The Elder Scrolls series, a pillar of RPG gaming since The Elder Scrolls: Arena launched in 1994, has captivated players with its rich open worlds and deep storytelling. Its fifth installment, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, released in 2011, became a cultural juggernaut, its vast landscapes and modding community sustaining its popularity for over a decade. In 2018, Bethesda teased The Elder Scrolls VI at E3 with a brief cinematic glimpse of an unknown region of Tamriel, but since then, the studio has focused primarily on Starfield, leaving fans eager for updates. Now, a new trailer for The Elder Scrolls VI is reportedly being showcased internally at Microsoft, signaling progress on the long-awaited title.
According to industry insider Jez Corden on the Xbox Two podcast, Bethesda Game Studios has presented a trailer within Microsoft, its parent company since the 2021 acquisition. Corden speculated that the trailer might have been planned for the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2025, though it did not appear, suggesting a reveal could be imminent at another major event. Despite this, Corden emphasized that the existence of an internal trailer indicates the game is “getting closer” to a public reveal, though he refrained from pinpointing a specific timeline. The insider’s comments suggest that Bethesda is actively preparing to reintroduce the game to the world, potentially at a major event like Gamescom 2025 or The Game Awards later this year.
The existence of an internal trailer points to significant progress in The Elder Scrolls VI’s development. Bethesda confirmed in August 2023 that the game had entered active development following the completion of Starfield’s base game, moving it out of pre-production. While the 2018 teaser offered little beyond a cinematic glimpse of Tamriel’s rugged terrain, the new trailer could potentially reveal gameplay, story elements, or the game’s setting, which remains a closely guarded secret. Rumors have swirled about possible locations, with High Rock and Hammerfell often cited as likely candidates, potentially featuring 12 to 13 major cities—double the number found in Skyrim. There’s also speculation about new mechanics, such as seafaring, which could expand the series’ exploration-focused gameplay.
However, the road to The Elder Scrolls VI’s release remains long. Industry observers estimate the game is still years away, with some projecting a launch as late as 2028, given Bethesda’s meticulous development process and the high expectations set by Skyrim’s enduring legacy. The mixed reception to Starfield has also heightened scrutiny, with Bethesda under pressure to deliver a game that recaptures the magic of its earlier masterpieces. A new trailer, if revealed, could serve as a critical moment to reassure players and showcase Bethesda’s vision for the next chapter of Tamriel’s saga.
Microsoft’s ownership of Bethesda adds another layer of intrigue. As an Xbox exclusive, The Elder Scrolls VI is poised to be a flagship title for Xbox Series X/S and a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, amplifying its importance to the platform’s ecosystem. A trailer reveal at an event like Gamescom, where Microsoft has confirmed its participation, could bolster Xbox’s lineup and shift public perception after recent challenges, including project cancellations and studio closures. Yet, as Corden noted, releasing a trailer too early risks hyping fans only to return to silence, a delicate balance Bethesda and Microsoft must navigate.
For now, the Elder Scrolls VI trailer remains under wraps, its contents known only to a select few within Microsoft’s walls. Whether it debuts at Gamescom, The Game Awards, or another venue, the prospect of new footage has reignited hope among players eager to return to Tamriel. As Bethesda continues to craft its ambitious RPG, the gaming world waits with bated breath for the moment when The Elder Scrolls VI steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
