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

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.

In Case You Missed It

As we bid adieu to the week, our minds already wander towards the gaming adventures that await us this weekend. If you're still undecided on what to play, Sophie Laurent has started her weekend musings in "What are you going to play over this weekend?", published on January 17th. She explores the diverse ways we approach our gaming experiences, reminding us that every choice is a valid one and offering inspiration for your own gaming plans What are you going to play over this weekend?. Meanwhile, in the world of milestones, Marcus Thompson celebrates Ace Combat 7: Steel Battalion hitting an impressive 7 million copies sold in his article "Ace Combat 7 Marks a Major Sales Milestone". Published on January 17th, this piece delves into how this 2019 release has surpassed Ace Combat 8 and secured its place as the series' best-selling game Ace Combat 7 Marks a Major Sales Milestone. And if you're looking for your next immersive gaming experience, Carlos Mendoza's recent article "This Chinese RPG Looks Like a Stunning Playable Anime" is worth checking out. Published on January 17th, it takes us through Hotta Studio and Perfect World Games' Neverness to Everness, an open-world action RPG that blurs the lines between anime and Grand Theft Auto, with a closed beta running from February 6-20 This Chinese RPG Looks Like a Stunning Playable Anime.