Todd Howard on Fallout 5, Elder Scrolls 6 & Bethesda’s Future

Good news often arrives in glorious threes, and for fans of Starfield, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout, this week delivered a roadmap brimming with possibility. The giant studio, Bethesda Game Studios, has unveiled ambitious plans that promise not just new content, but a deep commitment to nurturing legendary worlds for decades to come.

In an open note, the studio leadership shared their vision, emphasizing a desire to bring their core teams “closer together.” This isn’t just about faster development; it’s about establishing a foundation of support that spans generations, ensuring that these sprawling fantasy universes remain vibrant and evolving long after launch.

Bethesda’s philosophy centers on a profound love for the worlds they create. As one representative noted, “We love making these worlds as much as you love playing in them,” underscoring a mission to return to these realms together, shaping them collaboratively over many years.

Looking at the immediate horizons, the Fallout franchise is set for a major resurgence. Development is actively underway for Fallout 5, which is now in pre-production, promising the next grand adventure in the wasteland. Furthermore, beloved classics will be revisited, with plans confirmed for full remakes of Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas in the future. Adding to the excitement, Obsidian is officially returning to the Fallout universe, bringing their acclaimed talent back to craft a compelling spin-off experience.

The legacy continues with the older entries too. Fallout 76 will receive a massive expansion, including the highly anticipated “Raven Rock” DLC, serving as a rich prequel to the original Fallout 3 experience. Meanwhile, Starfield remains a beacon of future content, with plans for an expansive Starborn DLC and enhanced tools designed to supercharge the Creation Club ecosystem.

Simultaneously, attention is fixed on the Elder Scrolls saga. While The Elder Scrolls VI remains firmly in development, studio leadership acknowledged that the team is exactly where they want to be on the timeline—a testament to steady, focused progress rather than rushing toward a launch date.

Underpinning these ambitious projects is a crucial technical pivot: the ongoing development of Creation Engine 3. This new engine is set to revolutionize how Bethesda handles simultaneous franchise development and vastly improves the tooling available for the community through the Creation Club.

When asked about navigating the current landscape, studio director Todd Howard offered a candid look at the challenges facing the industry. He spoke openly about the difficulties of supporting long-term franchises while managing industry shifts, acknowledging that personnel changes and external pressures are a constant factor for all gaming teams.

Howard expressed immense respect for Obsidian’s work, emphasizing the mutual trust between Bethesda and their collaborators. He noted that behind the scenes, there is a strong desire to find ways to collaborate, pointing out how effectively the Obsidian workflow mirrors the collaborative nature of Bethesda’s own long-standing teams.

Ultimately, the message from Bethesda is one of resilience and steadfast vision. Despite the complexities of the current market, the studio remains dedicated to their worlds, focusing on making The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 landmark experiences, proving that these epic realms continue to drive innovation for the future.