WhenThe Elder Scrolls 6(TES 6) was announced in 2018, fans of Bethesda’s beloved RPG franchise were electrified. However, much has changed since then, particularly with Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media, Bethesda’s parent company, in 2021. This acquisition sparked speculation about whetherTES 6would become an Xbox exclusive, cutting off PlayStation players from one of gaming’s most celebrated franchises.
At the time, Microsoft was clear that it viewed exclusivity as a significant part of its strategy for leveraging its growing stable of studios. However, recent developments suggest that Xbox’s stance on exclusivity may be evolving, potentially opening the door forThe Elder Scrolls 6to launch on PlayStation consoles as well. No official announcement of a change in plans forTES 6has been made as of yet, but it feels likely that one could come at some point.
The Initial Exclusivity Announcement
The Elder Scrolls 6, arguably Bethesda’s crown jewel, was soon swept into this. In practicality,Xbox’s positioning ofTES 6as an exclusive wasn’t just a bold move; it was a direct challenge to PlayStation, which had long been home to Bethesda’s games. For many fans, this news was a bitter pill to swallow, especially givenThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim’s legacy as a multiplatform icon.
Xbox’s New Perspective on Platform Inclusivity
Fast-forward to 2023, and Microsoft’s approach to exclusivity seems to be shifting. There are several reasons for this, including legal scrutiny, market pressures, and a broader strategic reevaluation. In recent months, Xbox has expressed a growing interest in bringing its games to PlayStation. For instance, earlier this year,Sea of Thieveslaunched on PlayStation 5, complete with cross-play support across Xbox,Nintendo Switch, and PC. There are also plans to bring other previously exclusive titles, such asHi-Fi Rush,Grounded, andPentiment, to PlayStation consoles.
This newfound inclusivity stems in part from Microsoft’s ongoing battle with regulators over its proposed acquisition ofActivision Blizzard. To address concerns about monopolistic practices, Microsoft has made public commitments to platform neutrality, including agreements to bringCall of Dutygames to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms for the next decade.
What Could an Inclusive TES6 Launch Look Like?
If Xbox does decide to bringThe Elder Scrolls 6to PlayStation, it’s likely to do so on terms that favor its ecosystem. For example, Xbox Game Pass could still remain the most affordable way to access the game, with PlayStation players needing to pay full price for a standalone copy, which seems especially likely sinceMicrosofthas invested billions in acquiring studios like Bethesda precisely to drive exclusive content. A move toward full inclusivity could undermine that strategy and frustrate Xbox loyalists who view exclusivity as a key differentiator, but the company’s recent shift toward multiplatform releases is hard to ignore.
A PlayStation release would still allow Microsoft to maintain the value proposition of its subscription service while still profiting from the wider sales potential of amultiplatform gamerelease. Another possible path could be timed exclusivity, whereTES 6could launch on Xbox and PC first, with a PlayStation release following several months or even a year later. This would allow Xbox to capitalize on the game’s launch buzz while eventually tapping into thePlayStationaudience. However, all of this is obviously just speculation for now based on current trends and must be taken with a grain of salt — only time will tell if the exclusivity decision forElder Scrolls6changes moving forward.
