Todd Howard on Xbox cuts and finding optimism for the future

Amidst the recent industry shakeups, some fans have wondered if the legendary franchises of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls were quietly shelved. Today, Bethesda finally put those concerns to rest, sending a clear signal that the studio is still committed to delivering massive worlds for gamers.

The reassurance comes with exciting news: work on Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI remains firmly on track, alongside the continued development of new content for Starfield.

Adding to the ongoing momentum, the promise is not just about Bethesda’s internal projects; it also includes other major IP. The news confirms that Obsidian’s highly anticipated Fallout project has received the green light, meaning fans of established series like Fallout 76 and The Elder Scrolls Online can expect fresh content in the coming months.

To understand the weight behind this commitment, we spoke with studio director Todd Howard, who offered a candid look into navigating these challenging times in the games industry. For Howard, the reality has been tough, grappling with significant shifts across the entire gaming landscape.

“It has been very difficult, very difficult for our teams,” Howard admitted. He reflected on the personal toll of team changes, noting that when working with people who have dedicated decades to the craft, transitions bring considerable challenges.

Howard also looked back at the history of Bethesda, acknowledging the studio’s journey through various transformations—from its foundational years in the 90s to evolving as ZeniMax, and subsequent changes. He pointed out that managing these shifts while maintaining support for iconic franchises requires constant adaptation.

“We are at another change moment for how we support each other, and what we do with these games and for our fans,” he stated, emphasizing the need to redefine their approach in today’s environment.

Despite the external pressures—ranging from economic concerns like inflation to industry-wide shifts toward other gaming options—Howard remains grounded by the quality of the work his teams are producing. He finds his optimism not in broad industry trends, but in tangible results.

“If I zoom out from the video game industry, I look at who was nominated for Game of the Year last year, and what that says about the creativity being unleashed,” Howard shared. He noted periods when adventure games faced questions about their future relevance, but stressed that as a player and industry veteran, he remains deeply proud of the creative output.

By focusing on the passion and meticulous work happening within his teams every week, Howard finds his strength. He believes that channeling that dedication into crafting games they absolutely love is the surest path to optimism, fueling the drive to deliver unforgettable experiences for Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls VI, and everything in between.