The idea of turning The Elder Scrolls into a television series might sound like a distant dream—yet, industry insiders suggest it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. And this is where things get intriguing: while it’s not imminent, the potential for an Elder Scrolls adaptation is being seriously considered, according to Bethesda's Todd Howard. But here’s the twist—don’t expect to see it any time soon.
Later this month, fans of Bethesda will have their eyes on Prime Video, as Season 2 of Fallout is set to premiere. This is just the beginning, as Amazon's streaming platform is also preparing to launch a new Wolfenstein series. Naturally, many fans are wondering: could The Elder Scrolls series someday follow these adaptations? Howard, who has played a key role as producer on both Fallout and Elder Scrolls games, remains cautiously optimistic. During a discussion with Eurogamer, he stated that he 'can’t rule in or rule out an Elder Scrolls project in the future,' but quickly added that Fallout was a more natural fit for adaptation due to its richer content and more fitting genre.
Howard also emphasized the unpredictable nature of such projects, noting that the impact of the Fallout show exceeded expectations, which makes him wonder whether there’s a potential pathway forward. Nevertheless, he tempered expectations by clarifying, 'Nothing today… and I’m willing to say no’ for the next decade. This suggests that, at least for now, fans shouldn’t hold their breath.
Interestingly, Howard pointed out that it took over ten years to bring Fallout to live-action form. The idea of a Fallout movie or TV show has been circulating since the release of Fallout 3 back in 2008, highlighting how slow but steady the process of adapting these beloved games can be.
When asked about Bethesda’s Wolfenstein series for Prime Video, Howard refrained from giving specifics, saying that any official word would come from MachineGames—the studio responsible for rebooting the Wolfenstein franchise—rather than himself. This keeps expectations cautious, with official announcements still pending.
On another note, Howard expressed some regret about revealing The Elder Scrolls 6 in 2018, acknowledging that the game remains a long way off. Fans eagerly awaiting the sequel will need to practice some patience, as Howard has made it clear that Bethesda isn’t rushing the development.
So, as exciting as the idea of a full Elder Scrolls adaptation may be, it seems we are still on the horizon, possibly years away. But does this slow pace mean we might miss the opportunity to translate the rich, sprawling world of Tamriel into a compelling TV series? Or is this a strategic move to ensure quality over speed? What are your thoughts—would you be in favor of an Elder Scrolls show, or do you think it’s better left as a game? Share your opinions and join the conversation.