One of the most eagerly awaited games of this decade is undoubtedly The Elder Scrolls 6. With the excitement surrounding this release, it’s clear that fans are clamoring for a fresh adventure, especially since there’s only so many times one can dive back into Skyrim. Having been some time since the last installment, Bethesda has a prime opportunity to introduce new game design concepts with The Elder Scrolls 6. Could multiplayer be one of them?
Bethesda has long been synonymous with sprawling single-player RPGs, yet they aren’t new to the online scene. As live service games grapple with player retention, Bethesda has just rolled into season 20 of Fallout 76. Despite the initial controversies surrounding its launch, Fallout 76 has found its footing, teaching the studio valuable lessons about integrating multiplayer dynamics.
When considering how to innovate, Bethesda doesn’t need to overhaul the entire formula that fans adore. The series is beloved for its vast array of activities that players can tackle at their own pace. Imagine two main characters crossing paths in a bandit camp—that’s not quite what The Elder Scrolls is known for.
However, selectively incorporating multiplayer elements could strike a balance, much like FromSoftware did with the Souls series. By introducing online components such as player messages, phantoms, and co-op assistance, they’ve fostered a thriving community within solo experiences. This sense of jolly cooperation helps newcomers navigate challenging segments.
Yet, not every game suits this approach. In The Elder Scrolls’ serene landscapes, cluttering beautiful vistas with messages and marks, as seen in Souls games, might seem out of place. Still, certain multiplayer aspects could indeed fit well.
PvP, for instance, provides a mixed bag in the Fallout 76 community. While long-distance sniping fits the technology, it doesn’t always bring fun. Elder Scrolls 6 could boost its replay value by offering PvP in controlled arena settings. With lore to back it up, it could allow players to showcase their quirky builds and strategies without impacting the main game balance. Limiting PvP to arenas would also curtail the classic but overused Skyrim stealth archer tactic.
For players less inclined towards combat, the prospect of multiplayer could still appeal. If house customization sees a revamp, wouldn’t it be neat to invite friends to your decorated abode? Borrowing Dark Souls’ summon system, players could conjure friends into their world to tackle dungeons together. Alternatively, players could choose between single-player and multiplayer modes from the get-go, much like Elden Ring’s co-op design, even opening possibilities for item trading.
Nonetheless, the success of these concepts hinges on their thoughtful implementation. If Bethesda introduces multiplayer elements haphazardly, they might not see much use. Development resources are precious, and it’s crucial that every feature has a meaningful role. If time-consuming features like MMO-style player housing see little engagement, that would be a missed opportunity to enhance other aspects of the game.
Consider the mod Skyrim Together, which challenges preconceived notions that Bethesda RPGs must remain solo experiences. With around 900,000 downloads on Nexus Mods, there’s clearly a desire for multiplayer functionality, even if it doesn’t seamlessly integrate with the game’s original design.
Similarly, Fallout 76 reflects the potential and challenges of the Creation Engine in a multiplayer setting. As an MMO-lite, it required major modifications, leaving out aspects like NPC interactions, which many fans sorely missed. It highlights the importance of choosing which multiplayer elements add value without sacrificing the series’ core identity.
The launch of Starfield serves as a recent gauge of Bethesda’s development focus, echoing Skyrim’s format with a stark absence of multiplayer features. It wasn’t due to a lack of possibilities but rather a deliberate choice. Despite Starfield’s potential for multiplayer within its vast galaxy, Bethesda prioritized maintaining the essence of a solitary, immersive experience.
In light of Starfield’s lukewarm reception, Bethesda might consider tweaking its approach for The Elder Scrolls 6. Players hoping for fresh experiences might just get their wish as the studio reflects on the feedback and contemplates blending new ideas with its iconic formula. With a constantly evolving gaming landscape, there’s room for Bethesda to redefine interactivity and keep its franchises fresh ahead of another long wait.
