Examine individual changes

'{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2017}} {{Infobox video game series | title = The Elder Scrolls | image = The Elder Scrolls.svg | caption = | developer = {{Unbulleted list|'''Primary'''|[[Bethesda Softworks]] {{small|(1994–1998)}}|[[Bethesda Game Studios]] {{small|(2002–present)}}|'''Other'''|[[Vir2L Studios]] {{small|(2003–2004)}}|[[TKO Software]] {{small|(2004)}}|[[ZeniMax Online Studios]] {{small|(2014)}}|Dire Wolf Digital {{small|(2017)}}}} | publisher = {{Unbulleted list|'''Primary'''|[[Bethesda Softworks]] {{small|(1994–present)}}|'''Other'''|[[Vir2L Studios]] {{small|(2003–2004)}}|[[Nokia]] {{small|(2004)}}|[[Nintendo]] of America {{small|(2017)}}}} | first release version = ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Arena]]'' | first release date = March 25, 1994 | latest release version = ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Legends]]'' | latest release date = March 9, 2017 |platform of origin = [[MS-DOS]] |year of inception = 1994 | genre = [[Action role-playing game|Action role-playing]] | platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]], [[Xbox 360]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]], [[J2ME]], [[Xbox One]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[macOS]], [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]] }} '''''The Elder Scrolls''''' is a series of [[Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[open world]] [[fantasy]] video games primarily developed by [[Bethesda Game Studios]] and published by [[Bethesda Softworks]]. The series is known for its elaborate and richly detailed open worlds and its focus on [[Nonlinear gameplay|free-form gameplay]]. ''[[The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind|Morrowind]]'', ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion|Oblivion]]'' and ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim|Skyrim]]'' all won [[Game of the Year]] awards from multiple outlets. The series has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide.<ref name="sales"> * ''[[The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind]]'' - 4 million sold ({{cite web | url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_081705.htm | title=Lynda Carter Joins the Voice Cast of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | accessdate=2006-11-26 | date=2005-08-17 | publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710090443/http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_081705.htm | archivedate=2010-07-10 }}) * ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]'' - 9.5&nbsp;million sold {{cite web |last1=Kollar |first1=Philip |title=Fallout 4 could be a bigger hit than Skyrim |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/10/9673936/elder-scrolls-bigger-than-fallout-sales-data-report |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |accessdate=November 13, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113201845/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/10/9673936/elder-scrolls-bigger-than-fallout-sales-data-report |archivedate=November 13, 2015 |date=November 10, 2015}} * ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]'' - 30 million sold {{cite web|url=http://www.glixel.com/interviews/skyrim-creator-todd-howard-talks-switch-vr-and-elder-scrolls-wait-w451761|title='Skyrim' Creator Todd Howard Talks Switch, VR and Elder Scrolls Wait|publisher=}} * ''[[The Elder Scrolls Online]]'' - 8.5&nbsp;million sold {{cite news|url=http://massivelyop.com/2017/02/13/elder-scrolls-online-now-boasts-8-5m-players/|title=Elder Scrolls Online now boasts 8.5M players|publisher=Massively Overpowered|last=Royce|first=Brianna|date=February 13, 2017|accessdate=June 25, 2017}}</ref> Within the fictional ''The Elder Scrolls'' [[Fictional universe|universe]], each game takes place on the continent of Tamriel. The setting is a mix of early or pre-medieval real-world elements, often revolving around a powerful [[Roman Empire|Roman]]-like Empire in a world with very limited technological capabilities, and [[high fantasy]] elements, such as widespread magic use, travel between parallel worlds and the existence of many mythological creatures such as [[dragon]]s. The continent is split into a number of provinces of which the inhabitants include humans as well as popular [[humanoid]] fantasy races such as [[elves]], [[orc]]s and [[anthropomorphic]] animals. A common theme in the lore is that a chosen hero rises to defeat an incoming threat, usually a malevolent being or an antagonistic army. Since debuting with ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Arena|Arena]]'' in 1994, the series has produced a total of five main games (of which the last three have each featured two or three [[Expansion pack|expansions]]) as well as several [[Spin-off (media)|spin-offs]].