Bethesda’s Todd Howard Promises The Elder Scrolls 6 Will Return to Classic RPG Roots After Starfield’s “Creative Detour”

In a candid conversation on the Kinda Funny Gamescast, Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard has revealed that The Elder Scrolls 6 is poised to return to the beloved formula that made the franchise legendary, after both Fallout 76 and Starfield took what he describes as “creative detours” from the studio’s traditional approach.

Howard’s comments offer the most substantial insight we’ve received about the highly anticipated sequel since its announcement in 2018. The Bethesda boss acknowledged that the studio’s recent projects have deviated from the classic exploration-driven formula that defined The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series for decades.

“Both Fallout 76 and Starfield were a little bit of a creative detour from kind of that classic Elder Scrolls, Fallout, where you are exploring a world in a certain way,” Howard explained during the interview. This admission from one of gaming’s most respected developers has sent ripples through the community, as fans have long speculated about whether Bethesda would return to its roots or continue down the path of more experimental game design.

The creative detour Howard references appears to stem from two very different approaches. Fallout 76 represented Bethesda’s first foray into multiplayer-only gaming, abandoning the single-player narrative focus that had defined the series. Meanwhile, Starfield marked the studio’s first entirely new IP in over 25 years, requiring the creation of an entirely new universe with different gameplay mechanics and systems.

“We are coming back to that classic style that we’ve missed, that we know really, really well,” Howard assured listeners. This statement has ignited excitement among long-time fans who have been craving the return of the immersive, single-player experience that made games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 3 cultural phenomena.

The timing of this revelation is particularly interesting, coming just as Starfield approaches its one-year anniversary. While the space-faring RPG has received generally positive reviews and maintained a dedicated player base, many critics and fans noted that it lacked some of the magic that made Bethesda’s previous titles so special. The promise of a return to form suggests that Bethesda has been listening to feedback and is ready to course-correct.

What makes this announcement particularly significant is that it comes from Todd Howard himself, the visionary behind some of gaming’s most successful franchises. Howard’s involvement in The Elder Scrolls 6 has been a topic of much discussion, with some fans concerned that his attention was divided between multiple projects. His explicit mention of the game’s direction suggests he’s deeply involved in shaping its development.

The “classic style” Howard references likely points to several key elements that defined Bethesda’s golden era. This would include the seamless open-world exploration that allows players to lose themselves for hundreds of hours, the intricate quest design that often leads to unexpected and memorable moments, and the sense of discovery that comes from stumbling upon hidden locations and storylines.

Industry analysts have noted that this shift back to classic RPG design could be a strategic move for Bethesda. While experimental titles like Fallout 76 and Starfield have their merits, they haven’t achieved the same cultural impact or commercial success as Skyrim, which continues to sell remarkably well nearly 13 years after its release.

The Elder Scrolls series has always been about more than just gameplay mechanics; it’s about creating a living, breathing world that players can inhabit and shape according to their choices. From the political intrigue of Morrowind to the civil war backdrop of Skyrim, each installment has woven complex narratives into vast, explorable landscapes.

Howard’s comments also hint at the technical foundation that will support this return to classic design. The game is reportedly being built on a new version of Bethesda’s Creation Engine, which powered Skyrim and Fallout 4. This suggests that while the studio is returning to familiar design principles, they’re not abandoning technological progress.

The development timeline for The Elder Scrolls 6 remains one of gaming’s most closely guarded secrets. Given that the game was announced in 2018 and Bethesda has since released Starfield, many speculate that the RPG is still several years away from release. However, Howard’s enthusiasm about returning to the classic style suggests that development is progressing well.

For fans who have been waiting patiently (and sometimes not so patiently) for news about The Elder Scrolls 6, Howard’s comments provide both reassurance and excitement. The promise of a return to the classic Bethesda formula suggests that the next entry in the series will capture the magic that made the franchise so beloved while potentially incorporating lessons learned from the studio’s more experimental recent projects.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve with live-service models and multiplayer-focused experiences dominating much of the conversation, Bethesda’s commitment to the classic single-player RPG experience feels almost revolutionary. In an era where many studios are moving away from traditional single-player games, Howard’s announcement that The Elder Scrolls 6 will embrace this format wholeheartedly is a bold statement about the enduring appeal of immersive, narrative-driven gaming.

The Elder Scrolls community has responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to Howard’s comments, with social media platforms buzzing with speculation about what specific elements of the “classic style” will return. Will we see the return of dialogue wheels? More complex faction systems? The ability to become a vampire or werewolf? While details remain scarce, the promise of a return to form has reignited the passion of a fanbase that has been eagerly awaiting news for years.

As development continues behind closed doors at Bethesda’s studios, one thing is clear: The Elder Scrolls 6 is being crafted with a deep understanding of what made the series special in the first place. In Howard’s own words, it’s a return to the style that Bethesda “knows really, really well” – and for millions of fans worldwide, that’s exactly what they’ve been hoping to hear.

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