A new Fallout game might arrive much sooner than anticipated under a restructured Xbox division, according to a recent report. Microsoft is reportedly considering spinning off Xbox into a subsidiary, similar to how LinkedIn and GitHub operate under the company.
Xbox Restructuring Plans
The publication Information claims that Microsoft is planning a major 'reset' of its gaming division, with the intention to 'move faster' on delivering new games from its biggest intellectual properties. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is particularly keen to accelerate development of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, with Halo also targeted as a key franchise.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and chief financial officer Amy Hood have reportedly given Sharma the green light to increase spending on top-tier gaming franchises, including those at Bethesda. This could be welcome news for Bethesda fans, as the studio has not released a new single-player Fallout game in over a decade, and the last mainline Elder Scrolls game was even longer ago, with Bethesda focusing on Fallout 76 and Starfield in the meantime.
Fallout TV Show Success
The Fallout TV series on Amazon has proven immensely popular, and Microsoft may regret not having a new mainline game ready to capitalize on its success. Todd Howard, creative director at Bethesda, has hinted that 'multiple' Fallout projects are in the works, one of which is likely Fallout 5, but no official announcements have been made.
Meanwhile, Xbox's head of gaming, Matt Booty, recently stated that he has seen The Elder Scrolls 6 in action and that it 'looks amazing,' suggesting a possible release in 2027. However, the report also notes that Microsoft is looking to close down several smaller studios as part of cost-cutting measures, with Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine reportedly seeking buyers to regain independence.
It remains to be seen whether increased investment in Bethesda will actually speed up game development, but the prospect of a new Fallout game arriving sooner is certainly exciting for fans.
