In the ongoing saga of gaming exclusives, another chapter has unfolded that has left a sizable segment of the gaming community in contemplation. “The Elder Scrolls 6,” a title fervently anticipated by fans worldwide, has revealed a significant decision in its launch platforms.

A Shift in Platform Availability

It is now confirmed that “The Elder Scrolls 6” will not be gracing the PlayStation platform. Drawing parallels with “Starfield”, this renowned title will strictly be available on Xbox and PC platforms. This revelation became public through a document from the FTC, released on September 15. The document underlined Sony’s discovery that neither “Starfield” nor “The Elder Scrolls 6” would feature on the PlayStation, which diverged from their prior expectations before Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax.

The Backdrop of the Exclusivity Decision

The air of uncertainty regarding the exclusivity of The Elder Scrolls 6 has been present since 2020. This was when Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda set the gaming community abuzz with speculations. A recently exposed slideshow intended to expound on “Microsoft’s approach following acquisitions since 2018” has brought some clarity. As per the slideshow, The Elder Scrolls 6 will eschew the PlayStation platform.

Furthermore, Axios reporter Stephen Totilo shared insights from the slideshow. It meticulously cataloged the roadmap of various Bethesda games post-acquisition. For The Elder Scrolls 6, the PlayStation category was notably marked with an ‘X’, signaling its non-availability. Totilo highlighted, “During testimony at the hearing, Xbox’s Phil Spencer stated that the game was at a minimum, five years away, with platforms still technically to be determined.”

Looking at Past Patterns and Future Predictions

Recent game launches seem to corroborate the slideshow’s accuracy. In 2023, “Starfield” and “Redfall” were introduced, exclusive to Xbox and PC, bypassing PlayStation. Spencer’s mention of The Elder Scrolls 6 as “TBD” still left a glimmer of hope for PlayStation enthusiasts. However, other documents from the FTC case have further solidified the Xbox and PC exclusivity. A notable excerpt from the slideshow emphasized, “In order to be on Xbox, I want us to be able to bring the full complete package of what we have. And that would be true when I think about Elder Scrolls 6”.

With this shift in platform strategy, the anticipated release date of ‘2026’ for The Elder Scrolls 6 might seem optimistic to some. The game’s recent commencement of early development suggests that the “or later” clause might be more accurate. Taking into account the extended development times of contemporary titles, a launch date as late as 2030 might be plausible.

In Conclusion

The path ahead for The Elder Scrolls 6 seems to be moving away from PlayStation, aligning more with Xbox and PC exclusivity. For devoted fans of the series, this might necessitate a switch in their gaming platform or a search for an alternative fantasy RPG to satiate their cravings. The gaming landscape continues to evolve, and this decision signifies a pivotal moment in the journey of The Elder Scrolls series.

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