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Bethesda Exec Demands More Shadowdrops: 'Own the Internet'

Bethesda Exec Demands More Shadowdrops: 'Own the Internet'
Bethesda executive Tom Mustaine discusses shadowdrop game release strategy

A prominent Bethesda Game Studios director is openly advocating for a industry-wide shift towards more "shadowdrop" game releases, a strategy where titles are announced and launched simultaneously. Tom Mustaine, a director at the renowned studio, argues this approach is perfectly suited for today's gaming audience, whose attention spans are increasingly short. This powerful endorsement comes after Bethesda itself saw significant success with the surprise launch of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered earlier this year, echoing a sentiment long held by Bethesda boss Todd Howard.

Why Surprise Releases Are The Future

Speaking to GamesRadar on November 24, 2025, Mustaine articulated a clear vision for how developers can capture immediate player interest. "We all have short attention spans now," he remarked, drawing a parallel to the fervent anticipation for high-profile titles. "There's Grand Theft Auto, for example. I want that today, right?" This immediate gratification, Mustaine believes, is a powerful driver. He lauded the success of Bethesda's own shadowdrop instances, including Hi-Fi Rush and the well-received Oblivion Remastered. Mustaine expressed a personal enthusiasm for the tactic, stating, "I think it was great to own the internet for that day and, you know, give people exactly what they want the moment we talk about it." He concluded by hoping this trend continues, urging other studios to adopt the strategy.

Todd Howard's Long-Standing Vision

The shadowdrop philosophy is reportedly a favorite of Bethesda’s esteemed director, Todd Howard. Mustaine confirmed Howard's support for the strategy, which aligns with previous statements. Earlier in 2025, Howard told GQ that he prefers to "just announce stuff and release it." This preference has fueled speculation that the long-rumored Fallout 3 remaster, which a 2023 leak indicated was in development and a recent report confirmed is still "in the works," could also arrive as a surprise launch. Howard even mused about his ideal release for highly anticipated projects like The Elder Scrolls 6, stating, "My perfect version—and I'm not saying this is going to happen—is that it's going to be a while and then, one day, the game will just appear." While Oblivion Remastered achieved its same-day announcement and release, its existence had been hinted at by leaks years prior, making it a "technical" shadowdrop rather than a complete shock.

Bethesda's Immediate Horizon: Fallout 76 Update

While the industry ponders the future of game launches, Bethesda has concrete plans on the immediate horizon. The "Burning Springs" update for Fallout 76 is slated for release on December 2, 2025. This significant update will introduce Walton Goggins' character, The Ghoul, from the critically acclaimed Prime Video TV series. Fans of the franchise can also look forward to the second season of the Fallout TV series, which premieres shortly after, on December 17, 2025.