Bethesda Game Studios has confirmed that it is working on a new Fallout project with Obsidian Entertainment. The studio also gave its first official update on Fallout 5, saying the game is currently in preproduction.
The news came in a statement titled “A Note From Bethesda Game Studios,” posted on Bethesda’s website. It covers the status of Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls VI, and a new partnership with Obsidian on a separate Fallout title.
Obsidian Returns to the Fallout Series
Bethesda confirmed that Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas, is working with Bethesda Game Studios on a new Fallout project.
The wasteland continues to expand as we team up once again with our longtime friends at Obsidian Entertainment. We’re happy to confirm they’re working with us on a new Fallout project. We’ll have more to share in the future.
Bethesda Game Studios
No release window, title, or further detail was given.
This marks Obsidian’s first confirmed return to the Fallout series since Fallout: New Vegas, which released 16 years ago. Both Bethesda and Obsidian are owned by Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios.
Bethesda and Obsidian were both affected by recent layoffs across Microsoft‘s gaming division. The exact number of employees impacted at each studio has not been confirmed.
Fallout 5 Is in Preproduction
Bethesda also addressed Fallout 5 directly. The statement said: “Fallout 5 is currently in preproduction. The Elder Scrolls VI is our primary development focus today, with the majority of our team currently working on the next chapter of the franchise.”
Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI are both being built on Creation Engine 3, a shared technology platform Bethesda has developed since Starfield’s launch. According to the studio, this allows its teams to work on multiple projects at once using shared tools, rendering, and systems.
Elder Scrolls VI Update
Bethesda gave an update on The Elder Scrolls VI as well, noting that Skyrim has sold more than 65 million copies and that players are still playing it 15 years after release. The statement read: “We know it’s been a very long wait for the sequel. The next chapter is on the way. We’re where we planned to be, loving how it looks, and playing it every day.”
The note also confirmed a change in how Bethesda’s teams are structured. ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of The Elder Scrolls Online, will now partner directly with Bethesda Game Studios on The Elder Scrolls franchise. ZeniMax will continue developing The Elder Scrolls Online, which recently launched its Season One: Return of the Thieves Guild content.
Bethesda said the goal of aligning the teams more closely is to build a stronger foundation for the franchise going forward.
