## The Postponement of The Elder Scrolls 6: Perspectives from Skyrim’s Co-Lead Designer
*The Elder Scrolls 6* has emerged as one of the most awaited video games currently in development, with fans eagerly looking forward to its release since *Skyrim* debuted in 2011. Initially, it appeared feasible that the sequel would be available by 2019. However, a mix of unforeseen project changes and internal studio choices has stalled its progress, with insights from former co-lead designer Kurt Kuhlmann illuminating the matter.
### A Change in Direction: Fallout 76 and Starfield
Kuhlmann has revealed that several projects took precedence over *TES 6*. The first significant detour was *Fallout 76*, an online multiplayer offshoot that Kuhlmann claims was not originally intended to involve the entire Bethesda Game Studios team. Nonetheless, the project’s scale grew, resulting in more resources being diverted to it at the cost of other potential games.
After *Fallout 76*, the ambitious space RPG *Starfield* took center stage for the studio. Kuhlmann describes this choice as being strongly influenced by Todd Howard, the studio’s creative head. He pointed out that while there was a robust enthusiasm among many at Bethesda to develop *TES 6*, the studio was steered toward *Starfield* due to Howard’s enthusiasm for it. Kuhlmann stated, “It wasn’t like *Starfield* was this big internal like, ‘Hey, we all want to make this space game, Todd.’ It was very much, ‘Guess what, team? We’re making this space game.’”
### Internal Dynamics and Development Difficulties
Kuhlmann’s dissatisfaction is evident, as he confessed that he would have favored working on *TES 6* over *Fallout 76* or *Starfield*. His comments reflect a wider sentiment within the studio—numerous team members share the desire to return to the Elder Scrolls series, highlighting the elevated expectations from both developers and fans alike.
After an extensive career at Bethesda lasting over two decades, Kuhlmann exited the studio in 2023. His departure was characterized by tensions that emerged when he was denied the position of lead designer for *TES 6*. He highlighted that difficulties during *Starfield*’s creation, along with a progressively bureaucratic atmosphere at Bethesda, contributed to the internal discord and delays affecting the development of critical projects.
### The Prospects of The Elder Scrolls 6
In spite of the challenging path to its development, Kuhlmann’s insights indicate that *TES 6* is now being prioritized as the primary focus of Bethesda’s endeavors moving ahead. In the wake of a summer marked by layoffs at Xbox, Todd Howard has publicly asserted that *TES 6* is the studio’s foremost priority. While no specific release timeframe exists yet, there is hope that fans may expect its debut before the decade concludes.
As anticipation grows, the obstacles that have influenced the development story of *The Elder Scrolls 6* remind us of the intricacies involved in the game-making process, particularly within a studio that navigates the legacies of cherished franchises alongside the ambitions of its creative leaders.
