Veteran of Bethesda Waited 11 Years for Leadership on The Elder Scrolls 6, But Todd Howard Handed it to Someone Else.

Key Takeaways

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Kurt Kuhlmann, a key contributor to The Elder Scrolls series and co-creator of Skyrim, left Bethesda in 2023 after over 20 years with the company due to disappointment over his lack of involvement in The Elder Scrolls 6 development, which has been delayed by the prioritization of other projects like Fallout 76 and Starfield.
A potential New Vegas remaster could impact the release timeline of The Elder Scrolls 6, as a significant project requiring resources that might divert attention from The Elder Scrolls 6 development.
Bethesda Game Studios is expected to approach the release of The Elder Scrolls 6 with caution due to the immense pressure for it to be exceptional, similar to the high-profile delays of Grand Theft Auto 6.
A character in Elder Scrolls VI will be dedicated to a fan who passed away, indicating that players may expect a game that completes more of the story while taking fewer narrative risks despite the long wait since Skyrim.

Disillusioned Elder Scrolls Veteran Kuhlmann Departs Bethesda After Delayed Leadership for The Elder Scrolls 6

Kurt Kuhlmann, a key figure in The Elder Scrolls series and co-responsible for Skyrim, left Bethesda in 2023 after over 20 years with the company. Kuhlmann attributes his departure to waiting approximately 11 years for a significant role in the development of The Elder Scrolls 6, a role that ultimately never materialized. Kuhlmann stated that Todd Howard had informally indicated he would be a key figure in the next installment following Fallout 4. However, Bethesda prioritized other projects, such as Fallout 76 and Starfield, delaying the start of The Elder Scrolls 6’s production. When development eventually began, the leadership position was given to someone else. Kuhlmann also noted the studio’s significant growth and increased bureaucracy over the years, which reduced opportunities for the creative work he valued. These factors ultimately led to his departure. Adding to the uncertainty surrounding The Elder Scrolls 6, the game is reportedly in playtesting, and separate rumors have emerged concerning potential Fallout remasters that could further impact its development timeline.

Potential New Vegas Remaster Could Impact The Elder Scrolls 6 Release Timeline and Bethesda’s Careful Approach to Sequel

Specifically, a glitch on the Steam review pages for Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 3 has sparked speculation about a possible remaster. Reddit user uHomer4a10 initially spotted the glitch. If a New Vegas remaster is in development, it could potentially affect the release timeline of The Elder Scrolls 6, as a remastered version of either Fallout: New Vegas or Fallout 3 would constitute a significant project. Former Bethesda artist Nate Purkeypile suggested that Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls 6 early, in 2018, to mitigate potential fan backlash after the long wait since Skyrim. Purkeypile and Bethesda Game Studios design director Emil Pagliarulo both believe that Bethesda will take its time releasing The Elder Scrolls 6 due to the immense pressure for it to be exceptional. Pagliarulo compared this approach to the high-profile delays of Grand Theft Auto 6. Todd Howard acknowledged that Bethesda took too long to release Elder Scrolls 6 but hinted at a possible shadow-drop, similar to what they did with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.

New Vegas Remaster Implication for Elder Scrolls VI Narrative and Legacy

Finally, a character in Elder Scrolls VI will be dedicated to a fan who passed away. Despite the extensive wait, Kuhlmann anticipates that players likely expect a game that completes more of the story while taking fewer narrative risks.

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