There are two major franchises in which gamers are still unsure of in terms of release dates, or whether they're even in development, Grand Theft Auto and The Elder Scrolls. While the current installments have been out for years, there doesn't seem to be any word on whether new releases are on the horizon, or what their current statuses are. As Bethesda continues to work on Starfield, it's understandable that a new entry in its flagship epic RPG world is some time away from completion, but it seems that there may be even longer to wait, and many are probably wondering why the company is taking so long to get to the next game.
It was recently reported, though not confirmed by Bethesda itself, that it's possible The Elder Scrolls 6 is still in pre-production, meaning there could still be a number of years until it's finished. Along with such reports, there was a tweet in which the user uploaded a screenshot from a supposed job listing in which the studio seems to be hiring a new candidate. However, the image doesn't say anything about TES6 being in pre-production, so readers are strongly advised to take all this information with a grain of salt. All that can be certain at this point is that the game is not likely to be coming out for some time. But there has to be a reason why there's been no word about it yet.
It's About Longevity
Bethesda has said it would like Elder Scrolls 6 to have a long shelf-life, so it seems that the company is keen to move forward with releases that stand the test of time, or that people keep playing for years to come. This, along with working on Starfield, could be the reason why the company is not keen to jump right in with the next ES game. It sounds a little cynical, but given that the Anniversary Edition of Skyrim came out late last year, there is still some longevity in the fifth installment. It seems evident that, while working on another project, the likes of Skyrim can still be a cash cow for the developer, even after a decade.
But it hasn't stopped the fans from speculating. As with all intellectual properties that are not being spoken about officially, eventually, the community will run with whatever information it feels it has and draw its own conclusions. There are already plenty of Elder Scrolls 6 fan theories, such as where it could possibly be set, or that it could even be a prequel. As of now, there is no word from Bethesda or other sources related to the development of the game itself, so many may not take this tidbit of information too seriously.
Of course, it would be frustrating for many if it does turn out that the next game in the series is still years away from completion, with work only just beginning. With Skyrim having just celebrated ten years, it's understandable that the fan base is wanting any information on the whereabouts of the next game. A decade is a long time for a single entry in, what is considered, one of the biggest RPG franchises in gaming history without the studio talking about what's coming next. But, much like Rockstar and GTA 5, there is still a product out there that is currently very lucrative.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is rumored to be in development.