio’s ability to move Fallout 5 into this phase is attributed to the flexibility of Creation Engine 3.
By utilizing new tools and rendering systems that define their modern games, Bethesda’s leadership noted that the engine allows teams to support multiple projects without sacrificing the quality of their primary releases.
ZeniMax Online Studios and The Elder Scrolls Online
Following recent Xbox-led workforce reductions, ZeniMax Online Studios is undergoing structural changes. Bethesda stated that the team behind The Elder Scrolls Online is being brought “closer together” with the main studio to collaborate on the broader Elder Scrolls brand.
The goal of this alignment is to coordinate more directly across the series. Bethesda indicated that players can expect “more planned for the future” following the launch of Season 1: Return of the Thieves Guild. The intent is to create more cohesive experiences for the player base by synchronizing efforts between the franchise development and the ongoing live-service updates for The Elder Scrolls Online.
Keep an eye on the official Bethesda blog for updates on the synchronization between The Elder Scrolls Online and the main series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fallout 5 currently in full production?
No. Bethesda has clarified that Fallout 5 is currently in the “pre-production” phase while the team’s primary focus remains on The Elder Scrolls VI.
What engine is powering The Elder Scrolls VI?
The game is being developed using Creation Engine 3, which was built to support Bethesda’s current and future projects.
Will The Elder Scrolls Online be affected by studio changes?
Bethesda stated that ZeniMax Online Studios will continue to deliver content for The Elder Scrolls Online while collaborating more closely with the main studio to align the franchise’s direction.
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