Tag: Matt Booty

  • The Elder Scrolls VI Playable at Bethesda, Says Xbox Exec

    Key Takeaway

    – The Elder Scrolls VI development is taking significantly longer than previous entries (15+ years since Skyrim).
    – Bethesda is waiting for the “right moment” to reveal the game to ensure it’s the best possible version with a “coming soon” promise.
    – Xbox executive Matt Booty has seen the game in action and says it looks “amazing” and development is progressing well.
    – No official release date or trailer window has been given; fans speculate a reveal could happen on Bethesda’s 40th anniversary (November 15, 2026).

    A Long Wait for The Elder Scrolls VI

    Alongside GTA 6, The Elder Scrolls VI is arguably one of the most anticipated open-world games right now, but Bethesda and Microsoft have been testing the patience of the series’ fans for 15 years now. While only four years passed between the third and fourth installments of the series and only five years between Oblivion and Skyrim, the development of the sixth installment appears to be taking significantly longer.

    Matt Booty Visits Bethesda

    The Elder Scrolls VI was announced at E3 in 2018, but aside from a logo, Bethesda didn’t reveal any details about the game at the time. Eight years and a Microsoft acquisition later, Matt Booty, the Chief Content Officer at Xbox, spoke in an interview with Variety on the game’s current status. According to him, Bethesda wants to wait for the “right moment” to present the game to the public. That’s because when the game is shown, they want to demonstrate the best possible version of the game, along with a promise that it will be released “soon.”

    What We Know So Far

    Matt Booty says he visited Bethesda and saw The Elder Scrolls VI in action. The game is said to look “great,” and development is reportedly making good progress. However, Matt Booty gives no indication in the interview as to when the first trailer or even the game’s launch might be expected. Fans are speculating on Reddit that an announcement on Bethesda’s 40th anniversary on November 15, 2026, is a possibility. Matt Booty’s full statement reads as follows:

    A Statement from the Boss

    I would say one of the more challenging balancing acts of someone in a job like mine is balancing that you want to go show the world all the cool stuff you’re working on, and you want to get them excited early, but we also know that we want to wait till the right moment. And when you decide to show it, you want it to be the best you’ve got. And also that when you show the game, you’re also giving them a promise of, hey, it’s coming soon. So I can tell you, having visited Bethesda and sat with Todd and seen “Elder Scrolls” playing, it looks amazing, and it’s coming along well. And we’ll make sure to announce it and really reveal it at the right time.

    • Game was announced at E3 2018 with only a logo
    • Microsoft acquired Bethesda in 2021
    • Matt Booty confirms development is progressing well
    • No release date or trailer date has been given yet
    • Fans speculate a 2026 announcement for Bethesda’s 40th anniversary
    Sources
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  • Xbox Fans Vent as Showcase Features PS5 Cross-Platform Games

    Xbox Fans Vent as Showcase Features PS5 Cross-Platform Games

    Key Takeaway

    – The June 8th showcase will focus on games, not strategy or a return to exclusivity.
    – Microsoft is making “right decisions, not fast decisions” on cross-platform plans.
    – No new hardware (Project Helix) will be shown at the event.
    – Multi-platform releases will continue, with clear announcements on available platforms.

    CEO Asha Sharma’s Vision for the Future

    CEO Asha Sharma has spoken about how she will prioritise “returning to Xbox.” She also aims to reevaluate how the company handles exclusivity going forward. Some fans believed the June 8th Xbox Games Showcase was an opportunity to refocus heavily on the brand again. However, Chief Content Officer Matt Booty has explained that the event won’t fully abandon its cross-platform emphasis for a while.

    Booty’s Podcast Insights on Strategy

    Booty appeared on a new official podcast to discuss the upcoming broadcast in detail. In the conversation, a co-host asked him if Microsoft would announce a change of direction soon. Booty replied that the show is “not going to be a place where we are going to talk about strategy.” The CCO hinted that the company was reconsidering its cross-platform plans for the future. Still, it’s intent on making the “right decisions, not fast decisions.” Saying that answers to “broader strategic questions come at a later time”, games would take centre stage at the event.

    Hardware and Cross-Platform Publishing

    Fans also shouldn’t anticipate a glimpse of new hardware at the Xbox Games Showcase 2026. Booty revealed that the new Xbox console, Project Helix, would not be attending at all. Microsoft has pivoted to cross-platform publishing, releasing formerly first-party titles on rival systems like the PS5. As its hardware sales have dwindled, some supporters regret the loss of Xbox exclusive games entirely. According to critics, unique software could help restore the ecosystem’s identity and brand loyality.

    What to Expect from the June Event

    Booty clarified that the June 8th spectacle won’t usher in a new era of platform exclusivity for Microsofts gaming division. It will also continue to inform viewers about all consoles a release will be available on. During the podcast, he remarked, “We will be very clear about what platforms a game will be coming to.” Unlike Microsoft in recent years, Sony State of Plays and Nintendo Directs don’t promote competition openly. Even if a title ships for multiple platforms and PCs, watchers will only see PlayStation or Switch logos during those shows.

    • Loyalists are not reacting positively to the news from the podcast interview.
    • Requests to bring back Xbox exclusive games dominate YouTube comments under the podcast.
    • Bojacksimpson8624 complains, “OMG, are they going to keep promoting competing stores? Seriously?”

    Realistic Expectations for the Showcase

    In reality, it’s not realistic to expect a radical transformation in time for the showcase this June. Microsoft has already confirmed that projects such as the now-delayed Fable are headed to the PS5. Any games confined to the Xbox Series X|S or Project Helix likely won’t surface in the near future for fans to enjoy. The company remain dedicated to making careful decisions rather than rushing into new strategies or announcements.

    Sources
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