An Iconic Bethesda Series Hasn’t Skipped a Console Generation Until Now

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Bethesda Softworks boasts an impressive collection of popular franchises such as Fallout and The Elders Scrolls, even though we’re still eagerly awaiting the next installment in The Elder Scrolls series. Most of Bethesda’s major titles have offerings for the current console generation. However, one significant title is conspicuously absent from the list: Wolfenstein. If a new game doesn’t surface before the upcoming Xbox and PlayStation consoles launch, it would mark a first for this franchise.

The game known as “Wolfenstein” has a long history in the gaming world, tracing its roots back to the 1981 release of “Castle Wolfenstein” on Apple and Atari systems. This was before Bethesda took ownership of the franchise, but it marked the beginning of numerous new “Wolfenstein” games for various consoles, starting with “Return to Castle Wolfenstein” in the PS2/Xbox era. However, it appears that the series will not be present during the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S generation.

A Wolfenstein For Every Console Generation

Over the past few years, the Wolfenstein series, which is set in an alternative World War II history, has been exceptionally popular. It has received positive feedback from fans and generated substantial profits for the studios. Starting from “Return to Castle Wolfenstein” in 2001, a new installment of this game has been released with each modern console generation, up until now.

During the PS3/Xbox 360 period, we witnessed the rejuvenation of the renowned Wolfenstein series in 2009, along with its subsequent sequel. This marked the beginning of Bethesda’s involvement in releasing numerous installments within the series throughout the PS4/Xbox One era. Throughout this console generation, players experienced games such as Wolfenstein: The New Order, which was a loose adaptation of Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Wolfenstein: The Old Blood, and Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus.

Concluding the previous era of gaming consoles, we find our final two installments in the Wolfenstein series so far – namely, Wolfenstein: Youngblood and the VR title, Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot. Since that time, no new game within the franchise has been unveiled or launched.

A Current Gen Wolfenstein Game Looks Unlikely

It’s been since 2019’s “Wolfenstein: Youngblood” that a new installment in this series has emerged. Consequently, it seems that for possibly the first time in its history, which dates back to early Atari games and beyond, there might not be a fresh game in the franchise this time around.

It’s worth noting that neither the PS5 nor Xbox Series X|S has a specific expiration date just now, but considering past trends, they might be nearing the end of their lifecycle within the next few years. For instance, the PS4 was launched in 2013, with its successor arriving around seven years later. Similarly, the PS3 had a lifespan of approximately seven years. Based on this pattern, it seems plausible that Sony and Microsoft may unveil their upcoming consoles within the next couple of years.

If whispers are true and the next Wolfenstein game has been in quiet development, there’s a chance we could play it before the lifespan of the PS5/Xbox Series X|S consoles comes to an end. However, it seems that Wolfenstein may skip the current console generation for the first time since its debut, marking the possible end of its presence in this era.

It’s possible that news about a new Wolfenstein project may emerge soon, given Amazon Prime’s announcement earlier this year of a TV adaptation for the game series. This could potentially rekindle excitement around the games, as Bethesda likely anticipated when they decided to license their IP. The success of their Fallout TV show in boosting sales for the Fallout game franchise underscores this point. If a new game were to be announced concurrently with the TV series release, it would be strategically advantageous. However, since the Wolfenstein adaptation is still in its initial stages, we don’t have an exact timeline yet for when the news might break.

There’s been talk about a possible update to the previously delisted 2009 version of “Wolfenstein” on Steam, sparking anticipation among fans who are hoping for a modern remake or remaster of this classic game. However, no official announcement has been made yet. A remake wouldn’t necessarily be a brand new title, but it would certainly provide Wolfenstein enthusiasts with something to engage with during the current gaming console period.

At present, there are no indications of any revamped versions, new additions, or continuations of the Wolfenstein series. Should there be no announcements in the near future, it seems that this console generation might not offer any Wolfenstein games for enthusiasts to play.

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2025-08-27 00:41