The excitement for The Elder Scrolls 6 is palpable, even though details about the game remain scarce. However, Bruce Nesmith, a veteran designer at Bethesda, has voiced concerns about the immense expectations surrounding the title. In a recent interview, he suggested that meeting fan hopes may be “almost impossible.”
According to Nesmith, Bethesda’s longstanding success with expansive RPGs, particularly with the iconic Skyrim, has raised the bar significantly. Skyrim, which was released in 2011, continues to attract thousands of players daily, making it a tough act to follow. “The expectations from fans are going to be incredibly high,” he remarked, adding that marketing teams often find this reality daunting, feeling pressure for the game to achieve top ratings.
Having worked on titles ranging from Daggerfall to Skyrim and more recently Starfield, Nesmith noted that Bethesda is acutely aware of how previous games will influence perceptions of the upcoming release. “Elder Scrolls 6 will undoubtedly be amazing, but it will inevitably be compared to all the previous Bethesda games.”
Nesmith pointed out that Bethesda faced similar hurdles with Starfield, which, while generally well-received, did not meet all expectations, leading to mixed reviews and a sense of disappointment among some fans. He emphasized that the next Elder Scrolls installment will likely face even greater scrutiny, given its legacy.
Despite the pressure, Nesmith believes that this challenge can also be an advantage. He described the weight of Bethesda’s reputation as both a “blessing and a curse,” noting that it can lead to better resources and support for development. He also drew parallels with Larian Studios, whose recent success with Baldur’s Gate 3 has raised expectations for their future projects.
For now, Bethesda is keeping details about The Elder Scrolls 6 under wraps, including its title and setting. While some speculate a release as early as 2026, others believe it could be much longer before fans get their hands on it—potentially even until 2030.