'Elder Scrolls 6' release date set for early 2016

The Elder Scrolls V: SkyrimBethesda Softworks

For the first time, Bethesda Softworks attended the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2015 where they unveiled some of their upcoming titles such as "Dishonored 2" and "Fallout 4." However, gamers noticed that there was no mention of "The Elder Scrolls VI." Still, rumors persist that the game will be released as early as the first quarter of 2016. 

According to a report from the Master Herald, the next "Elder Scrolls" game may be launched as soon as March 2016. The report cites that Bethesda has a habit of releasing new "Elder Scrolls" games every four to five years. "Morrowind" was released back in 2002, "Oblivion" came out in 2006, and "Skyrim" was released in 2011. 

However, Bethesda and ZeniMax Online Studios just released "The Elder Scrolls Online" in 2014 with an updated console version, "Tamriel Unlimited," in 2015. If the company would release a new game after "Skyrim," then the MMORPG should be the title taking that slot. 

The report still claims that there is an "Elder Scrolls VI" that is being developed by Bethesda and it is separate from the online MMORPG. It is possible that no news of the game has been released so that the public's eyes may focus on "Fallout 4" until its release. 

It is also important to note that in a report from Digital Spy, Bethesda Vice President Pete Hines stated that the company is attempting to shorten the release periods of their games. This would mean that if "Elder Scrolls VI" is indeed in development, then it shouldn't take more than one to two years for it to hit store shelves. 

Hines also stated that the company is focusing on shorter marketing campaigns to prevent "fatigue" that some people might experience when waiting for a game for too long. He expressed that "Fallout 4" has a short 5-month campaign prior to its launch in November. and that this is intentional to build up anticipation without risking over-hyping the game. 

If the company follows this trend, then they could start announcing and marketing "The Elder Scrolls VI" right after "Fallout 4" is released. If rumors of a March 2016 release date is true, then the company would have four months to market the game.