Introduction:
After years of silence and speculation, Bethesda finally unveiled a new trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6, the long-awaited successor to 2011’s critically acclaimed Skyrim. For over a decade, fans of the franchise have clung to every rumor, leak, and teaser in hopes of a real update. So when a new trailer dropped, expectations were sky-high. However, what should have been a triumphant moment turned sour as the fanbase voiced sharp disappointment, citing vague content, lack of gameplay, and the absence of meaningful updates.
This dives into the backlash from fans, the history of The Elder Scrolls franchise, what was actually shown in the trailer, and what Bethesda needs to address moving forward.
A Decade of Waiting: The Elder Scrolls Timeline
To understand the weight of the backlash, it’s important to recall the timeline:
- 2011: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launches to universal acclaim.
- 2016–2018: Bethesda focuses on Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and Elder Scrolls Online expansions.
- 2018: A brief teaser trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6 is shown at E3, revealing only a landscape and a logo.
- 2019–2023: Radio silence, as Bethesda shifts efforts to Starfield.
- 2024: Starfield releases. Bethesda confirms The Elder Scrolls 6 is now in active development.
- June 2025: A new trailer is released but it doesn’t land as intended.
After a 14-year wait, fans expected something monumental. Instead, what they got was more like a cinematic appetizer, with little substance.
The Trailer Breakdown: What Was Shown?
The trailer, clocking in at under two minutes, offered a visually stunning flyover of a mountainous region, widely speculated to be Hammerfell or High Rock, locations long rumored to be the game’s setting. The visuals were enhanced by next-gen graphics, with sweeping landscapes, intricate architecture, and ambient music reminiscent of Skyrim‘s tone.
However, that was it. No:
- Character reveals
- Gameplay footage
- Combat mechanics
- UI elements
- Release date
- Story hints
It was a beautifully rendered cinematic but lacked anything substantial. No dialogue, no player agency, no idea of what’s changed or improved in terms of RPG systems. For many fans, it was déjà vu from 2018.
Fan Reactions: Salty, Sarcastic, and Loud
Reddit Reactions
Within minutes of the trailer’s release, Reddit was ablaze with reactions from disappointed Elder Scrolls fans. Threads on r/ElderScrolls and r/Gaming quickly filled with frustration, sarcasm, and memes mocking the lack of gameplay. Many users called it “another wallpaper with music,” echoing the sentiment that Bethesda had simply recycled its 2018 teaser. Comments ranged from humorous disbelief to outright anger, with one top-voted reply reading, “Bethesda really just gave us two minutes of landscape footage after 10 years.” Others speculated whether the game is even past pre-production, fueling concerns about a possible 2030 release. Some fans tried to defend the cinematic for its visual appeal, but the overwhelming tone was one of disappointment. Memes comparing the trailer to fan-made Skyrim mods which often feature more gameplay innovation went viral, highlighting how even loyal supporters felt let down. For many Redditors, the trailer confirmed their fears: Bethesda still isn’t ready to talk details.
Twitter/X Trends
As soon as the trailer dropped, #TheElderScrolls6 and #TES6 trended globally. Gamers took to Twitter/X to share their disappointment, coining #WhereIsGameplay to express their frustration. Popular tweets included sarcastic remarks like “Stunning mountain range now with extra fade-to-black” and memes pairing the trailer’s visuals with audio from Skyrim screenshots. One viral tweet joked, “Bethesda finally showed us… grass moving in the breeze?” Some fans defended the artistic quality, but most critiques focused on the lack of substance. Prominent gaming personalities also weighed in, with one influencer commenting, “After a decade-long wait, you’d think we’d get something, not just ambience porn.” Retweets for these critiques soared, signaling broad disillusionment. Meanwhile, fan accounts shared clips of Skyrim mods or Starfield gameplay, contrasting Bethesda’s cinematic tease with real gameplay innovation. The collective sentiment: beautiful footage alone isn’t enough fans want to play, not just watch.
YouTube Comments
The official Bethesda YouTube upload of The Elder Scrolls 6 trailer quickly became a hub for critical commentary. Thousands of fans flooded the comment section, expressing disappointment at the trailer’s lack of gameplay, story details, or even a release year. One of the most-liked comments read, “This looks like the intro to a fan-made short film, not a trailer for a AAA game we’ve waited over a decade for.” Another joked, “Coming 2033… maybe,” capturing the growing skepticism around the game’s timeline. Users also drew comparisons to indie RPGs and Skyrim mods that, in their view, already offer more compelling content. Some fans voiced cautious optimism, praising the visuals but pleading for more transparency. However, the majority sentiment was clear while the trailer was cinematic and polished, it lacked the depth and information fans expected. Many echoed the same thought: Bethesda must do better in the next reveal.
