Bethesda's overhauling its engine for Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6

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Starfield will have the “largest engine overhaul” for Bethesda since Oblivion.

(Image credit: Bethesda)

Starfield, Bethesda's enigmatic upcoming game, is set to feature a significantly more advanced game engine than the likes of Fallout 76 or Skyrim. Good news for anyone wondering about whether the Elder Scrolls 6 engine will see an update. 

Writing earlier today in the aftermath of Bethesda's blockbuster acquisition by Microsoft, Bethesda's Todd Howard spoke about the effect of partnering with Microsoft with the Xbox Series X on the horizon, saying that "it’s led to our largest engine overhaul since Oblivion, with all new technologies powering our first new IP in 25 years, Starfield, as well as The Elder Scrolls 6."

We ultimately know precious little about Starfield. Aside from it being Bethesda's first new IP in roughly 25 years, and being an RPG set in space, we've had no additional information about the game since a debut trailer announced the project back at E3 2018.

But it's not just Starfield that's the recipient of this overhauled Bethesda engine. Howard also names The Elder Scrolls 6 as an upcoming game that will take advantage of the flashy new engine. Just like Starfield though, The Elder Scrolls 6 is another game we've heard next to nothing about since 2018.

Microsoft's acquisition of Bethesda parent company Zenimax Media earlier today was certainly a bold start to the week. Crucially, the deal is set to go through in the latter half of the 2021 fiscal year, which could mean Bethesda's timed PS5 exclusives Deathloop and Ghostwire Tokyo shouldn't be affected by the acquisition.

Hirun Cryer
Hirun Cryer

Hirun Cryer is a freelance reporter and writer with Gamesradar+ based out of U.K. After earning a degree in American History specializing in journalism, cinema, literature, and history, he stepped into the games writing world, with a focus on shooters, indie games, and RPGs, and has since been the recipient of the MCV 30 Under 30 award for 2021. In his spare time he freelances with other outlets around the industry, practices Japanese, and enjoys contemporary manga and anime.