[meghan lock]

Perhaps I wasn't reading the same thing, but nowhere did I find a description that mentioned "Next Generation Consoles" in their job postings. I believe you may be making an artificial connection that is unsupported from the available information. The places where it says "next generation product" are, by my reading, simply a more eloquent way of saying "future games".

The job listings for language specialists piqued my interest, though. I'm not sure what to make of it other than they have a need to translate a game...

Sorry for the late reply, but the referral to the next-gen consoles is http://www.gamesas.com/eng/links/job_011305_gameprgrmr.html
Not that I'm saying this means TES V will be next-gen, but they are preparing for it.

Just for my info: how long can translating a game take? I can imagine that requires quite some time.

[Courtney Foren]

Sorry for the late reply, but the referral to the next-gen consoles is http://www.gamesas.com/eng/links/job_011305_gameprgrmr.html
Not that I'm saying this means TES V will be next-gen, but they are preparing for it.

Just for my info: how long can translating a game take? I can imagine that requires quite some time.

Not sure exactly how long it takes, but Pete Hines on Oblivion:

"There will be fully localized versions in Germany and France. That means the whole game — voice and text — are fully translated. We are doing semi-localized versions in Italy and Spain, which means all the text (including dialogue) is translated, but the voices are in English. "

Translating the text wouldn't be too time consuming since even Google does a pretty good job with that these days, just need someone to check the work. It would be a bit more time consuming one would think to translate the voice, i.e. record them.

[Roddy]

B.Sc. in Computer Science and/or Mathematics.
Proficient with c++ and object-oriented programming.
Development experience in the games industry a plus.
Development experience on game consoles (Xbox360/PS3) a plus.
Experience with DX9 2.0 or above level Shaders and HLSL a plus.
Ability to contribute innovative and original ideas towards all aspects of game production and development.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Must work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks.
Passion for making GREAT games.
Knowledge of Role Playing games and The Elder Scrolls or Fallout a plus.

I hear bells, but it could just be a draft in my head and some wind chimes.

[Channing]

I hear bells, but it could just be a draft in my head and some wind chimes.

More likely a draft then anything. That doesn't really tell us anything new, obviously TES V will be for consoles and obviously they'd have to be able to work under pressure.

[Maeva]

Knowledge of Role Playing games and The Elder Scrolls or Fallout a plus.

THeir next game is either Fallout or Elder Scrolls.....

[Inol Wakhid]

In agreement what was has already been said above...

In answer to your first question: No, there are many pieces of information that suggest they've not only thought about it but are developing an ES title.

In answer to your second question: Probably not. About the only way a developer would torpedo their most successful original IP would be when the company collapses.

Even when Bethesda once almost collapsed, they held on to their beloved series. They are never giving it up.

[Andres Lechuga]

Sorry for the late reply, but the referral to the next-gen consoles is http://www.gamesas.com/eng/links/job_011305_gameprgrmr.html
Not that I'm saying this means TES V will be next-gen, but they are preparing for it.

Just for my info: how long can translating a game take? I can imagine that requires quite some time.

I think they announced on bethblog that they've opened gamesas offices in Germany and France, so chances are that they'd start the recording as soon as they'd finalized the script of TES V.

[laila hassan]

Knowledge of Role Playing games and The Elder Scrolls or Fallout a plus.

THeir next game is either Fallout or Elder Scrolls.....

it could also mean that they are looking for people familiar with the type of work they do so as to meld into the team easier. beth really only does one type of game (open world roleplaying) and FO and TES are great examples for a newcomer to look at when working on a new franchise of open world roleplaying game.

[willow]

To preempt any 'TESV 4 nextgen consoles!!1,' I don't think we should extrapolate too much on the "next generation consoles." As has been said, Sony and Microsoft are quite satisfied with the 360 and the PS3 at least for a while, as evidenced by there development of the motion controllers. Their reps have even said this explicitly in interviews. Next-gen consoles probably won't be coming out for at least a few more years (at the earliest). Likely to be several more years. So, TESV will likely be for the current-gen ones.

That is, unless of course Bethesda wants to wait on TESV for yet another four more years...

