In a reflective dive into the archives of PC Gamer, the February 2012 “Armchair Designer” column titled “Ten things we want to see in Elder Scrolls 6” stands out as a particularly poignant piece. This was just three months after the launch of Skyrim, a time when the gaming community was blissfully unaware of the lengthy wait ahead for The Elder Scrolls VI, now projected for release in 2026—seven years after the dystopian setting of Blade Runner and just one year before the events of Deus Ex: Human Revolution.
Since then, Bethesda has ventured into new territories with titles like Fallout 4 and Starfield. While the squad tactics may not have resonated, the company has certainly experimented with innovative systems, such as the settlement building and management features in Fallout 4. Notably, a reader’s suggestion for “SPACE” could be interpreted as a nod to the Elder Scrolls universe, albeit set among the stars.
Among the aspirations for the next installment, a return to the malleability reminiscent of Morrowind would be a welcome addition, alongside more intricate stealth mechanics. Emil Pagliarulo, Bethesda’s design director, has a rich history in stealth gameplay from his time at Looking Glass Studios, and fans are eager to see how this expertise will evolve in future titles. However, the last 14 years have shown a reluctance to shift in these directions, with Fallout 4 and Starfield maintaining the familiar essential NPCs and stealth mechanics that players have come to love.
Exploring New Realms
One of the most intriguing concepts presented in the column was the potential exploration of Akavir. This idea could serve as a refreshing departure from the established lore, allowing for a narrative steeped in colonial themes reminiscent of Dune. A significant timeskip post-Skyrim could position players on the shores of a Thalmor or Imperial colonial project in Akavir, complete with diverse architectures, populations, and legal systems influenced by the ruling factions.
Imagine a scenario where actions considered crimes in Tamriel become permissible in Thalmor territories, or where access to native Ka Po’ Tun settlements is gated by faction reputation. The remnants of Imperial presence could create a dynamic backdrop, with the political landscape mirroring the conflicts between the Stormcloaks and Imperials, but now involving alliances with the East Empire Company, the Thalmor, or the native Akaviri factions like the Tsaesci and Tang Mo.
Ultimately, the vision for TES 6 could blend nostalgia for the classic races and factions with a bold narrative twist, reminiscent of the storytelling depth found in titles like Pillars of Eternity 2. This approach could invigorate a franchise that risks stagnation, offering players a rich tapestry of choices and consequences in a world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. As the anticipation builds, one can only dream of what lies ahead in the Elder Scrolls universe.
