Bethesda on Elder Scrolls VI, Fallout 5 Xbox exclusivity: 'It's too early to comment'

Exclusives are back at Xbox, but will big heavy-hitters like Elder Scrolls and Fallout be among them? Bethesda isn't ready to say just yet.

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Xbox is embracing exclusive games to add more value to the core Xbox brand--console and Windows. Microsoft's current exclusive strategy includes two games, and the lineup seems to lack the must-have starpower required to really make a difference...however that could change if high-profile games like The Elder Scrolls VI or even Fallout 5 are made exclusive. Or, perhaps, a Fallout spin-off?

While nothing has been confirmed, Bethesda just released a new studio update that briefly discussed future games. The group says that four new Fallout games are in development, including Fallout 5, remasters of both Fallout 3 and New Vegas, and a joint collaboration project with Obsidian. Then in a recent interview with Windows Central, Bethesda's Todd Howard was asked about TESVI and FO5 going Xbox exclusive, and he replied that it was too early to comment.

Microsoft has said that it plans to release at least one Xbox exclusive game per year. 2026's title will be Gears of War E-Day, and 2027 will be Clockwork Revolution. Could the future years correspond with one of these Fallout games?

Interestingly enough, Bethesda's own studio note does potentially quash this speculation by providing some eye-opening numbers:

Skyrim has sold over 65 million copies since launching November 2011, and Fallout 4 has now sold over 35 million copies since launching November 2015. Would these games have sold so many multiple millions of copies had they been withheld from PlayStation platforms?

With over 65 million copies sold, players are still exploring Skyrim 15 years later, but we know it's been a very long wait for the sequel.

Fallout 4, the most award-winning game in the franchise, just celebrated its 10-year anniversary and recently passed over 35 million copies sold, continuing to attract a new audience every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question #1

Will The Elder Scrolls VI or Fallout 5 be Xbox console and Windows exclusives?

Bethesda has not confirmed exclusivity for The Elder Scrolls VI or Fallout 5; Todd Howard said it is too early to comment on whether those games would be Xbox console and Windows exclusives. The primary article notes Microsoft does plan yearly exclusives and that the 2023 FTC v Microsoft trial showed Microsoft modeled the possibility of TES VI going exclusive, but no official exclusivity decisions have been announced.

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Question #2

Which Fallout projects did Bethesda confirm are currently in development?

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Question #3

Did Todd Howard or Bethesda give a definitive answer about TES VI/Fallout 5 exclusivity?

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Question #4

How many copies have Skyrim and Fallout 4 sold according to Bethesda's studio update?

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As per the 2023 FTC v Microsoft trial, the possibility of The Elder Scrolls VI going exclusive was something that Microsoft modeled for under the so-called Neutrino Model.