The Fallout versus Elder Scrolls debate has reared its head again, and this time it’s hitting harder than a giant hammer swung by a Daedric Prince. If you’ve been dreaming about exploring the next chapter of The Elder Scrolls universe, buckle up—because rumors are swirling that Fallout 5 could be jumping ahead in the queue, leaving fans of Tamriel’s lush landscapes feeling sidelined.
The drama kicked off after Jez Cordan hinted that Bethesda’s bigwigs might be rushing Fallout 5 to ride the coattails of Amazon’s upcoming Fallout TV series. According to whispers in the gaming community, the studio may even be reallocating resources away from The Elder Scrolls VI to make this happen. If true, this strategy would prioritize the post-apocalyptic wasteland over Skyrim’s mystical allure—a move that’s riling up fans on social media and Reddit.
Fans Speak Out: Frustration Brews Online
Gamers aren’t ones to shy away from airing grievances, and this rumor has given them plenty to talk about. A Reddit user, PalwaJoko, summarized what many Elder Scrolls fans are feeling:
“So there’s a rumor floating around that the higher-ups are looking to expedite the next Fallout game so they can ride its release on the TV show hype wave. It got me wondering how this is going to affect TES VI. Seems like the only way to rush a Fallout release is to either take away resources from TES VI or compromise on its quality.”
And just like that, the floodgates opened. Another fan, breathnac, held nothing back:
“Chasing monthly TV trends when you have a seven-year game dev cycle is just stupid as sh*t. Stick to your timelines and focus on making great games.”
It’s hard to argue with the logic here. A game as monumental as The Elder Scrolls VI deserves the time, care, and resources to be as groundbreaking as its predecessors. Fans are understandably nervous that rushing Fallout 5 could derail their dreams of another epic journey through Nirn.
Why Bethesda Might Be Tempted to Prioritize Fallout
Despite the outcry, there’s some reasoning behind Bethesda’s alleged plan. Amazon’s Fallout TV series is already generating buzz, with its premiere date locked in for April 12, 2024. Photos from the set reveal a gritty, atmospheric world that’s poised to reignite mainstream interest in the franchise. If Bethesda can launch Fallout 5 while the show is still trending, they stand to gain a massive marketing boost.
The studio’s decision to capitalize on this synergy makes sense, especially after seeing how TV adaptations have impacted game sales. Just look at what The Witcher Netflix series did for CD Projekt Red—sales of The Witcher 3 skyrocketed, cementing its place in gaming history. Bethesda could be chasing a similar gold rush.
Voices of Reason: Is the Panic Overblown?
Not everyone is convinced that The Elder Scrolls VI is doomed to the back burner. A calmer take came from Reddit user cubcos:
“It’s not going to happen. TES VI will be out, and then Fallout 5. People are just letting the rumors run wild because of the hype around the TV show.”
It’s a valid point. Bethesda has consistently stated that The Elder Scrolls VI is in pre-production, with Fallout 5 planned for much later. Still, development timelines for AAA games are notoriously unpredictable, and fans have reason to worry given the company’s history of delays and resource juggling.
As Bethesda’s two most iconic franchises seemingly compete for the spotlight, the gaming world watches with bated breath. Will Tamriel’s next adventure be delayed by a rush to the wasteland? Only time will tell. Until then, keep your Dragonborn helmet and your Vault jumpsuit at the ready—just in case.
