Todd Howard's 'Protective' Nature Blocked Elder Scrolls Spin-Offs Like New Vegas

Skyrim lead Kurt Kuhlmann says Todd Howard was too protective of The Elder Scrolls to risk a New Vegas-style spin-off, fearing comparisons to Obsidian.

Ever wondered why there's no Elder Scrolls game made by another studio, like Fallout: New Vegas? According to a veteran Bethesda designer, it all comes down to Todd Howard being "very protective" of the fantasy series.

Kurt Kuhlmann, who worked on Skyrim, Oblivion, and more before leaving Bethesda in 2023, told FRVR that the success of Fallout: New Vegas may have unintentionally created a perception of competition between Bethesda and Obsidian. "The whole New Vegas thing did create this, at least the perception of this, 'who makes a better Fallout game?' 'Oh, they should just give it to Obsidian,'" Kuhlmann explained. He added that some fans think "New Vegas is way better, Obsidian is way better at making those games, and why don't they just get Fallout altogether."

That kind of talk can sting, especially for a studio that poured its heart into the original games. Kuhlmann suggests Howard didn't want a repeat of that situation with The Elder Scrolls. "I don't know that Todd wanted to create that situation again for The Elder Scrolls," he said. "Todd, from my time there, he is very protective of it."

But before you imagine a bitter rivalry, know that Bethesda and Obsidian actually get along just fine. Last year, Howard said Obsidian was "the only choice" to make a new Fallout game after Fallout 3, and he's expressed "huge respect" for the studio's 2025 releases. So no, there's no bad blood.

In fact, the two studios are now closer than ever. Bethesda has taken over management of Obsidian following more Xbox restructuring, and Bethesda president Jill Braff reportedly said the New Vegas studio will keep its "creative identity." Still, some in the industry are uneasy—Baldur's Gate 3 publishing director Michael Douse said he "can't imagine" the move "feels great" for the developers.

It's a reminder that behind every game is a team with real feelings and pride in their work. Howard's protectiveness isn't about ego; it's about safeguarding the world he's built. And while we may never get an Elder Scrolls spin-off from another studio, at least we know the main series is in hands that care deeply.

What do you think? Would you want to see another studio take a crack at The Elder Scrolls, or should Bethesda keep it in-house? Let us know in the comments!