Seven years ago at E3 2018, the gaming world erupted in cheers as Bethesda unveiled a teaser for The Elder Scrolls VI. Just a few seconds long, the teaser featured sweeping landscapes and the iconic Elder Scrolls theme—but no date, no gameplay, and certainly no promises.
Now, in June 2025, the Elder Scrolls VI anniversary is trending once again. But rather than joy or excitement, this year’s sentiment is one of mounting frustration. There’s still no confirmed release window, and fans are beginning to question whether they’ll ever return to Tamriel at all.
Source: Youtube
A Sequel That’s Become a Meme
The Elder Scrolls franchise, particularly Skyrim, has become one of the most iconic RPG series in gaming history. Released in 2011, Skyrim is still played, modded, and streamed today—14 years later. Yet the anticipation surrounding Elder Scrolls VI has stretched far beyond what most fans ever imagined.
“Happy 7th birthday to a logo,” joked one fan on X (formerly Twitter), referencing the now-infamous teaser that offered nothing but a title card and ambient music.
The Skyrim sequel wait has gone on so long that it’s outlived multiple console generations. And while fans originally expected updates at every Bethesda showcase, they’ve been repeatedly left disappointed—most recently during the Microsoft-Bethesda 2025 event, where Elder Scrolls VI was notably absent.
The Starfield Effect: A Shift in Priorities
According to insiders and official statements from Bethesda, the delay is largely due to the development of Starfield, their ambitious sci-fi RPG which launched in late 2023. The game’s rocky start consumed significant development resources, prompting the company to shift focus toward patches, expansions, and next-gen support.
“Right now, we’re supporting Starfield as it grows into a platform,” Bethesda’s creative director Todd Howard said during a podcast earlier this year. “That means Elder Scrolls VI is still in pre-production.”
In other words, Starfield development shift has directly delayed the next Elder Scrolls game. While some gamers welcomed Starfield as a new IP, others felt it sidetracked the very sequel they’ve been asking for since Barack Obama’s second term.
Starfield’s updates take priority as Elder Scrolls VI stalls
Source: [Wccftech]
Fans Reflect on a Growing Void
The Elder Scrolls VI anniversary has sparked heated online debate about transparency in the gaming industry. Many fans now question why Bethesda chose to reveal the game so early, especially given that it appears nowhere near a playable build.
“That E3 2018 teaser was marketing smoke,” wrote a Reddit user. “No plan, no gameplay—just hype. And now we’re stuck waiting while other studios pass them by.”
The Bethesda game updates shared over the past two years have mostly focused on existing properties and service models. Games like Fallout 76 and Starfield continue to dominate the studio’s communication channels, while Elder Scrolls VI remains shrouded in near-total silence.
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Where Is Elder Scrolls VI Headed?
While Bethesda hasn’t revealed much about the game’s plot or setting, speculation continues. Many believe the next game will be set in Hammerfell, home to the Redguards, based on geographic hints in the teaser. Others suspect the team might opt for a dual-province map, such as Hammerfell and High Rock.
But for now, it’s just that—speculation. There’s no trailer, no development footage, and most damningly, no ES6 release timeline. With 2025 half gone, many fans fear we’re still three to four years away from even a playable beta.
Why do people think that Elder Scrolls 6 will be in Hammerfell or High Rock?
byu/BlackTriangle31 inElderScrolls
Microsoft’s Role: Help or Hindrance?
When Microsoft took over ZeniMax Media—the company behind Bethesda—many believed it would accelerate development and bring clearer direction.The promise of expanded resources, streamlined publishing, and access to Game Pass were all positives. But as Xbox exclusivity becomes a bigger concern, some fans worry that Elder Scrolls VI could face platform limitations—or even become a cloud-only title.
“They’ve had seven years and a trillion-dollar partner,” lamented one Australian gamer on a Twitch stream. “At this point, it feels like we’re being strung along.”
Conclusion: Seven Years, Still Just a Tease
The Elder Scrolls VI anniversary should have been a celebration of development progress, gameplay reveals, and maybe even a rough release window. Instead, it’s become a reminder of industry overpromising and underdelivering.
With no firm updates from Bethesda, a distracted focus on Starfield, and increasing scepticism from the fanbase, the road to the next Elder Scrolls game seems longer than ever.
For now, all fans can do is wait—and replay Skyrim for the hundredth time.
