As many gamers await updates aboutThe Elder Scrolls 6, the highly anticipated RPG from Bethesda remains in the shadows. After the success ofSkyrim, its follow-up has been one of the most awaited projects in recent years. There isn’t much known aboutThe Elder Scrolls 6, and plenty has changed in the industry sinceSkyrim’s release. This raises many questions about how this will influence Bethesda, if at all.
The RPG genre has experienced a series of changes since it first became a gaming staple, but last year’sBaldur’s Gate 3offered a compelling throwback in one specific way.Larian Studios' hit title embraced itsDungeons & Dragonsrootsby including complex character stats within its gameplay. Because of its success, it wouldn’t be surprising to see future RPGs follow suit. However, according to an ex Bethesda dev,The Elder Scrolls 6likely won’t take part in such a feature. Despite the game possibly foregoing in-depth character sheets, Bethesda can still take plenty of inspiration fromBaldur’s Gate 3’s strong character development and story.
Former Bethesda Dev Hints at The Elder Scrolls 6 Keeping Things Simple
Offering a More Approachable RPG Experience
Bethesda once embraced more traditional RPG mechanics, but according to former lead designer Bruce Nesmith,Skyrimsought to streamline the experience in many ways. to set itself apart from its predecessors inThe Elder Scrollsfranchise, Bethesda adopted a new approach that allowedSkyrimto focus more on systems reactivity. In a recent interview with VideoGamer, he stated,“I think that throughSkyrim, Bethesda has wanted to have the game get out of its own way.“Expectations forThe Elder Scrolls 6are already high, andBaldur’s Gate 3has likely brought those hopes to even greater heights. A less-detailed approach to character building may be disappointing to some who prefer the rigidity of these systems, but what’s most important is the story and characters.
The Elder Scrolls 6was announced in 2018. Since then, there have been very few updates from Bethesda.
A Compelling Narrative Paired With Strong Arcs is Key
Many players loved the intricacies ofBaldur’s Gate 3, but the game’s depth shined more through the overall story and character development than the actual character screens. Whilerumors aboutThe Elder Scrolls 6continue, one of the biggest questions revolves around whereSkyrim’s story will take place. One prevailing theory is that the game will take place in Hammerfell, but that has yet to be officially confirmed. A well-crafted story and fascinating characters are the backbone of many RPGs, andBaldur’s Gate 3is a strong demonstration of how this is done. So, even though Nesmith expects Bethesda to keep its stats simple, the developer could benefit from looking to Larian Studios for character and story guidance.
Bethesda Learning From Both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Itself
There were a lot of factors that madeSkyrima success, with one of the main aspects being its offering of quests that help immerse players. However, when it comes toSkyrim, the narrative and characters have been met with a mixed reception from many. Afterthe divisive nature ofStarfield, Bethesda now has the task of making sureThe Elder Scrolls 6is a worthy new chapter to such a beloved RPG series.
One of the more effective methods to getThe Elder Scrolls 6to potentially meet expectations is by making its characters and story more engaging.StarfieldandBaldur’s Gate 3launched a month apart from each other, and the latter clearly did a better job at winning over audiences.The Elder Scrolls 6doesn’t need to adhere to strict RPG traditions like detailed character sheets, but it does need to put a greater focus on how characters act and grow within its world.
