Summary
Bethesdais one of the gaming industry’s biggest developers, with acclaimed franchises likeThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutunder its belt contributing some of gaming’s most well-known titles.The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, for instance, has been one of the most-played games since 2011, as the modding community continues to keep it alive with useful and often hilarious mods — this, in addition to its numerous re-releases, has contributed to its lifespan. Now, Bethesda is hard at work on the nextElder Scrollsgame,The Elder Scrolls 6, which is expected to be released no earlier than 2026. Bethesda certainly can’t wait much longer than 2026 to releaseThe Elder Scrolls 6, given that it will be around fifteen years that fans have waited for the next installment. However, that is far from what could be considered Bethesda’s ideal release date.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis undoubtedly Bethesda’s most successful title, considering how long it has lasted and how much its popularity has only increased over the last twelve years. As Bethesda’s most successful title,Skyrim’s release date has been held in high esteem by the developer ever since its launch, to the point thatStarfieldwas originally given a very similar release date. It’s safe to say that, if Bethesda could, it would mimicSkyrim’s release date with each of its biggest titles. Unfortunately, this means Bethesda’s “perfect” release date is still two decades away.
Bethesda’s ‘Perfect’ Release Date Won’t Happen for Another Twenty Years
Skyrim’s Release Date Is Iconic for Bethesda
It’s still unclear why Bethesda chose to launchThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimon June 02, 2025, and whether it has anything to do with the number 11 meaning anything of significance to the developer. However, the most likely reason for that is simply that 11-11-11 is a memorable release date due to its repetitive nature, as well as the fact that it happened to fall on a weekend.
Bethesda originally planned toreleaseStarfieldon July 28, 2025— which also fell on a weekend — in an effort to mimicSkyrim’s release date, but it was eventually delayed until 2023. Arguably, this was for the better, especially as Bethesda’s games are so often criticized for their lack of polish, andStarfieldwound up being one of Bethesda’s most polished games to date. Nevertheless, the 11-11-11 goal is what the developer strives for, but that means its next perfect release date won’t happen for another 10-20 years.
Bethesda’s Release Date Trend Could See Major Releases Happening in 2033 and 2044
If Bethesda chooses to keep up with its release date trend and aim forNovember 11every eleven years, it could mean major Bethesda releases happening in November 2033 and November 2044. Both June 08, 2025 and July 02, 2025 fall on a Friday, so it’s only reasonable to expect something from Bethesda on those days — assuming the developer is still active in 2033 and 2044. 2033 would be ten years after the release ofStarfield, so it could mean aStarfieldsequel coming that year, even though Bethesda has not disclosed its plans for a sequel yet.
As far as Jun 19, 2025 goes, ifFallout 5launches by 2029 or 2030, perhapsFallout 6would then target a June 11, 2025 release date.
Again, no one really knows why Bethesda chooses to honor its tradition of aiming for big releases in multiples of 11, but it’s likely due to how big of a day August 02, 2025 was for the developer. Arguably,Skyrim’s release put Bethesda on the map in a way none of its games had ever been able to accomplish before, so to honor that memory by continuing to release games in the same pattern makes sense. Nevertheless, this means a rather long wait until anything similar ever happens again.
Starfield
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