<ref>[http://www.pcgamer.com/the-evolution-of-the-elder-scrolls/ The evolution of The Elder Scrolls] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201173939/http://www.pcgamer.com/the-evolution-of-the-elder-scrolls/ |date=December 1, 2016 }}, ''PC Gamer''</ref> In 2014, a [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]], ''[[The Elder Scrolls Online]]'', was released by Bethesda's affiliated [[ZeniMax Media|ZeniMax]] subsidiary [[ZeniMax Online Studios]]. == Development history == {{Video game timeline | subtitle = Main series in bold | 1994 = '''''[[The Elder Scrolls: Arena]]''''' | 1996 = '''''[[The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall]]''''' | 1997 = ''[[An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire]]'' | 1998 = ''[[The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard]]'' | 2002a = '''''[[The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind]]''''' | 2002b = ''[[The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal]]'' | 2003a = ''[[The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon]]'' | 2003b = ''[[The Elder Scrolls Travels: Stormhold]]'' | 2004a = ''[[The Elder Scrolls Travels: Dawnstar]]'' | 2004b = ''[[The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey]]'' | 2006a = '''''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]''''' | 2006b = ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine]]'' | 2007 = ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles]]'' | 2011 = '''''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]''''' | 2012a = ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard]]'' | 2012b = ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire]]'' | 2012c = ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn]]'' | 2014 = ''[[The Elder Scrolls Online]]'' | 2016 = ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition]]'' | 2017a = ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Legends]]'' | 2017b = ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim - VR]]'' | 2019 = ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Blades]]'' | TBA = '''''[[The Elder Scrolls VI]]''''' }} === Before ''The Elder Scrolls'' === Prior to working on ''The Elder Scrolls'' series, Bethesda had worked predominantly with sports and action games. In the six years from its founding to ''Arena''{{'s}} 1994 release, Bethesda had released ten games, six of them sports games,<ref name="DIR">{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/83/11 |title=Bethesda: The Right Direction |publisher=The Escapist |first=Joe |last=Blancato |date=February 6, 2007 |accessdate=June 1, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403080340/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/83/11 |archivedate=April 3, 2007 }}</ref> with such titles as ''Hockey League Simulator'', ''NCAA Basketball: Road to the Final Four ('91/'92 Edition)'', and ''Wayne Gretzky Hockey'',<ref name="MOBYS">{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/browse/games/bethesda-softworks-llc/ |title=Game Browser: Bethesda Softworks LLC |publisher=[[MobyGames]] |accessdate=June 9, 2007}}</ref> and the remaining four adaptations from other media,<ref name="DIR" /> primarily the ''Terminator'' series.<ref name="MOBYS" /> Bethesda's course changed abruptly when it began its first action role-playing venture. Designer Ted Peterson recalls: "I remember talking to the guys at [[Sir-Tech]] who were doing ''[[Wizardry VII: Crusaders of the Dark Savant]]'' at the time, and them literally laughing at us for thinking we could do it."<ref name="TEDDERS">{{cite web|url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=12 |title=Ted Peterson Interview I |publisher=Morrowind Italia |date=April 9, 2001 |accessdate=June 8, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013193716/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=12 |archivedate=October 13, 2007 }}</ref> Ted Peterson worked alongside Vijay Lakshman as one of the initial designers of what was then simply ''Arena'', a "medieval-style gladiator game."<ref name="TEDDERS" /><ref name="ARBTS">{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-arena.htm |title=Arena - Behind the Scenes |work=The Elder Scrolls 10th Anniversary |year=2004 |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |accessdate=June 8, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509175304/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-arena.htm |archivedate=May 9, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> === ''Arena'' === {{Main article|The Elder Scrolls: Arena}} Peterson and Lakshman were joined by [[Julian Lefay]] who, according to Peterson, "really spear-headed the initial development of the series".<ref name="TEDDERS" /> Peterson, Lakshman, and LeFay were longtime aficionados of pen-and-paper role-playing games,<ref name="TEDDERS" /> which greatly influenced the creation of the world of [[Tamriel]].<ref name="ARBTS" /> They were also fans of [[Looking Glass Studios]]' ''[[Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss|Ultima Underworld]]'' series, their main inspiration for ''Arena''.<ref name="TEDDERS" /> Initially, ''Arena'' was not to be a role-playing game at all. The player, and a team of his fighters, would travel about a world fighting other teams in their arenas until the player became "grand champion" in the world's capital, the Imperial City.<ref name="ARBTS" /> Along the way, side quests of a more role-playing nature could be completed. As the process of development progressed, however, the tournaments became less important and the side quests more.<ref name="TEDDERS" /> Role-playing game elements were added, as it expanded to include cities outside the arenas, and dungeons beyond the cities.<ref name="ARBTS" /> Eventually it was decided to drop the idea of tournaments altogether, and focus on quests and dungeons,<ref name="TEDDERS" /> making the game a "full-blown [role-playing game]".