Did They Mess Up? Todd Howard Admits Starfield Strayed From the Formula — TES 6 Will Return to Its Roots

Todd Howard spoke about the future of The Elder Scrolls 6 and effectively confirmed what fans have long debated: Bethesda’s recent projects were a departure from the studio’s familiar formula. During Kinda Funny Gamescast, he called Fallout 76 and Starfield a “creative deviation” from the classic style and said that with the new installment, the team is returning to its roots.

According to Howard, the studio still sees room for innovation even within a familiar framework — the developers want players, when entering the world, to feel as if they are experiencing it “for the first time.” At the same time, the head of Bethesda warned that the release is still far off, although the team is approaching an important stage of development and is satisfied with the project’s direction.

He also addressed the technical side of the game. In recent years, Bethesda has upgraded its internal engine, evolving Creation Engine 2 into Creation Engine 3 — it is on this version that The Elder Scrolls 6 and future studio projects are being built. According to Howard, the updated technology will allow for greater detail and world depth.

Despite being announced seven years ago, little is still known about the game — there is no release date or officially confirmed setting yet. While different outlets place the game in different regions, for example, Valenwood. Others claim there could be a conflict with the Aldmeri Dominion.

What do you think — is a return to the “classic” formula exactly what the series needs, or should Bethesda have continued experimenting? Or has the formula grown outdated and in need of change?