The Elder Scrolls might well be years away, but with Microsoft buying Bethesda and all of its studios, is it possible that it could be solely released on Xbox or PC platforms?
Todd Howard, director of both Fallout and Skyrim, spoke to GamesIndustry.biz about the acquisition and what it could mean for the likes of Elder Scrolls 6 on PS5.
Read More: Xbox Reaches Agreement To Buy Bethesda Game Studios' Parent Company Zenimax Media - UPDATED
The Elder Scrolls 6: Will It Come To PlayStation?
In the interview, Howard notes that it would be "hard to imagine" the next Elder Scrolls title launching on multiple platforms, but did note that the deal isn't final yet.
"We do view it, and always have by ourselves, on a case-by-case basis. We'll do that as part of Microsoft as well," Howard said.
In an interview with Bloomberg about the acquisition of Bethesda and what it means for games releasing on other platforms (i.e. not Xbox, PC, or Game Pass), Xbox boss Phil Spencer had said: “we’ll take other consoles on a case-by-case basis."
Considering Microsoft already publishes Minecraft on multiple platforms (itself a $2.5 billion purchase for the company), it's not unreasonable to expect that you could still play a new mainline Elder Scrolls title on the PlayStation 5.
Read More: PlayStation 5: Sony Patent Reveals Possible System Dashboard and New Features
That's not to say it's a certainty, though. With customers looking for reasons to buy an Xbox console, there's every chance Microsoft break with their recent messaging to ensure players can only play the likes of The Elder Scrolls 6 on an Xbox system or Windows PC.
In recent years, though, the company has attempted to push player choice in where gamers play their games.
Then there's Microsoft's history with Nintendo, with Banjo and Kazooie arriving as Super Smash Bros Ultimate DLC, and both Ori games arriving on the Switch.
While it's unlikely that the Switch is able to run a full, next-gen RPG from Bethesda, there's every chance of some kind of crossover with the House of Mario.