The anticipation surrounding a potential remake of Oblivion raises intriguing questions about the future of The Elder Scrolls 6 and the creative direction Bethesda might take with the beloved franchise. With the imminent 15-year anniversary of Skyrim this November, fans are eager for new developments, but uncertainty looms. Will the upcoming title streamline gameplay toward casual accessibility, or will it delve deeper into rich role-playing mechanics reminiscent of earlier titles? The answers remain elusive as Bethesda has primarily focused on first-person shooter (FPS) games in the past decade, including Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and Starfield.
The setting of The Elder Scrolls 6 will significantly influence gameplay experience, and indications suggest that the vibrant deserts and jungles of Hammerfell are likely contenders. Hammerfell presents a unique opportunity with its inspirations drawn from the Middle East and North Africa. In contrast, regions like Black Marsh and Valenwood may feel overly exotic to the general gaming audience. However, opting for a ‘safe’ option may not be advantageous; players appear more willing to embrace unconventional themes, making it an ideal moment for Bethesda to explore the intricacies of Elder Scrolls lore.
Embracing the Unusual: The Path Forward for Elder Scrolls 6
Uniqueness in a Crowded Fantasy RPG Market
A significant critique of Starfield is its perceived blandness, especially when juxtaposed with the vivid worlds of the Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises. If Bethesda opts to make Elder Scrolls 6 feel more generic in hopes of attracting a broader audience, it risks undermining the distinctive richness of its lore. The unique narrative threads within The Elder Scrolls universe could be leveraged to separate the new installment from the monotony observed in recent offerings.
The bizarre and unique elements of Elder Scrolls lore are assets that Bethesda should not shy away from in ES6. Opting for originality can shield the game from criticisms similar to those leveled against Starfield, which many have deemed uninspired.
Rediscovering the Unconventional Aspects of Elder Scrolls Lore
The Wood Elves’ Cannibalistic Roots and the Legend of Flying Whales
While Morrowind showcases a truly alien aesthetic, Skyrim adopts a safer Nordic theme, emerging prominently at the game’s release. Yet, even within Skyrim’s setting, there exist obscure elements that many players may overlook—often highlighted through fan-created mods. One example includes the elusive Snow Whales, whose depictions can be found in ancient ruins but were excluded from the game, perhaps deemed too unconventional for its audience.
Additionally, there’s a fascinating absence of lore regarding Bosmer (wood elves) and Khajiit in Skyrim. For instance, the devout Bosmer adhere to the Green Pact, forbidding them from harming plant life. Yet, within the game, we see Faendal—a wood elf—engaging in logging activities. A mod called Auri, boasting over 4.5 million downloads, exemplifies how an accurate representation of the Bosmer’s unique traits should be depicted in Elder Scrolls.
Moreover, Khajiit morphology varies drastically, yet Skyrim primarily features a single type and overlooks the diverse forms that arise based on the lunar phases at their birth. A mod named Project ja-Kha’jay, with nearly 1.5 million downloads, showcases the rich variety of Khajiit and has also been explored in Elder Scrolls Online.
A Shift Towards Embracing Niche Gaming Experiences
Evidence from Recent Titles: Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring
Currently, players exhibit a growing appreciation for unconventional themes in their gaming experiences. Baldur’s Gate 3 and Elden Ring, which have both claimed the Game of the Year award within the past four years, exemplify this trend, showcasing elements of eccentricity. Notably, BG3 introduces unusual adversaries like brain-eating squid creatures, while Elden Ring features characters such as the jar people from Jarburg and a talking turtle pope.
The success of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also underscores this trend, achieving sales five times higher than its predecessor within its first month, suggesting a robust market for niche storytelling.
These unique elements are what enable these titles to distinguish themselves, and The Elder Scrolls has thrived before, particularly with its immersive expansions like Shivering Isles. Even in Skyrim, unique storytelling has contributed to its success, notably highlighted in the Apocrypha segment of the Dragonborn expansion. For Elder Scrolls 6 to resonate with players and leave a lasting impact, it must avoid becoming too generic and instead showcase its surreal aesthetics and storytelling prowess.
As Bethesda looks towards the future, connectivity with the modding community can offer valuable insights into player preferences. Popular mods like Auri, which accurately reflects the intricate lore of Elder Scrolls, highlight a demand for depth and authenticity. By embracing its unique lore, Bethesda can rejuvenate interest in The Elder Scrolls 6 and re-establish the franchise as a frontrunner in the gaming landscape.
References: Song of the Green (Auri Follower) on Nexus Mods, Project ja-Kha’jay on Nexus Mods