The biggest problem of today games is the convergence of genres. In order to reach the widest audience possible, developers are sometimes simplifying too much the in-game mechanics while neutering down certain features that appeal only to a portion of the audience.

The result is that games are less diverse and more homogeneous than in the past. If games didn't cost an arm and a leg to develop (sometimes in really useless features, such as voice acting), the publishers would be more willing to risk investing in games that cater to a single genre rather than chasing the widest possible audience at the cost of making a jack of all trades and master of none.

The answer to that is that there are still smaller independent developers making games for niche markets if you're prepared to sacrifice some of the flash.

I know, but I'm also worried about the franchises I like, such as TES, because they're constantly at the risk of heading in that direction (in certain aspects, TES already did) or disappear completely.

I am so in favor of this. Why force the same UI on all players, anyway?

Props for the dedication.

I think that TES has reached the level it needs to stay at. Any loftier goals would come at a disproportionately increased budget and the series has accumulated enough momentum to live off of the cultural effects it created (admit it, you stare awkwardly at anyone who doesn't get the "Arrow to the knee" reference ). People will be attracted to the series simply by the good word put in by someone they know or by curiosity of "What is this whole TES deal that everyone's fussing about?".

So all Beth has to do is focus on delivering the best game they can, as they did in the past, and the series will live its 5-year cycle quite successfully.

I genuinely feel this next installment will make or break Bethesdas' RPG reputation. They've proven they can develop a bueatiful enviorment, now can they bring the player character 'to life'?

BECUASE, if they can't or, (in attempt to cater to the younger crowd), won't. I will start looking else-where to get my 'fantasy' fix.

Some that feel as I do, might jump on the next TES game when it comes out, (as I probibly will), but I'll wager there are a lot of people, not as OCD as me, that will wait for the critiques before they buy.

Uh, no, it's the other way around. People stare at me awkwardly when I make references to video games. The joy of having non-gamer friends...

How do you suggest they do this? The protagonist is one thing I've never had a problem with in their games. I'm more concerned about bringing NPCs to life.

Well, you'll have to read up on my comments in the othe threads, (I type on a PS3 controller so sorry, I don't feel like recaping), but if you must ask, then you have, potentially, a lot of supprises in the years to come.

BELIEVE YOU ME, if Bethesda doesn't get it, at least better, next time around, someone else will. Probibly EA, to venture a guess.

IT would be a sad thing, cause Bethesda is very close and the market is dying for a true electronic RPG.

You know, not very many companies get in a position like Bethesda has right now to really corner a market, I hope they make the right decisions shortly.

PS, Just as a little fodder, True RPG fans tend to get obsessive, (politely), and roleplaying becomes more than just an average hobbie. I SAID THAT TO SAY. I really steller RPG, I mean with the best of 'all',(positive attributes), you've ever played,(including being indefinately expansive **this is paramount**), fans would do nothing, or almost nothing else with they're free time.

PEOPLE on the fringe would: lose jobs, get divorced, alienate their kids, not that, that part is good, but you know you got it right when you start hearing about TES anonymous. lol just saying

I see new people joining the TES community as a good thing. At one point, we were all new to TES, so we should help out those who just got into TES.

If Bethesda keeps this pattern up, 2017 is when we get Elder Scrolls 6. Most likely Valenwood. Runner up is Black Marsh. Third palce tie goes to Summerset and Elsewyr. So... yes I expect it to expand. Even with the "bizarre" provinces that are made up of mostly non-humans.

I've been here since 2002 when this was a tiny little community. I have never seen this place stop growing. It's only going to get bigger as Bethesda gets better at publishing games.

I'm about as new as can be, but I've been a fan of Bethesda's games for... wow, years? I've only just started posting here regularly ;> Don't worry, I generally try to be an excellent human being to my fellow forumites :V <3

I, for one though, am happy to see TES getting more and more fans! I think it's rather exciting-- not a lot of people heard of Oblivion when it first came out, less so with Morrowind. So being able to get more people interested is always a good thing. Besides, it'll probably push Bethesda to improving the quality of their games and to give a little bit of something to every fan, new and old ? Bethesda has the rep for making gorgeous, fleshed out worlds, and I doubt they'll disappoint any time soon (I'm just really excited for Fallout 4 and the next TES haw haw).

And hey! The TES community has always been a rather quality one :3 So I am not against bringing in more quality fellows into this franchise that I love. Sure, Bethesda has room to improve, and we've all heard the gripes and complaints, but you have to admit, they make some pretty stellar games. I'm rather proud of how much they've improved over this particular series, more so with their new releases :3

I'm what you could consider to be a "new" fan to TES. When I first got Skyrim for Christmas last year, I played it like I HAD to do everything in the game in one playthrough, and I didn't RP at all. By now I've seen that Skyrim is basically a hardcoe RPG with some casual influences creeping in. I haven't played any earlier TES games, but that will change, I'm ordering Morrowind here shortly, and It. Will. Be. GLORIOUS!

Awesome! Have fun in Vvardenfell, and if you have any questions the Morrowind community will be happy to help

Not implying anything, just curious but have you read up on Morrowind? (i.e. UESP, Lets Plays, etc.)

Just wondering