<ref name="ARBTS" /> Although the team had dropped all arena combat from the game, all the material had already been printed up with the title, so the game went to market as ''The Elder Scrolls: Arena''. Bethesda Founder [[Christopher Weaver]] came up with the name of ''The Elder Scrolls'',<ref name="TEDDERS" /> and the words eventually came to mean "Tamriel's mystical tomes of knowledge that told of its past, present, and future".<ref name="ARBTS" /> The game's initial [[voice-over]] was changed in response, beginning: "It has been foretold in the Elder Scrolls ..."<ref name="TEDDERS" /> Bethesda missed their Christmas 1993 deadline. The game was released in the first quarter of 1994, "really serious [mistake] for a small developer/publisher like Bethesda Softworks". The packaging included a scantily clad female warrior, which further contributed to distributor concern, leading to an initial distribution of only 20,000 units. Having missed the Christmas sales season, the development team was concerned that they "had screwed the company". Nevertheless, sales continued to grow, month after month, as news of the game was passed by word-of-mouth.<ref name="TEDDERS" /> Despite some initial [[Software bug|bugginess]],<ref name="TEDDERS" /> and the formidable demands the game made on players' machines,<ref name="HIST">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070411/barton_05.shtml |title=The History of Computer Role-Playing Games Part III: The Platinum and Modern Ages (1994–2004) |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |first=Matt |last=Barton |date=April 11, 2007 |accessdate=June 8, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070611043513/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070411/barton_05.shtml |archivedate=June 11, 2007 }}</ref> it became a cult hit.<ref name="DIR" /> Evaluations of the game varied from "modest"<ref name="HIST" /> to "wild".<ref name="DIR" /> Still, the game maintained traction with its audience. Game historian Matt Barton concluded that "the game set a new standard for this type of [[role-playing video game]], and demonstrated just how much room was left for innovation."<ref name="HIST" /> === ''Daggerfall'' === {{Main article|The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall}} [[File:Daggerfall promo screenshot.jpg|thumb|right|A first-person screenshot from ''Daggerfall'', demonstrating the user interface and graphical capabilities of the game.]] Work on ''The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall'' began after ''Arena''{{'s}} release in March 1994.<ref name="DFBTS">{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-daggerfall.htm |title=Daggerfall - Behind the Scenes |work=The Elder Scrolls 10th Anniversary |year=2004 |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |accessdate=June 9, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509175133/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-daggerfall.htm |archivedate=May 9, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> Ted Peterson was assigned the role of lead game designer.<ref name="TEDDERS" /> ''Daggerfall''{{'s}} plot was less clichéd than ''Arena''{{'s}} and involved a "complex series of adventures leading to multiple resolutions."<ref name="TEDDERS" /> With ''Daggerfall'', ''Arena''{{'s}} experience-point-based system was replaced with one rewarding the player for actually role-playing their character.<ref name="DFBTS" /> ''Daggerfall'' came equipped with an improved character generation engine, one that included a [[GURPS]]-influenced [[character class|class]] creation system, offering players the chance to create their own classes, and assign their own skills.<ref name="TEDDERS" /><ref>{{cite journal|title=Daggerfall |journal=[[Next Generation Magazine]] |issue=11 |date=November 1995 |pages=82–5}}</ref> ''Daggerfall'' was developed with an [[XnGine]] engine, one of the first truly [[3D computer graphics|3D]] engines. ''Daggerfall'' realized a game world the size of Great Britain,<ref name="DFBTS" /> filled with 15,000 towns and a population of 750,000.<ref name="DIR" /> It was influenced by analog games and literature that Julian LeFay or Ted Peterson happened to be playing or reading at the time, such as [[Alexandre Dumas, père|Dumas]]'s ''[[The Vicomte de Bragelonne|The Man in the Iron Mask]]'' and ''[[Vampire: The Masquerade]]''.<ref name="TEDDERS" /> It was released on August 31, 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/daggerfall/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Daggerfall release dates |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=July 9, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929124304/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/daggerfall/similar.html?mode=versions |archivedate=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> Like ''Arena'', ''Daggerfall''{{'s}} initial release suffered from some bugs, leaving consumers disgruntled.<ref name="HIST" /> These early anomalies were fixed in later versions. This experience led to a more prudent release schedule for future games.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Battlespire |journal=[[Next Generation Magazine]] |issue=34 |date=October 1997 |pages=124–5}}</ref> ==={{anchor|Redguards}} ''Battlespire'' and ''Redguard'' === <!