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The Elder Scrolls 6: Todd Howard Talks About Possible Xbox Exclusivity
While there's still a chance that the deal will fall through, it seems incredibly likely that Microsoft will be acquiring ZeniMax Media, along with Bethesda and all of its IP. Of course, this means that the upcoming Elder Scrolls 6 could very likely be console-exclusive to Xbox consoles, which has unsurprisingly upset some PlayStation fans. In a recent interview, Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard has commented on the possibility that the highly-anticipated game will be an Xbox exclusive.
During an interview with GamesIndustry, James Batchelor said to Howard that it would be hard to imagine The Elder Scrolls 6 being an Xbox exclusive, as Bethesda has made it a point to port Skyrim to every platform imaginable. Howard echoed Batchelor's statement, saying, "I would agree that is hard to imagine," but saying nothing else about the subject. This could very well be taken as a hint that Elder Scrolls 6 will still come to other platforms, but fans shouldn't hold their breath.
In the same interview, Howard pointed out how The Elder Scrolls series has had exclusivity deals with Microsoft in the past. For example, The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind was a console exclusive for the original Xbox, whereas The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion was a timed-exclusive on the Xbox 360. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, meanwhile, released its DLC on Xbox 360 before other platforms. So perhaps if The Elder Scrolls 6 isn't a strict Xbox console exclusive, maybe post-launch content for it will come to Xbox before PlayStation, or something along those lines.
Since Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media and Bethesda isn't even finalized, it's likely that decisions like this haven't even been made yet. Head of Xbox Phil Spencer hinted as much in a recent interview that he participated in, indicating that it may be a bit premature to map out Bethesda's future plans when it's under the Microsoft umbrella.
While some may think there's no chance The Elder Scrolls 6 will come to other platforms, Microsoft has shown a willingness to bring it titles to other platforms. For example, Minecraft is available on virtually every gaming system there is, and Microsoft has also released both Ori games on the Switch. Phil Spencer has indicated that bringing Bethesda games to other platforms will be handled on a case by case basis, and one has to imagine that the potential for Elder Scrolls 6 to make a ton of money on PS5 could be very convincing.
Spencer has also said that Microsoft is open to bringing Xbox Game Pass to Nintendo and PlayStation consoles, so maybe an Elder Scrolls 6 port would be contingent on that. Whatever the case may be, The Elder Scrolls 6 is still years away from launch, so fans don't have to worry too much about it just yet.
The Elder Scrolls 6 is in development.
