It was E3 2018 when Bethesda announced it is developing two AAA titles: its first new IP in 25 years called “Starfield” and the much-awaited “The Elder Scrolls 6.” However, recent reports suggest that the former may not launch in 2021 as previously thought and that should give fans an idea of how long they might have to wait for an all-new game set in Tamriel.
As soon as these two games were announced in 2018, Bethesda made it very clear that fans will be waiting for years before they are released. There was also one recurring piece of information from the studio, and that was “Starfield” will launch before “The Elder Scrolls 6.”
It’s after Starfield, which you pretty much know nothing about. So if you’re coming at me for details now and not years from now, I’m failing to properly manage your expectations.
— Pete Hines (@DCDeacon) May 10, 2020
It was a good move on Bethesda’s part to let fans know they have new games in the pipeline. But the studio has also been very careful not to give false hopes about the release window of “Starfield” and “The Elder Scrolls 6.” Whenever Bethesda executives are asked about these titles’ launch timelines, they would always say fans need to be patient because their development would take years to finish.
It is also worth noting that Bethesda appears to be ready to reveal a new trailer of “Starfield” soon. The promo image Xbox released for its joint E3 showcase with the studio includes a not-so-subtle hint that the space epic will be one of the highlights in the upcoming 90-minute presentation. Fans believe the said image includes the same planet featured in the first and only “Starfield” trailer available now.
Whoa.
— Dom (@DomsPlaying) May 26, 2021
Talk about subliminal messaging from Xbox here. That's heavy. pic.twitter.com/xPgPbUmE17
However, several reliable gaming news sources have recently claimed that “Starfield” is unlikely to launch in 2021. While a new trailer could be presented soon, fans might have to wait until late 2022 to actually play the game. Journalist Jason Schreier said it is not because Xbox wants “Halo Infinite” to get all the attention later this year, but Bethesda is reportedly not yet close to complete the development of “Starfield.”
Considering how Bethesda approaches the development of every AAA title, there could be a few years gap between the release of “Starfield” and “The Elder Scrolls 6.” The means if “Starfield” were to launch in late 2022, a 2023 launch for “The Elder Scrolls 6” would still seem unlikely.