BETHESDA OUTLINES FALLOUT AND ELDER SCROLLS PLANS AMID XBOX LAYOFFS

Bethesda Game Studios has disclosed plans for multiple Fallout projects as Microsoft's gaming division undertakes significant restructuring. The studio confirmed that Fallout 5 is in preproduction, whilst remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are under development. Obsidian Entertainment is working on a separate Fallout title, and Bethesda continues to update Fallout 76 with a major expansion planned for next year. The studio also announced new seasons for Fallout Shelter and an unscripted television series based on the mobile game.

The announcement comes as Xbox implements a reorganisation that includes cutting approximately 3,200 jobs over the next year. Todd Howard, a senior figure at Bethesda, stated that the studio decided to share the roadmap to clarify its direction to fans, whilst maintaining secrecy around projects until they approach completion. The Elder Scrolls VI remains Bethesda's primary development focus, with the majority of staff assigned to the project. According to prior statements from Xbox leadership, The Elder Scrolls VI remains several years from release, with estimates suggesting it will not arrive before 2028. Bethesda also indicated that Starfield will continue to receive updates and new content.

Howard said Bethesda preferred not to discuss projects publicly until they were nearly ready for release, but recognised the need to communicate more frequently with its audience. The studio stated it aims to balance transparency with preserving the impact of formal game reveals. The roadmap represents an effort to reassure players about Bethesda's output amid broader uncertainty at Xbox following the job cuts affecting multiple studios within the division.