Todd Howard Claims the ‘Majority’ of Bethesda Are on Elder Scrolls 6, and Don’t Expect ‘Starfield 2.0’ Soon

Why It Matters

Bethesda’s allocation of most of its talent to Elder Scrolls 6 signals delayed revenue from its flagship titles, affecting investor outlook and gamer anticipation. The clarification on Starfield and Fallout projects helps shape market expectations for future releases and franchise health.

Key Takeaways

• Majority of Bethesda focused on Elder Scrolls 6 development
• Game approaching internal milestone, release still years away
• Starfield updates are expansions, not a sequel
• Multiple Fallout projects, including a remaster, in pipeline
• Hundreds of staff allocated across Bethesda’s major franchises

Pulse Analysis

Bethesda Game Studios is putting its weight behind The Elder Scrolls 6, with Todd Howard noting that most of the studio’s workforce is now on the project. The team has reportedly passed a significant internal checkpoint, suggesting that core systems and world‑building are solidifying. However, Howard’s admission that the title is still "a while yet" aligns with the industry’s pattern of multi‑year development cycles for open‑world RPGs, meaning investors and fans must temper expectations for a near‑term launch.

The conversation also addressed Starfield, Bethesda’s first new IP in over a decade. Howard emphasized that forthcoming content will be an expansion rather than a full sequel, a distinction that matters for both the company’s roadmap and the franchise’s revenue model. By positioning new updates as enhancements, Bethesda can extend Starfield’s lifecycle without the massive development costs of a sequel, while still delivering fresh experiences to retain its player base.

Meanwhile, the Fallout franchise remains a critical pillar of Bethesda’s portfolio. Howard confirmed several projects are underway, including a remaster of Fallout 3, echoing the successful Oblivion remaster strategy. With “hundreds” of staff spread across Elder Scrolls, Starfield, and Fallout, Bethesda appears to be diversifying its pipeline to mitigate risk and capitalize on the enduring popularity of its legacy series. This multi‑project approach could stabilize cash flow and keep the studio resilient amid shifting market dynamics.