The Elder Scrolls 6: Tempering Expectations
The much-anticipated sixth installment of The Elder Scrolls series remains a distant dream for fans. Announced in 2018 through a teaser trailer, the excitement surrounding the revelation of a new Elder Scrolls game quickly turned into impatience. This is not surprising, considering the simultaneous release of the first trailer for Starfield, a game that took five years to reach completion. Consequently, it is reasonable to deduce that The Elder Scrolls 6 will not be arriving any time soon.
Insights from a Veteran Developer
According to Game Rant, Bruce Nesmith, a former game designer at Bethesda with significant contributions to The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim, shared his perspective on the YouTube channel Kiwi Talkz. He expressed that achieving the expectations set for the sixth game would be “nearly impossible.”
Despite these concerns, Nesmith remains optimistic about the studio’s capabilities and believes that The Elder Scrolls 6 will undoubtedly be an exceptional game. Yet, he acknowledges that fans will inevitably compare it to its predecessors, increasing the challenge of meeting their high expectations.
Was The Elder Scrolls 6 Announced Prematurely?
The Pitfalls of Prolonged Anticipation
The excitement generated by early announcements can sometimes backfire. Nesmith highlights a valid concern regarding player expectations, especially since it will have been over a decade since the last single-player Elder Scrolls game. Skyrim is still hailed as one of the most influential RPGs, and the prolonged wait for its sequel has only intensified the anticipation to feverish levels.
Bethesda’s early announcement exacerbates the issue. Confirming that The Elder Scrolls 6 is in development has only fueled fans’ desire for the game. Extended development periods often give rise to rumors, building unrealistic expectations and setting the stage for possible disappointment. This pattern has been observed in other games with extended development cycles, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Bethesda’s own Starfield.
This Fantasy RPG Might Ease The Wait For The Elder Scrolls 6
While The Elder Scrolls 6 has the potential to be a great game, that might not be enough to satisfy the community’s lofty expectations. Waiting over a decade can elevate anticipation to unattainable heights. As Nesmith wisely advises, fans should manage their expectations for the upcoming role-playing game. After all, it is better to be pleasantly surprised than to be overwhelmed by hype and end up disappointed.
Source: Game Rant, Kiwi Talkz/YouTube
