Ethan Crossfield 
The Elder Scrolls has never received a modern spinoff comparable to Fallout: New Vegas, and former Bethesda loremaster Kurt Kuhlmann has offered a rare explanation. In a recent FRVR podcast interview, Kuhlmann suggested that Todd Howard’s close protection of the fantasy franchise was a major factor, while Bethesda may also have viewed The Elder Scrolls Online as sufficient support for the series between mainline releases.
What happened
Kuhlmann discussed the missing Elder Scrolls spinoff during a two-hour interview, drawing a contrast with Fallout: New Vegas. His view is that New Vegas created a split among Fallout fans, with some players believing Obsidian Entertainment should eventually lead the franchise. Kuhlmann indicated that Howard likely did not want to recreate that situation around The Elder Scrolls.
The former developer also described Howard as highly protective of the Elder Scrolls intellectual property. That does not establish a formal policy against outside studios, but it suggests that handing the series to another developer was never an easy proposition inside Bethesda. As a result, Skyrim remained a major release in its own right rather than becoming the foundation for a separate, externally developed role-playing game.
Why it matters
The explanation helps clarify why Bethesda’s approach to its two biggest role-playing franchises has differed. Fallout received a prominent external collaboration with Obsidian, while The Elder Scrolls stayed more closely tied to Bethesda’s own development plans and to the ongoing Elder Scrolls Online ecosystem.
Kuhlmann believes the online game’s regular expansions and updates may have reduced the pressure to produce another single-player Elder Scrolls title quickly. That would have made a spinoff less urgent, particularly while Bethesda focused on larger projects. It also helps explain why fans have seen the series continue through online content and re-releases rather than through a New Vegas-style side story.
What to watch next
A near-term Elder Scrolls spinoff still appears unlikely. Obsidian has reportedly moved under Bethesda’s remit following the latest Xbox layoffs, but the studio is confirmed to be working on a new Fallout game. Bethesda itself remains focused on The Elder Scrolls 6, leaving little indication that a separate studio will soon be assigned to an Elder Scrolls project.
Kuhlmann’s comments also came with a separate warning about Bethesda’s other major series. He said Starfield was not successful enough, in his assessment, to make a sequel likely and that he would be surprised if Starfield 2 happened. Kuhlmann left Bethesda in 2023 after a long career that included work on Daggerfall, Redguard, Oblivion, Skyrim, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and Starfield.
Key takeaways for Elder Scrolls fans
- The lack of a Skyrim spinoff was influenced by concerns about dividing the fan base.
- Todd Howard’s reported protectiveness toward The Elder Scrolls may have limited outside development opportunities.
- The Elder Scrolls Online’s continuing content may have reduced the need for a faster single-player release.
- Obsidian’s next confirmed Fallout project makes an Elder Scrolls collaboration less likely in the near term.
Expert View
Kuhlmann’s explanation makes the missing spinoff feel less like an overlooked opportunity and more like a deliberate risk-management choice. Bethesda appears to value tight control over The Elder Scrolls, even if that means denying fans the kind of focused side adventure that made New Vegas so influential. For players, the trade-off is clear: stronger ownership of the series’ identity, but fewer chances for another studio to reinterpret Tamriel.
