Changing placeholder dates for The Elder Scrolls: Blades have been misinterpreted by fans and news outlets as a delay to the Bethesda Games Studios title. Announced at E3 2018 the mobile entry into the much-loved role-playing franchise is currently slated for a Fall 2018 release. Placeholder dates on the Apple App Store for September 1 changing to December 1 have led to claims that the title has been delayed.
Bethesda has acknowledged the supposed delay on the official Elder Scrolls Twitter (@ElderScrolls) in a reply to questions about the release date. Bethesda has stated that the shift in dates is on Apple’s end. The Apple App Store, like many online stores, utilizes placeholder dates to enable pre-orders for titles.
The date on the App Store is a placeholder date from Apple. The Elder Scrolls: Blades is slated for a Fall release. Stay tuned here and https://t.co/y7QBVMh4la for when we announce the release dates and more info.
— The Elder Scrolls (@ElderScrolls) September 4, 2018
The free-to-play title will be a largely single-player experience. Blades is not a fully-fledged entry into the franchise, forgoing an open world in favor of more controlled dungeon-crawling elements. The game will employ a mix of hand-crafted and procedurally generated dungeons. Bethesda has said it will feature player versus player multiplayer in the “Arena” mode.
In our preview from E3 we praised the title’s presentation. In contrast we had some early issues with controls, but quickly grew accustomed to the touch interface. The game features a full combat suite including melee and ranged weapons, and magic spells. There will be a progression system where players will level up and customize their characters.
Blades‘ story revolves around the player character—a member of an elite group of agents known as the Blades—helping to rebuild a hub town. Players will be able to visit their friends’ towns, although the purpose is still unknown.
The Elder Scrolls: Blades is in development at Bethesda Game Studios alongside the upcoming Fallout 76, Starfield, and The Elder Scrolls VI. Look for it on iOS and Android sometime this fall.
