Starfield is Bethesda’s space exploration game due out next November, representing something of a departure from the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises. With Todd Howard saying the team’s sci-fi title was a "now or never" decision, it does mean that Elder Scrolls 6 is being put on the back burner for the time-being. However, Starfield should be an exciting new IP from the developer, and it looks as though the fan base will get its next look at the game sometime next summer, possibly during E3.
During a recent AMA on Reddit, Howard was asked by one commenter about whether Starfield would contain any "groundbreaking innovations" which could set a new standard for the future of RPGs. The Bethesda director and executive producer replied, saying that he would much rather "just show it" adding that this could happen "next summer." While he doesn't specifically state that there will be any new trailers or teasers which are being prepared for 2022's E3, which will be held in June, it is very likely that this is what he's referring to, given the usual dates for the annual gaming conference.
Anyone who's anyone knows that E3 is one of the biggest conventions in the world, so it would absolutely make sense that Bethesda would be at next year's to show off more from Starfield, especially as the game will be due out a few months after that. Even if that's not the case, fans will still be treated to some additional material during the summer period. That is a bit of time to wait, but hopefully it will be worth it.
Howard seems confident about the game, insisting that Bethesda is on target for Starfield's scheduled launch day. In a recent interview with IGN, Howard said that the driving force behind the upcoming sci-fi title was ultimately the success of the Elder Scrolls Online, which has seemingly given the team a confidence boost in trying to create something a little different.
As exciting as it will be to see more material, there are undoubtedly those who just want the studio to make some headway on the next Elder Scrolls game. Howard insists that Elder Scrolls 6 will be an improvement on Skyrim, but to some, the recent developments around Starfield mean that the epic fantasy series is probably going to be on hold for a lot longer. Let's hope that Bethesda's newest venture into space exploration will pay off. It could divide fans who just want a new Elder Scrolls or Fallout game, or it could show that the lucrative developer is capable of producing new IPs.
Starfield will be released on November 11, 2022 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.