In a recent revelation, it has been confirmed that The Elder Scrolls VI will not be making its way to the PlayStation 5. This definitive statement comes from official documentation released by Microsoft, leaving no room for speculation or hope for PlayStation fans of the beloved Elder Scrolls series.
The Elder Scrolls VI was initially announced at E3 2018, although some critics felt the announcement came prematurely. This installment in the iconic open-world RPG series is the first single-player entry since the monumental success of Skyrim in 2011.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the game, updates and information about TES6 have been scarce. Bethesda, the game’s developer, has recently released its long-awaited space-themed RPG, Starfield. However, a report from Axios’ Stephen Totilo has shed light on The Elder Scrolls VI’s exclusive platform.
PlayStation enthusiasts who were hoping for a glimmer of hope following Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda in 2020 may be disappointed. Phil Spencer, the CEO of Microsoft’s gaming division, hinted at a case-by-case approach to exclusivity, stating the company’s desire to make their games accessible across various platforms.
However, this hope was shattered when confidential documents from Microsoft surfaced during the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation into the contentious Activision merger.
From Microsoft's responses in the FTC vs Microsoft case. Elder Scrolls VI listed here as Xbox and PC and releasing 2026 or later.
During testimony at the hearing, Xbox's Phil Spencer went on to say the game was at least five years out and platforms were technically TBD pic.twitter.com/Kto9bE5U8C
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) September 18, 2023
These documents clearly outlined that The Elder Scrolls VI will be available exclusively on Xbox and PC, with a prominent red “X” placed in the “Released on PlayStation?” column. Moreover, the same documents suggest that The Elder Scrolls VI is slated for a release in 2026 or later, a testament to the time and effort required to develop Bethesda’s sprawling, immersive games. Following the release of The Elder Scrolls VI, fans can anticipate the arrival of Fallout 5.
For devoted PlayStation fans longing for the next Elder Scrolls adventure, this news may come as a disappointment. However, it’s worth noting that there are plenty of gaming experiences on the horizon, including the highly-anticipated Baldur’s Gate 3.
With the probable release window for TES6 in mind, there is ample time to start saving up for an Xbox or a PC capable of handling the epic adventures that await. Ultimately, this announcement is a reflection of Microsoft’s strategy, and for now, PlayStation players will need to embrace other gaming alternatives.
