Their games have become progressively simpler and gameplay thinner since Morrowind. So, serious question, do you think they will ever turn this around, or do you think they are likely to become regarded merely for attractiveness of environment, but nothing else? Personally, the only reason I find to play Skyrim is to explore the nice looking environment. For all gameplay draw, which are more powerful, I go elsewhere for more gratifying instances of everything.

Age old argument, and heavy beating of a now liquefied horse.

Personal opinions abound. Some say things are good, some say things are bad. Some like some of the changes but dislike others. The games are what they are and will only be what Bethesda wants them to be.

The end.

Correction: their games have become progressively simpler since Daggerfall. It was with Morrowind that Bethesda began the trend of "simplification." In fact, one can argue that the most simplified game in the Elder Scrolls series, relative to its predecessor, was Morrowind.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? It is all a matter of personal opinion. Myself, I like many of the changes Bethesda has made since Daggerfall. Some I do not. But overall, Skyrim is my favorite game in the series.

Yes I think they hit rock bottom with Skyrim and from now on they can only add layers of necessary complexity.

This is my true hope. I'm unsure of the confidence level I have in them, though.

Nice opinion. The end.

I agree with Delicieuxz. Some features were axed instead of being just improved or fixed. Attributes, skills, faction and npc disposition. Spellmaking, hmm... I hope that returns in the next game once the "shout" system is no longer needed. Acrobatics was also an unfortunate cut in my view, now everybody's an average athlete which killed my favorite playstyle, the Acrobat assassin.

Agreed. At least we knew what to expect with Oblivion and Skyrim thanks to Morrowind, while the step between Daggerfall and Morrowind was huge.

And Skyrim is my favorite of these 3 "new" games in the series, better than both Morrowind and Oblivion. It's not without flaws though, but meh.

IMO, we'll find out with FO4.

Oblivion was simpler than Morrowind, but was still good quality imo. Skyrim wasn't. But one bad game isn't enough to mark the end of a company, it needs to be a pattern. So let's wait and see what FO4 brings.

They must adapt their games to the new gamers. Most of them have one neuron only and don't even know how to use it.