The Elder Scrolls 6 is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited games of the decade, almost always at the top of gamers’ must-have lists. It’s understandable, considering how many times Skyrim has been replayed and purchased. With so much time passing since the last entry in the series, this might be the perfect chance for Bethesda to try something new in game design for The Elder Scrolls 6, perhaps introducing a multiplayer feature.
Bethesda, known for its blockbuster single-player RPGs, isn’t unfamiliar with online gameplay. At a time when live-service games see plummeting player numbers, Bethesda remains strong with Fallout 76 now rounding season 20. Yes, Fallout 76 did experience controversies, but the company has learned a fair bit about multiplayer functions since then, potentially paving the way for effective online elements in their future games.
Exploring possibilities, it’s crucial for The Elder Scrolls 6 not to stray too far from its roots. The vast variety of activities that players can engage with at their own pace is a core appeal. Tossing two main characters together at a bandit camp doesn’t quite align with what fans love about the series.
There’s room to selectively weave in multiplayer features. FromSoftware’s Souls series showed us the benefits of light online interaction in solo experiences. Even Sekiro, inherently a single-player game, incorporates online features. Players sharing messages, seeing phantoms of others, and summoning buddies for a joint session have created a strong community around the Souls games, helping new players overcome daunting challenges.
However, what works for one game doesn’t necessarily work for all. In The Elder Scrolls, known for its serene, solitary environments, a barrage of online messages and hints might disrupt the immersive experience. Still, certain multiplayer elements, carefully chosen, might find their place.
PVP in Fallout 76 has received mixed feedback. While sniping from afar might fit the setting, it isn’t always enjoyable. The Elder Scrolls 6 could boost post-game replayability by incorporating PVP but confined within arena-like spaces, allowing players to exhibit their quirky tactics without tampering with the main game’s balance—something that has been pliable in Bethesda games.
For players less interested in combat, there’s a case for multiplayer elements. An expanded housing system could let players flaunt their personalized homes to friends. A summoning system akin to Dark Souls could let players co-op through dungeons. Alternatively, the game might allow players to opt for single-player or multiplayer during character creation, much like Elden Ring. Trading could also be considered.
It’s interesting to muse on these possibilities, but it’s key to note that half-baked multiplayer features might end up unused, squandering valuable development time. If resources go into crafting a multiplayer housing system akin to World of Warcraft’s player housing but fall flat in player interest, that effort could’ve enhanced other game aspects.
The mod Skyrim Together has challenged notions about multiplayer in Bethesda games. With nearly 900,000 downloads from Nexus Mods, it’s apparent there’s demand for robust multiplayer. Though the mod struggles with game mechanics like quest items and loot distribution, it remains optional and is more forgivable due to its nature as a mod.
Fallout 76 illustrates both the strengths and limits of the Creation Engine. Designed as an MMO-lite, it had to significantly rework the engine, leading to the absence of key features like NPCs and theft. While it diverted too far from what some fans consider an authentic Fallout experience, it offers a different flavor of the Fallout world.
Bethesda faces a delicate balancing act if they lean into multiplayer. Drawing lessons from Skyrim Together and Fallout 76 while watching market trends could keep their releases relevant and fresh, but there must be a careful approach to avoid diluting the game’s immersive quality.
Interestingly, Bethesda’s latest foray, Starfield, sticks closely to its single-player origins, despite launching after Fallout 76. This deliberate choice suggests multiplayer is for specific titles. Starfield, set across a vast galaxy, seemed ripe for a shared online world, but Bethesda opted to echo its single-player tradition.
The mixed reception of Starfield might actually bode well for change. If Bethesda considers player feedback in The Elder Scrolls 6’s development, we might see fresh innovations that could reinvigorate their storied worlds, adding interactive depth while staying true to the beloved formula.