-- This Anchor tag serves to provide a permanent target for incoming section links. Please do not remove it, nor modify it, except to add another appropriate anchor. If you modify the section title, please anchor the old title. It is always best to anchor an old section header that has been changed so that links to it will not be broken. See [[Template:Anchor]] for details. This template is {{subst:Anchor comment}} --> Them nigger redguards have big nigger redguard dicks! Following the release of ''Daggerfall'', work began on three separate projects at once: ''[[An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire]]'', ''[[The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard]]'', and ''Morrowind''. ''Battlespire'', originally titled ''Dungeon of Daggerfall: Battlespire'', was the first of the three to be released,<ref name="BSBTS">{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-battlespire.htm |title=Battlespire - Behind the Scenes |work=The Elder Scrolls 10th Anniversary |year=2004 |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |accessdate=June 13, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609185118/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-battlespire.htm |archivedate=June 9, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> on November 30, 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/battlespire/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Battlespire release dates |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=June 14, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930042944/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/battlespire/similar.html?mode=versions |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> Originally designed as an [[expansion pack]] for ''Daggerfall'', it was repackaged as a stand-alone game. ''Battlespire'' focused on dungeon romping and offered multiplayer gaming—[[player versus player]] [[deathmatch (gaming)|deathmatch]]— the only series title to do so<ref name="BSBTS" /> before the release of ''The Elder Scrolls Online'' in 2014. ''Redguard'' was the second of the three titles to be released, on October 31, 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/elderscrollsar/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Redguard release dates |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=June 14, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930013825/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/elderscrollsar/similar.html?mode=versions |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> It was a pure [[action-adventure game]] inspired by ''[[Tomb Raider]]'', ''[[Prince of Persia]]'', and the ''[[Ultima (series)|Ultima]]'' series.<ref name="RGBTS">{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-redguard.htm |title=Redguard - Behind the Scenes |work=The Elder Scrolls 10th Anniversary |year=2004 |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |accessdate=June 13, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519060952/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-redguard.htm |archivedate=May 19, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> ''Redguard'' did not offer the player the chance to create their own character. Instead, players would play the prefabricated "Cyrus the Redguard".<ref name="RGBTS" /> Both games did poorly with Bethesda's audience. Players used to the vast open spaces of ''Daggerfall'' did not take well to the reduced worlds of ''Redguard'' and ''Battlespire''. Based upon its customers' clear desire for massive role-playing game worlds, Bethesda redoubled its efforts to build the next major chapter.<ref name="DIR" /> === ''Morrowind'' === {{Main article|The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind}} [[File:Morrowind1.jpg|thumb|A third-person screenshot from the game, demonstrating ''Morrowind''{{'s}} then-advanced graphics: Pixel-shaded water, "long" render distances, and detailed textures and models.]] The third title in ''The Elder Scrolls'' series was first conceived during the development of ''[[The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall|Daggerfall]]''.<ref name="ANIV">{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-morrowind.htm |title=Morrowind, Behind the Scenes |publisher=Bethesda Softworks |year=2004 |accessdate=November 22, 2006 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114102101/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-morrowind.htm |archivedate=November 14, 2006 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> Initially designed to encompass the whole province of Morrowind and allow the player to join all five Dunmer Great Houses, it was decided that the scope of the game was too much for the technology available at the time.<ref name="ANIV" /> At publication, it covered the isle of Vvardenfell and allowed the player to join three of the Great Houses. The XnGine was scrapped and replaced with Numerical Design Limited's [[Gamebryo]], a [[Direct3D]] powered engine, with [[T&L]] capacity,<ref name="QWE">{{cite web|url=http://www.imperial-library.info/content/interviews-MW-team |title=Interview with Morrowind Developers |work=The Interviews |publisher=Game. EXE. Reprinted in The Imperial Library |author=Qwerty |date=July 2001 |accessdate=October 18, 2010 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100928153740/http://imperial-library.info/content/interviews-MW-team |archivedate=September 28, 2010 }}</ref> 32-bit textures and skeletal animation.