[Darlene DIllow]

That's great to hear

I'll still post any interesting excerpts when I get it though.

Wow...that is great news...When will the magazine actually ship?

[Benjamin Holz]

Wohooo My copy came in! It's true, and it says DECRYPTING THE ELDER SCROLLS A LOOK BACK AT THE STORY LINE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROLE PLAYING JUGGERNAUT!!!



The Tale of the Elder Scrollsl began in recent years years for many fans, as they explored the massive nation of Cyrodill in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. However, that popular entry was only the latest chapter of a sprwaling epic that began way back in 1994. As we wait to see what will come next for the vaunted Elder Scrolls series, we decided to look back at both the in-game and out-of-game sories that have shaped these incredible role-playing experiences. We asked longtime bethesda developers to share their knowledge and memories.

[Natalie Harvey]

There's no way that article can just be random - can there? I don't know how mags work - do companies pay for slots like these? I mean, obviously reviewing and showcasing upcoming games makes sense for a games mag, but what would it have to gain from dredging up an old series if they didn't know something was going to make it relevant again?

[Edit] I mean, old series as in the last game is what, 5 years old? Just seems a bit weird to put it in if they didn't know something... (I hope!)

[Helen Quill]

Sounds like he's getting annoyed...

http://twitter.com/DCDeacon/status/11960832510398464

[Cassie Boyle]

Well my copy didn't come today but maybe since VeryEvilDudeofDarkness got his he'll be able to post some excerpts instead.

But yeah, I really doubt this is just a random article. Considering an announcement in December seems much much more likely now, the chances of it being at the VGAs are much better. I'm still hesitant to put much faith in the VGAs but I am a little more hopeful than I was.

[James Wilson]

There's no way that article can just be random - can there? I don't know how mags work - do companies pay for slots like these? I mean, obviously reviewing and showcasing upcoming games makes sense for a games mag, but what would it have to gain from dredging up an old series if they didn't know something was going to make it relevant again?

[Edit] I mean, old series as in the last game is what, 5 years old? Just seems a bit weird to put it in if they didn't know something... (I hope!)

Because off all the rumors lately, an article about TES would not be random but playing the hype.
A 4 page article about the entire series however is planned months ahead and strategically placed to anounce an upcoming event.

Even the most sceptical people here must admit that this is a hint you cannot ignore.

[Olga Xx]

Wohooo My copy came in! It's true, and it says DECRYPTING THE ELDER SCROLLS A LOOK BACK AT THE STORY LINE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROLE PLAYING JUGGERNAUT!!!

The Tale of the Elder Scrollsl began in recent years years for many fans, as they explored the massive nation of Cyrodill in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. However, that popular entry was only the latest chapter of a sprwaling epic that began way back in 1994. As we wait to see what will come next for the vaunted Elder Scrolls series, we decided to look back at both the in-game and out-of-game sories that have shaped these incredible role-playing experiences. We asked longtime bethesda developers to share their knowledge and memories.

"As we wait to see what will come next for the vaunted Elder Scrolls series..."

Yeah, that's not coincidental. February GI cover is TESV. Absolutely no doubt in my mind.

[W E I R D]

Yeah, it's obvious they're not writing an article about the Elder Scrolls just because they were feeling nostalgic. Like I said, the light at the end of the tunnel is dim, but at least we can see it.

[Kristina Campbell]

Ooh, are we doing the "its 100% certain that the cover is TESV" thing again?

Given the recent hype surrounding TES, I think there is a solid chance that this is just pandering to whats popular. These GI TESV rumors have been around since summer, its a smart move reinforcing them.

[Shelby Huffman]

"As we wait to see what will come next"

That line there, caught my eye. The next game hasn't even been hinted at by Bethesda. The conspiritator in me says this might have gave it away they know something, however the realist says it's just common acceptance that a next Elder Scrolls game has always been expected.

[Dominic Vaughan]

Ooh, are we doing the "its 100% certain that the cover is TESV" thing again?

Given the recent hype surrounding TES, I think there is a solid chance that this is just pandering to whats popular. These GI TESV rumors have been around since summer, its a smart move reinforcing them.

A very good point that should hopefully stave the winds of irrational hype.

