Elder Scrolls VI: Bad news for PS5 owners
Microsoft has been noncommital about which platforms The Elder Scrolls VI will be released on, but a newly unearthed document from the Federal trade Commission (FTC) versus Microsoft trial over the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, has seemingly shed some light on the situation.
Shared by Axios report Stephen Totilo on social media, the document features a list of announced Bethesda games along with their release dates and platforms.
Of notable interest is The Elder Scrolls VI, which is expected to arrive in 2026 or later and only for Xbox and PC.
From Microsoft's responses in the FTC vs Microsoft case. Elder Scrolls VI listed here as Xbox and PC and releasing 2026 or later.
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) September 18, 2023
During testimony at the hearing, Xbox's Phil Spencer went on to say the game was at least five years out and platforms were technically TBD pic.twitter.com/Kto9bE5U8C
Microsoft still hasn’t made an official announcement regarding The Elder Scroll VI’s platforms, but the document does contain a quote that Phil Spencer said in a 2021 interview with GQ.
"“In order to be on Xbox, I want us to be able to bring the full complete package of what we have. And that would be true when I think about Elder Scrolls 6.”"
While news of The Elder Scrolls IV only coming to Xbox and PC is disappointing for PlayStation gamers, it shouldn’t be entirely unexpected. After all, previously released Bethesda games, such as Arkane’s Redfall and Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield both launched only on Xbox and PC. Additionally, MachineGames’ upcoming Indiana Jones game is also expected to be an Xbox and PC exclusive.
The document has also raised another question regarding platform availability. With a 2026 or later estimated release date, there’s the question as to whether The Elder Scrolls VI will be released on Xbox Series X|S, both of which will be six years old by the end of 2026. With Microsoft supposedly targeting a new console generation launch in 2028, it’s possible The Elder Scrolls VI will be a launch title for that instead.
The Elder Scrolls IV was first announced all the way back in 2018, but Bethesda has not talked much about the game itself since. All of the conversation surrounding it to this point has simply been platform availability as it pertains to Microsoft’s recent string of studio acquisitions.