<ref name="IGNHOWARD">{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/086/086957p1.html |publisher=IGN |title=Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Interview 2 |accessdate=May 14, 2007 |date=October 27, 2000 |author=IGN Staff |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070210224351/http://pc.ign.com/articles/086/086957p1.html |archivedate=February 10, 2007 }}</ref> It was decided that the game world would be populated using the methods the team had developed in ''Redguard''; with the game objects crafted by hand, rather than generated using the random algorithmic methods.<ref name="VOODOO">{{cite web|url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=27 |work=VoodooExtreme |title=Development Team Chat No. 1 |accessdate=September 20, 2006 |date=July 19, 2000 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019071012/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=27 |archivedate=October 19, 2007 }}</ref> The project took "close to 100-man-years to create". Bethesda tripled their staff and spent the first year developing ''[[The Elder Scrolls Construction Set]]''. This allowed the game staff to easily balance the game and to modify it in small increments rather than large.<ref name="ANIV" /> Ted Peterson, who had left following the release of ''Daggerfall'', returned to work as an author of in-game material, and as a general consultant on the lore-based aspects of the work.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=8 |title=Ted Peterson Interview II |date=July 9, 2001 |author=Ultimate |accessdate=June 14, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112174256/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=8 |archivedate=November 12, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> The PC version of ''Morrowind'' had [[Gold release|gone gold]] by April 23, 2002,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_042302.htm | title=The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind for PC goes gold |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020812193715/http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_042302.htm |archivedate=August 12, 2002 | accessdate=August 15, 2013 | date=April 23, 2002 | publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3morrowind/news_2862333.html |first=Trey |last=Walker |title=Morrowind goes gold |accessdate=May 8, 2007 |date=April 23, 2002 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930175302/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3morrowind/news_2862333.html |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> and was released on May 1 in North America,<ref name="PCRD">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3morrowind/similar.html?mode=versions |title=PC release dates |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=September 30, 2006 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060617190226/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3morrowind/similar.html?mode=versions |archivedate=June 17, 2006 }}</ref> with the Xbox release set at June 7.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_060402.htm | title=The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind for Xbox headed to stores |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020804133555/http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_060402.htm |archivedate=August 4, 2002 | accessdate=August 15, 2013 | date=June 4, 2002 | publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]]}}</ref> On January 3, Bethesda announced that game publisher [[Ubisoft]] would take control of ''Morrowind''{{'s}} European distribution, in addition to those of eight other Bethesda games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_011102.htm |title=Ubi Soft signs major publishing contract with Bethesda Softworks to distribute multiple titles in Europe |accessdate=May 8, 2007 |date=January 3, 2002 |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317232115/http://elderscrolls.com/news/press_011102.htm |archivedate=March 17, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> The [[expansion pack]] ''The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal'' went gold on November 1<ref name="DUPE">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/news.html?sid=2879545 |title=Tribunal to expand world of Morrowind |last=Parker |first=Sam |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=September 6, 2002 |accessdate=May 22, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930042325/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/news.html?sid=2879545 |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> and was released, with little fanfare,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/376/376755p1.html |title=Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal Ships |last=McNewserson |first=Newsey |publisher=IGN |date=November 8, 2002 |accessdate=May 19, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070522201432/http://pc.ign.com/articles/376/376755p1.html |archivedate=May 22, 2007 }}</ref> on November 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Tribunal release dates |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=May 19, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930191118/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/similar.html?mode=versions |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> ''Tribunal'' puts the player in the self-contained, walled city of Mournhold, which can be teleported to and from Morrowind's land mass.