Skyrim’s lead highlights Fallout’s uniqueness as a TV show, questioning the marketing need for Elder Scrolls 6.

The Fallout TV series has captivated fans with its post-apocalyptic mayhem and drawn in newcomers to the universe created by Bethesda Game Studios. But how would a similar adaptation of The Elder Scrolls fare on screen?

Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda, has hinted that an Elder Scrolls series could be a possibility, but not everyone is convinced it should happen. Bruce Nesmith, a former lead on Skyrim and a long-time studio veteran, expressed his skepticism in a recent interview when asked about the potential for an Elder Scrolls show following Fallout’s success.

“What you have to realize about things like the Fallout TV show is that they don’t make Bethesda money directly,” he stated. “I would be shocked if Bethesda is making any significant profit from it, especially when they’re raking in billions from Skyrim. The revenue from licensing the IP for a TV show is just a drop in the bucket.” However, he acknowledges that direct revenue isn’t the only consideration. “What it does get you is attention. What it gets you is notoriety. It’s marketing.” Yet, he questions whether The Elder Scrolls series really needs that kind of exposure, especially with The Elder Scrolls 6 on the horizon. “Do they really need marketing for Elder Scrolls 6?” he mused.

Nesmith also pointed out that the unique qualities of Fallout make it more suitable for adaptation. “There’s something very special and different about Fallout that lends itself to becoming a TV or movie experience, whereas The Elder Scrolls is more of a standard fantasy,” he explained. “That’s not as compelling, especially with existing franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones already out there. You’d need to find a unique angle to make it stand out.”

He elaborated, “With Fallout, everything is distinctive. There’s nothing else like the Fallout universe in gaming. That uniqueness makes it easier to create a TV show that attracts viewers, unlike a fantasy world filled with elves and spellcasters. You’d have to elevate the stakes. A dragon? I’ve seen dragons countless times before. What new experience are you offering the audience?”

While I can see his point as both a fantasy enthusiast and an Elder Scrolls fan, I still believe there’s potential for a successful adaptation. Nesmith himself suggested exploring other formats. “Different media have different needs, and I’m not sure The Elder Scrolls would fit well in that format,” he said. “Maybe a movie could work, but I’d struggle to envision a TV show.” Still, he believes it would primarily serve promotional purposes.

I’m torn on this: while the Fallout series is undeniably “unique,” as Nesmith points out, The Elder Scrolls has its own charm and distinctive elements. Just look at Morrowind and its quirky humor.

In a twist, a lead from Baldur’s Gate 3 and Divinity disagrees with Nesmith, claiming that Morrowind with a modern combat system “would sell like hot cakes.”