[Ernesto Salinas]

Ooh, are we doing the "its 100% certain that the cover is TESV" thing again?

Given the recent hype surrounding TES, I think there is a solid chance that this is just pandering to whats popular. These GI TESV rumors have been around since summer, its a smart move reinforcing them.

I don't think we've ever said any cover was "100% certain." Even before the cover that turned out be Dragon Age 2 was revealed, plenty of people, including myself, said it was either Dragon Age 2 or TES V.

And I'm not sure they would write a seemingly random article just because of the biggest recent rumor from Eurogamer. They wouldn't have interviewed Bethesda developers for the article if they were doing something like that.

[JR Cash]

Apparently there's gonna be a game shown at the VGAs that won't come out until 2013. I really hope that isn't ESV. Or GTAV for that matter, I want that too.

[Chris Johnston]

Ooh, are we doing the "its 100% certain that the cover is TESV" thing again?

Given the recent hype surrounding TES, I think there is a solid chance that this is just pandering to whats popular. These GI TESV rumors have been around since summer, its a smart move reinforcing them.

If there's enough hype surrounding a series that hasn't had an installment in four years to convince them to write an exposé about it just to please the fans, then certainly there would be enough hype to justify the suggestion that http://twitter.com/#!/GI_AndyMc/status/2446334590189568 is specifically referencing TESV. I don't know, I mean, I see where you're coming from, but I'm a big fan of Occam's Razor, and the assertion that a TESV reveal is just around the corner is much more likely than the idea that an Elder Scrolls article dedicated to going in-depth about the series just happened to be published in the issue right before the one that is a very likely candidate for a TESV reveal, and its reasons for being published are simply fan service rather than something more substantial. Not to mention: why now? People have been crying for TESV for over a year now. Why would they pick this month, this issue to do an exposé?

If there was another article in the same issue reliving the history of another popular series that could be vying for the cover of the next one, then I would see where you were coming from, but they don't do series exposés very often - when they do, it's usually to catch fans up on it because a related announcement is right around the corner. That, plus all the other evidence that's been dug up over the past weeks and months, all points to a February TESV cover. I'm all for playing devil's advocate, but "a series of coincidences" just doesn't do it for me as an explanation for past events.

[Ross Zombie]

They wouldn't have interviewed Bethesda developers for the article if they were doing something like that.

I'm with you in that circumstances seem to be lining up and this article seems like more than a coincidence. That said, however, it's quite difficult for us to know what they would or would not do. Given McNamara's flare for bating ambiguity, it would not surprise me - disappoint me surely - but not surprise me.

[Eire Charlotta]

-January announcement on internet
-February GI cover
-March PAX east presentation
-E3 presentation
-Fall release

My thoughts exactly. Just in time for me to start University.
:facepalm:

[rae.x]

Just because you start university doesn't mean you'll have no free time. Hahaha, look at me, I play Elder Scrolls all the time and I'm in my sixth year of college!

[Samantha Mitchell]

I don't think we've ever said any cover was "100% certain." Even before the cover that turned out be Dragon Age 2 was revealed, plenty of people, including myself, said it was either Dragon Age 2 or TES V.

You, me, and all the rational (or doubtful/pessimistic/cynical) folks, yea. But we had plenty of people who were absolutely certain, and its getting started again now (especially due to the Eurogamer rumor). Is it a chance? Yep. I'd just hate to see 3 threads of "omg it wasnt tesv"

[Kortniie Dumont]

I'm with you in that circumstances seem to be lining up and this article seems like more than a coincidence. That said, however, it's quite difficult for us to know what they would or would not do. Given McNamara's flare for bating ambiguity, it would not surprise me - disappoint me surely - but not surprise me.

You, me, and all the rational (or doubtful/pessimistic/cynical) folks, yea. But we had plenty of people who were absolutely certain, and its getting started again now (especially due to the Eurogamer rumor). Is it a chance? Yep. I'd just hate to see threads of "omg it wasnt tesv"

Yeah I get your point

I'm usually one of the most skeptical people here, so I definitely see the need to not jump to conclusions about this.