<ref name="DUPE" /> Development on the [[expansion pack|expansion]] began after ''Morrowind'' shipped, giving the developers a mere five-month development cycle to release the game. The prior existence of the ''Construction Set'', however, meant that the team "already had the tools in place to add content and features very quickly."<ref name="TRQA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/preview_2885348.html |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal Q&A |author=Staff |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=October 11, 2002 |accessdate=May 19, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929162621/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/preview_2885348.html |archivedate=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> Interface improvements, and specifically an overhaul of ''Morrowind''{{'s}} journal system, were among the key goals.<ref name="TRQA" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/december02/tribunalpc/ |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |title=Morrowind: Tribunal Review, page 1 |accessdate=September 20, 2006 |date=December 8, 2002 |first=William |last=Abner |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019184350/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/december02/tribunalpc/ |archivedate=October 19, 2006 }}<br />{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/379/379780p1.html |publisher=IGN |title=Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal Review, page 1 |accessdate=September 20, 2006 |date=December 9, 2002 |first=Barry |last=Brenesal |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060804024341/http://pc.ign.com/articles/379/379780p1.html |archivedate=August 4, 2006 }}<br />{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/review.html?page=2 |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |title=Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal Review, page 2 |accessdate=May 19, 2007 |date=November 21, 2002 |author=Desslock |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930080516/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3tribunal/review.html?page=2 |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> ''Morrowind''{{'s}} second expansion, ''The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon'', went gold by May 23,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3bloodmoon/news.html?sid=6028892 |title=Morrowind expansion goes gold |last=Parker |first=Sam |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=May 23, 2003 |accessdate=May 20, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211152254/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3bloodmoon/news.html?sid=6028892 |archivedate=February 11, 2007 }}</ref> and was released on June 6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3bloodmoon/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Bloodmoon release dates |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=May 20, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930065004/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3bloodmoon/similar.html?mode=versions |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> It had been worked on since the release of ''Tribunal''.<ref name="BQA">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3bloodmoon/preview_6025949.html?page=1 |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon Q&A |author=Staff |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=May 30, 2003 |accessdate=May 20, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930040606/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/elderscrolls3bloodmoon/preview_6025949.html?page=1 |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> In the expansion, the player travels to the frozen island of Solstheim and is asked to investigate the uneasiness of the soldiers stationed there. === ''Oblivion'' === {{Main article|The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion}} [[File:ElderScrollsOblivionScreenshot11.jpg|alt=The camera is stationed at far end of a long lake inlet, facing inwards. In the near foreground the camera can see tall grass, some deciduous trees, the lake's rocky coast, and a flooded and decaying temple. A tall spire rises from the center of a walled city far in the distance, casting a clear reflection on the lake. The cliff-sides of the mountain range behind the city are indistinct, and fade into the dawn light. The highlights of the morning sky are blown, and tendrils of skylight feather objects in the foreground.|right|thumb|An in-game screenshot showing Oblivion{{'s}} [[Graphical user interface|user interface]], [[High dynamic range rendering|HDR]] lighting and long draw distance, improvements made as part of a goal to create "cutting-edge graphics".