Expect news of new consoles at E3 2011, possibly earlier for the Wii's successor (Nintendo trademarked the name 'Zii' just before christmas 2009, for hardware purposes, and it clearly isn't the next gameboy with the recent announcement of the 3DS). Don't ever believe what Sony and M$ say about their next hardware iterations - those designs and progresses are their biggest kept secrets. If Sony says: "no PS4 for the next few years at the earliest", then I guarantee M$ think: "there's a free hole in the market!", and vice versa. These guys do not play fair with each other, and do not honestly express their business plans to the public. Just like how Oblivion was firmly denied up until its announcement, the next gen of consoles will be firmly denied until their's. 2011 announces are likely, with 2013 releases at the latest. We're already into the 360's 5th year, and a console's support and lifespan (10-years being a popular term) doesn't end when the next iteration is released (PS2s are still on store shelves to this day). 2013 would mark an 8-year reign for the 360, when the PS2 had a 6-year reign before the current-gen began.

With that knowledge in mind, don't forget that the twilight years of a console often provide its best games. A new console announcement won't lead to a sudden halt of game production for the current-gen. Todd Howard specifically stated that he intends to release another TES game on this generation around Oblivion's launch, and as many people have pointed out with Red Dead Redemption: the current-gen can offer a lot more than Oblivion brought to the table. We all know Bethesda can provide.

[Cedric Pearson]

Even when Bethesda once almost collapsed, they held on to their beloved series. They are never giving it up.

Precisely, which is why I said "when they collapse" and not "when their collapse is eminent". Four years is not long to wait for a high-quality series like TES. If it's 2012 and we still haven't heard anything about TES:V, then I'll be concerned.

[Louise Andrew]

Here is my take on the trademark information: Zenimax owns three trademarks for SKYRIM. They have all been given their fifth and final extension meaning they have six months to actually use them or loose them. The SKYRIM trademark for the game itself has to be used by July 1, 2010. The SKYRIM trademark for "Computer and video game user instruction manuals; magazines, books, and pamphlets concerning video games; computer and video game strategy guides" has to be used a few days before that.

In order to prove a game trademark is "in use" they simply have to market it. All that needs to be released is something like "SKYRIM: Coming XXXX" but this has to be released before July 1st. E3 takes place in mid-June and makes sense for a debut. I've seen people mention QuakeCon, but that will be too late (mid-August).

I predict we will see some sort of teaser of SKYRIM at E3 with even more revealed at QuakeCon (now that Zenimax owns id).

[Anna Krzyzanowska]

Here is my take on the trademark information: Zenimax owns three trademarks for SKYRIM. They have all been given their fifth and final extension meaning they have six months to actually use them or loose them. The SKYRIM trademark for the game itself has to be used by July 1, 2010. The SKYRIM trademark for "Computer and video game user instruction manuals; magazines, books, and pamphlets concerning video games; computer and video game strategy guides" has to be used a few days before that.

In order to prove a game trademark is "in use" they simply have to market it. All that needs to be released is something like "SKYRIM: Coming XXXX" but this has to be released before July 1st. E3 takes place in mid-June and makes sense for a debut. I've seen people mention QuakeCon, but that will be too late (mid-August).

I predict we will see some sort of teaser of SKYRIM at E3 with even more revealed at QuakeCon (now that Zenimax owns id).

You've got your dates wrong. The earliest expiring trademark is the one for the manuals and that expires on July 31st. They don't have 6 months after their 5th extension, they have 36 months after they received their Notice of Allowance.

[Kayleigh Williams]

You've got your dates wrong. The earliest expiring trademark is the one for the manuals and that expires on July 31st. They don't have 6 months after their 5th extension, they have 36 months after they received their Notice of Allowance.

Nope. It's either/or and in this case 6 months after their 5th extension. The 36 month thing exists if the Trademark office gets behind.

[Shianne Donato]

Precisely, which is why I said "when they collapse" and not "when their collapse is eminent". Four years is not long to wait for a high-quality series like TES. If it's 2012 and we still haven't heard anything about TES:V, then I'll be concerned.

I was just backing up your statement with a historical fact, a fact which shows that Bethesda will never give up their series, from example.

