Bethesda Declines to Develop Spin-Off for The Elder Scrolls Series
- Bethesda has not considered allowing outside teams to create a spin-off for The Elder Scrolls series.
- Kurt Kuhlmann, a lead developer on Skyrim, stated that Bethesda is protective of its franchises.
- Obsidian Entertainment, now under Bethesda, is working on a new Fallout game amidst corporate restructuring.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was released nearly 15 years ago, and its successor, The Elder Scrolls VI, remains in development at Bethesda Game Studios. Despite the lengthy wait, Bethesda has refrained from involving external developers in creating a spin-off title, a strategy previously employed with Obsidian Entertainment’s Fallout: New Vegas.
Kurt Kuhlmann, a lead developer on Skyrim and the former loremaster of the series, shared insights on the FRVR podcast, highlighting that Bethesda’s cautious approach is driven by its desire to protect the integrity of its flagship RPG series. Kuhlmann remarked that discussions surrounding which company—Bethesda or Obsidian—executed their projects better following New Vegas were unwelcome to the current management.
Kuhlmann emphasized that director Todd Howard aims to avoid those comparative dynamics with The Elder Scrolls. He explained, “Todd, from my time there, is very protective of it.” He also noted that The Elder Scrolls Online has alleviated some pressure by continuously providing fresh content to its player base, which has shaped many gamers’ experiences of the Elder Scrolls universe.
Since Kuhlmann’s departure from Bethesda in 2023, the organization has undergone significant changes, particularly following its acquisition by Xbox. The focus is reported to be on its major franchises, including Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. As part of a restructuring initiative involving mass layoffs, Obsidian is now incorporated into Bethesda and is currently developing a new Fallout game, though it remains uncertain if a spin-off for The Elder Scrolls will emerge after the release of The Elder Scrolls VI. Bethesda president Jill Braff assured staff that Obsidian’s “creative identity and strengths” will remain intact following this organizational change.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
