Why Bethesda’s Latest Hire Is a Signal of Things to Come for Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5

Braheim Gibbs
Aug 27
2 min read

John Dombrow has written for Dragon Age, Ghost of Yotei and Mass Effect

By Braheim Gibbs | Amerime Media

Bethesda Brings in a BioWare Storyteller—And That’s Actually a Smart Move

Bethesda just made a move that's more than just corporate HR—it's a statement. They've hired John Dombrow, a seasoned BioWare writer who brings a portfolio that spans fan-favorite narratives in Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3, and the haunting depths of BioShock Infinite. This could be a subtle beacon of change for two of Bethesda’s biggest upcoming RPGs: The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5.

Background: Why This Matters Now

BECAUSE let's not sugarcoat it—fans are anxious. The Elder Scrolls VI has been a rumor-wait for nearly seven years, and if you thought Fallout 5 was further away, you're not wrong. The pace of announcements has made the silence feel even heavier.

Enter John Dombrow, now tagged as Senior Quest Designer at Bethesda. Whether he’s scripting lines or shaping mission trees—or both—his arrival suggests that these IPs are being infused with serious RPG DNA. Yes, BioWare has had missteps (Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Andromeda, Anthem), but Dombrow’s credited work includes crafting several standout character arcs. That’s not nothing.GAMINGbible+3Share Google+3Share Google+3 ComicBook.com

Fallout 5 & Elder Scrolls VI: A Gradual Revival, Not a Flash Fire

Let’s layer in broader context:

The Elder Scrolls VI is slowly climbing out of pre-production. We’re looking at a possible release in 2026 or later, according to recent data. It’s being built on the upgraded Creation Engine 2, designed with mod support, and will likely span the long haul like Skyrim did.PC Gamer+1
Fallout 5 is officially greenlit, though still very early in development—and it’s only after Elder Scrolls VI ships. So yeah, we’re talking years before we’ll see it up close.PC Gamer+8Polygon+8GAMINGbible+8

This hire suggests Bethesda isn’t stalling. They’re investing in narrative quality early. Dombrow’s RPG chops likely earmark him for both projects, which is a welcome sign for fans who've been starving for story depth.

Why This Could Be the Reset Bethesda Needs

Sure, hiring a BioWare writer doesn’t guarantee brilliance. But:

Dombrow wasn't on the guillotine for Dragon Age: The Veilguard. He was behind solid moments—like Davrin, one of the best characters in the game.ComicBook.com +1
He’s worked on Mass Effect 2/3 and BioShock Infinite, both lauded for their narrative execution. This gives him cred—something Bethesda hasn't flexed in years.
As who’s coming onboard, this says “we care”—about quests, emotional beats, and characters who stick with you.

Final Slash: What Should You Read Into This?

Bethesda isn't just kicking the story crafting can down the road. They're aiming to reinvent how these worlds feel. Dombrow’s hiring isn’t a headline—it’s a strategic signal that the next chapters of Tamriel and the Wasteland might finally be built on storytelling that lives up to expectations.

It’s too early to swap hype for hope—but for the first time in a while, the future of Bethesda’s epic RPGs looks like it's not just going to roll out—it might actually sing.