Bethesda fans briefly panic as Todd retires – but not Todd Howard, so you can get back to calmly playing Oblivion Remastered: “They really shouldn’t have allowed two Todds to work there”

Todd Vaughn has stepped down from Bethesda Softworks, creating a momentary stir among fans worried about Todd Howard’s potential exit.

Vaughn dedicated over 26 years to the renowned company, ultimately ascending to the role of senior vice president of development, where he managed monumental titles like Skyrim, Fallout 4, Doom’s resurgence, and most recently, Oblivion Remastered. As per his LinkedIn profile, he appears to now co-own a brewery, which could make for a fascinating RPG simulation idea when you think about it.

After the announcement, certain Bethesda enthusiasts on Reddit experienced a slight freakout. “I skimmed this too quickly; I noticed ‘Bethesda,’ ‘Todd,’ and ‘retired,'” one user remarked. “You know that when Todd Howard steps down, he’ll still find a way to announce another Skyrim re-release.”

“They really shouldn’t have permitted two Todds to be employed there, it’s puzzling,” another commenter quipped. “There was space for only one Todd in this establishment,” a third admirer added.

Naturally, this news also triggered reflections on Todd Howard’s inevitable retirement once more. The director of Skyrim and Fallout hinted that the forthcoming Elder Scrolls 6 may be his last title: “I probably shouldn’t disclose this. But if I calculate things, I’m not getting younger. How long do players engage with Elder Scrolls? That [The Elder Scrolls 6] may be the final one I complete. I’m not sure.”

Nevertheless, that game is likely several years away from being launched. 2023’s Starfield was the studio’s most recent title, and the team appears to be continuously enhancing the sci-fi saga with “a multitude of thrilling developments planned for the game this year.”

19 years later, Todd Howard remains a hidden NPC in Oblivion Remastered, and he will call you a bastard if you irritate him

Kaan freelances for various sites including Rock Paper Shotgun, Eurogamer, and this one, Gamesradar. He has a particular preference for writing about eerie indie games, nostalgia-inducing RPGs, and anything that’s mildly absurd. He also possesses a degree in English Literature and Film Studies that he might soon forget.