[Jeffrey Lawson]

My thoughts exactly. Just in time for me to start University.
:facepalm:

Damn! Lucky you! University is the most free time you will ever have in your life. Enjoy it :celebration:

[Dean Ashcroft]

Yeah I get your point

I'm usually one of the most skeptical people here, so I definitely see the need to not jump to conclusions about this.

The only reason I'm seeing this as being more likely than all of the past ones is because it directly has to do with the Elder Scrolls. It's not just a "fantasy" cover people are waiting for. They're directly doing a article with interviews from developers of the Elder Scrolls. Now maybe I could see this as being something GI came up with because of all of the hype (from rumors and such), and they want readers, but it still seems like an odd time.

And I'm not even suggesting a February cover, I just think something is definitely coming up soon. And this might even be more of a reason to believe their next game is going to be and Elder Scrolls one, for all of those skeptics of that matter.

[Steven Hardman]

Damn! Lucky you! University is the most free time you will ever have in your life. Enjoy it :celebration:

What about retirement?

[James Shaw]

You, me, and all the rational (or doubtful/pessimistic/cynical) folks, yea. But we had plenty of people who were absolutely certain, and its getting started again now (especially due to the Eurogamer rumor). Is it a chance? Yep. I'd just hate to see 3 threads of "omg it wasnt tesv"

I get the need to be pessimistic, but there's a difference between pessimism and rationality. If you just want to protect yourself (and others) from disappointment, I understand where you're coming from, but there's never been so much evidence pointing toward one singular potential event. It may seem wrong to say, "It's absolutely going to happen," but in light of recent events, it seems equally incorrect to say, "There's no need to get your hopes up." I don't think there's anything to be gained by not getting excited when all evidence suggests there's never been a better time to be.

Let me just point this out: http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/12/07/lara-croft_3a00_-the-evolution.aspx, by Game Informer, in response to their own reveal of the latest Lara Croft reboot title. Game Informer does these kinds of articles often, but only in a few very specific circumstances: 1) when development on a series essentially ends, at least for the next few years; 2) when a new title in a series has been announced, either by them or another outlet; or 3) when a reveal is right around the corner. If none of these are true for the Elder Scrolls retrospective in the latest GI, then it is truly an anomaly in every sense of the word.

[Dark Mogul]

Okay, I just got back home and got a chance to look through the article(s).

Absolutely nothing regarding a sequel. No hints that I can see.

But it appears to give the events of "The Infernal City" novel cannon status. When it mentions the events of TESIII, it says that this (destroying lorkhan's heart) sets into motion events in the novel.

So it seems likely that TESV will have story elements started or effected by things that happened in the novel (since it would presumably take place after the novel). (guess I'll have to pick it up)


Again, though, to newcomers to the thread:

This is theory only! I believe that there is a very good chance of an announcement with the next cover, but we have been wrong in the past.

IF it is true though, I agree that after the cover a more comprehensive reveal at PAX is possible.

One more long month of waiting... an announcement would make a wonderful (late) x-mas gift!

[x_JeNnY_x]

If there's enough hype surrounding a series that hasn't had an installment in four years to convince them to write an exposé about it just to please the fans, then certainly there would be enough hype to justify the suggestion that http://twitter.com/#!/GI_AndyMc/status/2446334590189568 is specifically referencing TESV. I don't know, I mean, I see where you're coming from, but I'm a big fan of Occam's Razor, and the assertion that a TESV reveal is just around the corner is much more likely than the idea that an Elder Scrolls article dedicated to going in-depth about the series just happened to be published in the issue right before the one that is a very likely candidate for a TESV reveal, and its reasons for being published are simply fan service rather than something more substantial. Not to mention: why now? People have been crying for TESV for over a year now. Why would they pick this month, this issue to do an exposé?

If there was another article in the same issue reliving the history of another popular series that could be vying for the cover of the next one, then I would see where you were coming from, but they don't do series exposés very often - when they do, it's usually to catch fans up on it because a related announcement is right around the corner. That, plus all the other evidence that's been dug up over the past weeks and months, all points to a February TESV cover. I'm all for playing devil's advocate, but "a series of coincidences" just doesn't do it for me as an explanation for past events.

Wise words mister, beautifully explained.
I think you are right. I really hope February cover to be TESV, can someone imagine how amazing the cover would be?!