A new Elder Scrolls game just dropped - but not the one you want
When it comes to gaming powerhouses, few have the credentials of Bethesda. Yes, Rockstar Games has Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead, but Bethesda boasts the dynamic duo of Fallout and The Elder Scrolls that have helped define the action RPG genre.
While it's true that Starfield hasn't quite taken off like it was supposed to as Bethesda's first new IP in a quarter of a century, that could all change. We know Fallout 5 is out there somewhere in the Wasteland, although we're warned it's a long way off. Closer to home, what's going on with The Elder Scrolls?
The Elder Scrolls: Castles repurposes a Bethesda classic
The idea of a new Elder Scrolls game is always a buzz, but the shine has been somewhat dimmed by the release of The Elder Scrolls: Castles. Taking a leaf out of Fallout Shelter's book, The Elder Scrolls: Castles is a castle management sim where you try to build your own dynasty.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles is now live in the Philippines, with the plan being to roll it out across the globe in the coming months. Castles will (eventually) be available on Android and iOS, and if you're sold, you can register your interest here.
It's a bit of a botched release considering Castles soft-launched on Android in September 2023, but we'll take an expansion of The Elder Scrolls where we can. It's yet another punt at bringing The Elder Scrolls to mobile audiences and is Bethesda's first try since 2020's The Elder Scrolls: Blades.
Players demand The Elder Scrolls 6
Click to enlargeAs you can imagine, news of a new Elder Scrolls game has only reminded us that we're still (presumably) years away from The Elder Scrolls 6. While many have pointed out that The Elder Scrolls 6 production hasn't ground to a halt because of a small mobile game, that's not enough for some.
One disgruntled gamer wrote, "No one asked for this, we want elder scrolls 6 😭," while another added, "Instead of focussing more on elder scrolls 6, you make this!!! Facepalm." A third concluded, "This isn't Elder Scrolls 6, why won't you make Elder Scrolls 6?"
These complaints are sure to rear their head more as the years go on, with an upcoming announcement for The Elder Scrolls Online equally likely to rattle a few cages. Alongside the Guilds and Glory event running from today (January 18) until January 30, there's a huge announcement of the 2024 roadmap.
Rockstar Games has faced similar critiques amidst accusations it puts too much effort into milking the GTA Online cash cow instead of focusing on GTA 6, but then again, fans would be just as likely to complain if there were no Elder Scrolls spin-offs to play. It seems you just can't win. If you'll excuse us, we're off to build a castle.
