Todd Howard on Increasing Output for Elder Scrolls and Fallout Games

It’s been a long wait for fans of Bethesda’s iconic RPG franchises, The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. With 13 years since the release of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and a decade since Fallout 4, players have been eagerly anticipating the next installments. In a recent interview, Todd Howard, the director and executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, shed some light on the studio’s plans to speed up development and increase output.

The Long Road to New Titles

Bethesda has been busy during this time, releasing Fallout 76 in 2018 and focusing on their upcoming space epic, Starfield. However, fans have wondered just how long it takes to create these massive games. Howard acknowledges the lengthy development cycles, saying, “They do take a long time, and so I think one of the things that we’re focused on here is obviously making sure they’re of the highest quality, but also finding ways to increase our output, because we don’t want to wait that long either.”

The Quest for Quality and Speed

While Howard emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality, he also recognizes the need to speed up the process. He explains, “That’s never our plan, but we want to make sure we get it right.” Balancing quality and efficiency is a challenge, especially for games as ambitious as those in the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series.

The Future of RPGs

So, what can fans expect? While The Elder Scrolls VI remains shrouded in mystery, Howard’s comments suggest that Bethesda is actively working on it. However, even the most optimistic estimates don’t place its release before 2026—a staggering 15 years since the last mainline Elder Scrolls game. As for Fallout 5, there’s little information beyond its existence.

Engine Overhaul and New Horizons

In addition to discussing game development, Howard revealed that Bethesda is overhauling its Creation Engine—the technology behind both Elder Scrolls and Fallout titles. The improvements span rendering, animation, pathfinding, and procedural generation. With more people dedicated to engine work, the studio aims to enhance both quality and efficiency.

Conclusion

As fans eagerly await the next adventures in Tamriel and the Wasteland, Todd Howard’s commitment to delivering quality games while increasing output offers hope. Whether exploring distant planets in Starfield or returning to familiar worlds, Bethesda continues to shape the RPG landscape. And who knows? Maybe we’ll get to play two more mainline Fallout games before we’re off to that great Vault in the sky.

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