Happy 7th Anniversary, Elder Scrolls VI: A Look Back at the Early Announcement
In June 2018, Bethesda gave us a surprise. They showed a short teaser for The Elder Scrolls VI at E3. It had no gameplay. No story. Just music, mountains, and a title. Still, it was enough to send fans into a frenzy.
It’s hard to believe seven years have gone by since that teaser. The game still isn’t out. We still know very little. But the excitement hasn’t faded. Why? Because The Elder Scrolls isn’t just a game series, it’s a part of us. For many players, Skyrim wasn’t just something we played. It felt like home, like a living, breathing world we explored for hours.
So today, on its seventh anniversary, we’re taking a look back. What did that first reveal mean? Why was it shown so early? And what has happened in all the years since? Let’s go back to where it all began and explore why we’re still waiting.
The Announcement That Shook the Gaming World
At E3 2018, Bethesda came on stage with only one message: TES VI is happening. The cinematic teaser was short, 10 or 15 seconds, but fans exploded. They started guessing everything: setting, factions, plot. Suddenly, the future of Tamriel felt close.
Why Announce So Early?
Bethesda wasn’t ready to show gameplay. They didn’t have it yet. But they wanted fans to know they remembered the series. Back in 2018, Fallout 76 was still in progress.
Announcing TES VI was a signal: the fantasy epic wasn’t forgotten. Even Todd Howard later admitted it might’ve been early.
The Years That Followed: Silence and Speculation
After 2018, it got quiet. We didn’t hear much. Rumors popped up. Some said High Rock, others Hammerfell. Reddit threads buzzed with leaks and court docs hinting at release dates of 2026 or later. Phil Spencer, Xbox’s boss, even mentioned in 2023 that it was “likely five-plus years away,” pushing the earliest release to about 2028.
In the meantime, Bethesda worked on Starfield, which came out in 2023, powered by Creation Engine 2, the same engine that TES VI will use.
Technological Evolution Since 2018
Back in 2018, the teaser hinted at something grand. Then, Bethesda built Creation Engine 2 for Starfield in 2021. This brings modern lighting, real-time physics, and richer worlds.
Fans saw what the engine could do in Starfield. Now we expect that level of tech in TES VI: better graphics, huge open maps, lifelike NPCs, and big choices embedded deep in gameplay.
What We Know About The Elder Scrolls VI So Far
- Development stage: pre-production moved to active development after Starfield launched in late 2023.
- Early builds: Todd Howard said the team has been playing early versions since March 2024
- Tech ambition: Bethesda wants to push graphics with photogrammetry and global illumination.
- Platform plans: Despite Microsoft ownership, Bethesda hinted TES VI won’t be Xbox-only.
Fan Hopes vs Developer Realities
We want:
- Deep lore
- Real choices
- Natural AI
- Epic exploration
But Bethesda faces big hurdles. They need to avoid making the world feel empty or overhyped. Fans also worry it’ll take too long, and some expect it as late as 2028. Still, if the engine and team stay focused, TES VI could deliver a whole new level of fantasy RPG.
Community Magic: Mods Keep the Dream Alive
Even without TES VI, the mod scene thrives. Projects like Skywind (a reimagined Morrowind in Skyrim) and Skyblivion are huge. They show how creative the fanbase is—and how hungry people are for new Elder Scrolls content.
Final Thoughts
Seven years later, the Elder Scrolls VI teaser still echoes. We don’t know when it will drop. Some say 2027. Others guess 2028 or beyond. But the community’s fire still burnsmods, remasters, forums, and hope.
One day, we’ll step into a new chapter of Tamriel. And when that day comes, the wait will be worth it. Because anticipation isn’t just waiting. It’s part of the legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bethesda announced TES 6 early to show fans they were working on it. They wanted to calm worries after focusing on other games like Fallout 76 and Starfield.
Bethesda announced Elder Scrolls 6 in June 2018 during E3. They showed a short teaser video to confirm the game, but didn’t give any story or gameplay information.
Elder Scrolls 6 does not have a set release date. Most sources say it won’t come in 2025, as the game is still in the early stages of development.
Disclaimer:
This content is made for learning only. It is not meant to give financial advice. Always check the facts yourself. Financial decisions need detailed research.