The Elder Scrolls 6 Won’t Be Coming to PlayStation, Confirms Microsoft Court Document
In a recent court document submitted by Microsoft, it has been confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 will not be released on PlayStation. This news is not surprising considering Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda in 2021 and its subsequent approach to exclusivity.
The document, which was released as part of Microsoft’s court battle with the US Federal Trade Commission over its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, clearly states that The Elder Scrolls 6 will be exclusive to Xbox and PC. This clarification puts an end to any speculation about the game’s potential release on PlayStation.
Additionally, a table in the document highlights Microsoft’s approach to exclusivity following the Bethesda acquisition. It shows that four of Bethesda’s games, including Ghostwire: Tokyo, Deathloop, Fallout 76, and The Elder Scrolls Online, have either been released on or continued to be supported on PlayStation. However, the table also reveals that Bethesda’s next three titles, including the already released Redfall and Starfield, as well as the upcoming The Elder Scrolls 6, will be exclusive to Xbox and PC.
This court document aligns with previous statements made by Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who initially remained noncommittal about The Elder Scrolls 6’s exclusivity during a hearing with the FTC. However, the document now confirms that the game will not be available on PlayStation.
It is worth noting that The Elder Scrolls 6 is not expected to be released anytime soon, as it is being handled by the same team that recently launched Starfield. According to the court document, the game is tentatively scheduled for release in 2026 or later. This aligns with Spencer’s earlier statement that the game is “five-plus years away” from release.
The exclusivity of The Elder Scrolls 6 adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding console exclusivity and the impact it has on gamers. While Xbox and PC players will have the opportunity to experience the highly anticipated game, PlayStation players will have to miss out.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt, these exclusivity deals serve as a reminder that console manufacturers and developers are competing for market share and player loyalty. While it may disappoint some fans, exclusivity deals have become a common practice in the industry, and this latest confirmation further solidifies Microsoft’s stance on the matter.