[rheanna bruining]

Nope. It's either/or and in this case 6 months after their 5th extension.

If that's true, then 6 months after the 5th extension of the trademark for the manuals is July 27th, not July 1st.

[Beth Belcher]

If that's true, then 6 months after the 5th extension of the trademark for the manuals is July 27th, not July 1st.

My point is Bethesda doesn't have time to wait until QuakeCon (where many think SKYRIM will be announced). They are off by a few weeks, but couldn't have known that in Oct. 2006.

[Calum Campbell]

My point is Bethesda doesn't have time to wait until QuakeCon (where many think SKYRIM will be announced). They are off by a few weeks, but couldn't have known that in Oct. 2006.

I don't think (or hope) anyone thinks it'll be announced at QuakeCon, I think it's more likely that they'll announce it before the trademark expires and then advertise that they'll be showing it at QuakeCon.

[Holli Dillon]

I don't think (or hope) anyone thinks it'll be announced at QuakeCon, I think it's more likely that they'll announce it before the trademark expires and then advertise that they'll be showing it at QuakeCon.

I agree. Something will be announced before QuakeCon. Something at E3 makes a lot of sense even if it's quick and to the point. Bethesda already has a decent sized booth reserved.

[Joe Alvarado]

I agree. Something will be announced before QuakeCon. Something at E3 makes a lot of sense even if it's quick and to the point. Bethesda already has a decent sized booth reserved.

Remember that Pete Hines said, and I'm paraphrasing, that he doesn't like announcing things at E3 and would prefer to announce things at QuakeCon. Their booth at E3 is most likely just to show off New Vegas and Brink, I don't think they'll be announcing TES V there.

[FoReVeR_Me_N]

Remember that Pete Hines said, and I'm paraphrasing, that he doesn't like announcing things at E3 and would prefer to announce things at QuakeCon. Their booth at E3 is most likely just to show off New Vegas and Brink, I don't think they'll be announcing TES V there.

I read that too but I don't think they can afford to wait. They could lose the trademark to the game if "not in use". It looks like it will have to be announced before QuakeCon even if it's some teaser countdown type thing.

[James Potter]

Why are we all assuming that since Pete Hines likes things shown at QuakeCon more than E3 that they'll show ESV at QuakeCon after they announce it? Are we forgetting QuakeCon is a FPS shooter-fest? It's not the place for open-world sword-and-magic RPGs. If I recall correctly, more of Doom 4 is going to be revealed at QuakeCon. This is probably what Pete is talking about.

[Ashley Hill]

If we are all assuming the same thing, may I assume we assume alike, and logically, our conclusion is alike, and so we are all assuming that since Pete Hines likes things shown at QuakeCon more than E3 that they'll show ESV at QuakeCon after they announce it? Maybe.

[Mr.Broom30]

If we are all assuming the same thing, may I assume we assume alike, and logically, our conclusion is alike, and so we are all assuming that since Pete Hines likes things shown at QuakeCon more than E3 that they'll show ESV at QuakeCon after they announce it? Maybe.

:mellow:
No, not allowed.

[Nathan Hunter]

Why are we all assuming that since Pete Hines likes things shown at QuakeCon more than E3 that they'll show ESV at QuakeCon after they announce it? Are we forgetting QuakeCon is a FPS shooter-fest? It's not the place for open-world sword-and-magic RPGs. If I recall correctly, more of Doom 4 is going to be revealed at QuakeCon. This is probably what Pete is talking about.

Yeah, I said this in the last thread. I'm trying to stay optimistic too, but all is quiet on my front.

[butterfly]

Nope. It's either/or and in this case 6 months after their 5th extension. The 36 month thing exists if the Trademark office gets behind.

I disagree. Can you provide some proof?

In order to prove a game trademark is "in use" they simply have to market it. All that needs to be released is something like "SKYRIM: Coming XXXX" but this has to be released before July 1st.

Again, some proof? Historically, we have found no instance where a Statement of Use has been filed before a game is released. I would love to be proven wrong here, but this is damning against the argument that an announcement is a sufficient Use in Commerce.


EDIT: One more thing... This isn't about Zenimax losing their trademark, it's about them obtaining one. They are technically still in the application process.