What Fans Expected vs. What They Got
Expectation: A Gameplay Reveal
After years of anticipation and silence, fans expected The Elder Scrolls 6 trailer to finally showcase real gameplay. For many, this meant a first look at core mechanics like combat, spellcasting, exploration, and character creation. Given the evolution of RPGs in the past decade and Bethesda’s commitment to next gen development tools, gamers hoped to see how the studio would innovate beyond Skyrim. Expectations were high for dynamic world-building, improved AI, and rich dialogue systems. Some even speculated about new features like co-op play or procedural quests, based on industry trends. With Starfield having offered extended gameplay previews before launch, it seemed natural that Bethesda would take a similar approach here. Instead, fans were met with another cinematic flyover visually impressive, but narratively and mechanically empty. The absence of gameplay left many wondering whether the project is truly ready or still in early development. For most, the missed opportunity felt like a step backward.
Reality: Cinematic Tease
Instead of the detailed gameplay showcase fans had hoped for, the trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6 delivered a purely cinematic experience. The video featured a dramatic flyover of a mountainous landscape, accompanied by an orchestral score reminiscent of past titles. While visually stunning, the trailer lacked any gameplay mechanics, character interactions, story elements, or even a release date. There were no signs of combat, exploration, or user interface key components that fans desperately wanted to see after waiting over a decade. The cinematic felt more like a tech demo or environmental showcase than a game trailer. Many viewers likened it to the 2018 teaser, feeling it added nothing substantial to what they already knew. The absence of meaningful content led fans to question whether the game is still in early development. Ultimately, what was meant to excite the community only fueled frustration, as the trailer failed to meet even basic expectations.
What Went Wrong? Analyzing the Backlash
Long Silence Fueled Expectation
Bethesda has remained virtually silent about The Elder Scrolls 6 for over half a decade. During this time, every community speculated endlessly. Expectations ballooned to impossible proportions but that’s on Bethesda, not the fans.
Changing Industry Standards
In 2025, gamers expect transparency. Studios like CD Projekt Red, FromSoftware, and Larian Studios have set a high bar for dev diaries, feature reveals, and community engagement. Bethesda’s silence followed by an empty trailer feels archaic.
Cinematic Overload, Gameplay Starvation
Gamers are tired of cinematic trailers that tell them nothing about how a game plays. With AI-powered tools, even indie devs can produce gorgeous renders. AAA studios must now show the game, not just tease it.
Still No Release Window
Even after confirming development progress, the trailer lacked a release year. Fans are now wondering: Will this even come out before 2030?
Bethesda’s Official Response
After the backlash began trending online, Bethesda’s VP of Publishing issued a short statement on social media:
We appreciate the passion of our fans. This trailer was just the beginning. We’ll have more to share later this year including a deeper dive into gameplay and development insights.
While it helped calm some nerves, many saw it as damage control. Bethesda’s credibility, already hit by Fallout 76 and Starfield’s mixed reception, continues to be questioned.
What Bethesda Needs to Do Now
Release a Developer Deep-Dive Soon
A behind-the-scenes look at gameplay mechanics, world-building, or story would go a long way in rebuilding trust. Even early pre-alpha footage would be appreciated. Publish a Roadmap
Outlining the development stages and when fans can expect updates (trailers, demos, beta access) would show transparency.
Engage the Community
Host Reddit AMAs, developer Q&As, and livestreams. Let fans ask questions. Show the human side of development.
Offer Mod Support Insights
Bethesda games thrive due to mods. Details on modding tools and engine improvements would be warmly received by the large modding community.
A Look at the Future: Is There Still Hope?
Despite the disappointment, The Elder Scrolls fandom is resilient. Many continue to hope that the game will be worth the wait. If the trailer was simply a marketing misstep, Bethesda still has time to turn the narrative around. After all, the same studio recovered from Fallout 76’s debacle to deliver a more polished Starfield albeit with room for improvement.
Lessons for the Industry
Bethesda isn’t alone in this pattern of cinematic over substance. Ubisoft, EA, and even Sony have faced similar pushbacks. Here are broader takeaways:
- Hype Responsibly: Years of silence followed by vague teasers only frustrate fans.
- Transparency Builds Loyalty: The more you show, the more people trust your vision.
- Gamers Are Smarter Now: They know marketing spin when they see it. Authenticity matters more than polish.
A Wake-Up Call for Bethesda?
The Elder Scrolls 6 trailer may have sparked disappointment, but it also sparked conversation and perhaps that was Bethesda’s goal. But going forward, fans expect more than just sweeping landscapes and orchestral swells. They want the next generation of role-playing, world-building, and immersive storytelling that the franchise is known for.
Bethesda now stands at a crossroads. They can lean into transparency and give their loyal fanbase something to truly be excited about or risk letting one of gaming’s most beloved franchises fade into skepticism.