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/products/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/originals/the-graphical-advancements-of-skyrim-a-comparison-to-oblivion |title=The Graphical Advancements of Skyrim: A Comparison to Oblivion |work=GameZone |publisher=GameZone Online |date=October 26, 2011 |author=Liebl, Matt |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127051308/http://www.gamezone.com/products/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/originals/the-graphical-advancements-of-skyrim-a-comparison-to-oblivion |archivedate=January 27, 2013 }}</ref>]] [[Development of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion|Work on ''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion'']] began in 2002, after ''Morrowind''{{'s}} publication.<ref name="EIVPCNG">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6107156 |title=Elder Scrolls IV coming to PC, next-gen |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=September 10, 2004 |accessdate=May 26, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930144256/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6107156 |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> ''Oblivion'' was developed by [[Bethesda Softworks]], and the initial [[Xbox 360]] and Personal computer (PC) releases were co-published by Bethesda and [[Take-Two Interactive]] subsidiary [[2K Games]].<ref name="COPUB">{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_020305.htm |title=Bethesda Softworks Signs Co-Publishing Agreement with Take-Two Interactive for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207022001/http://www.elderscrolls.com/news/press_020305.htm |archivedate=February 7, 2005 |date=February 3, 2005 |accessdate=August 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6117825 |title=Take-Two to copublish Elder Scrolls IV, Cthulhu |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=February 3, 2005 |accessdate=May 26, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930204504/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6117825 |archivedate=September 30, 2007 }}</ref> ''Oblivion'' was released on March 21, 2006.<ref name="RDD">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6136973 |title=Elder Scrolls IV missing Xbox 360 launch |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |date=October 31, 2005 |accessdate=May 26, 2007 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929135603/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/theelderscrollsivoblivion/news.html?sid=6136973 |archivedate=September 29, 2007 }}<br />{{cite web|url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=35 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=December 10, 2005 |title=Oblivion: Release Date Dramas |author=Valerias |accessdate=May 27, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6EecCvy8t?url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=35 |archivedate=February 23, 2013 }}</ref> The game centers around an event referred to as "The Oblivion Crisis", where portals to the planes of Oblivion open and release hordes of Daedra upon Tamriel. Developers working on ''Oblivion'' focused on providing a tighter storyline, more developed characters,<ref name="RPGNG">{{cite web|url=http://elderscrolls.com/codex/team_rpgnextgen.htm |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |title=The RPG for the Next Generation |first=Todd |last=Howard |accessdate=March 26, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320172701/http://www.elderscrolls.com/codex/team_rpgnextgen.htm |archivedate=March 20, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref><ref name="GCRT">{{cite web|url=http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=5 |title=E3 2005 Coverage: Gavin Carter |author=Stargleman |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=May 29, 2005 |accessdate=May 27, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071019011225/http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=5 |archivedate=October 19, 2007 }}</ref> and to make information in the game world more accessible to players.<ref name="GCLOUD">{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051103190838/http://www.gamecloud.com/article.php?article_id=1635 |url=http://www.gamecloud.com/article.php?article_id=1635 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Interview |date=September 26, 2005 |archivedate=November 3, 2005 |publisher=Gamecloud |accessdate=June 2, 2007 |first=John |last=Callaham}}</ref> ''Oblivion'' features improved [[Artificial intelligence|AI]],<ref name="GCHRON">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamechronicles.com/qa/elderscrolls4/oblivion.htm |title=Developers Corner: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion |first=Mat |last=Houghton |publisher=Game Chronicles |accessdate=August 11, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821082016/http://www.gamechronicles.com/qa/elderscrolls4/oblivion.htm |archivedate=August 21, 2007 }}</ref><ref name="GNEXT">{{cite web|url=http://gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&ArticleType=3&OldUID=104 |title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Interview |first=Charles |last=Husemann |date=June 2, 2005 |accessdate=August 11, 2007 |publisher=Gaming Nexus |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816234910/http://www.gamingnexus.com/Default.aspx?Section=Article&ArticleType=3&OldUID=104 |archivedate=August 16, 2007 }}</ref> improved physics,<ref name="LIVING">{{cite web|url=http://www.games.net/article/feature/101408/living-in-oblivion/ |title=Living in Oblivion |first=Sid |last=Shuman |publisher=Games.Net |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312164927/http://www.games.net/article/feature/101408/living-in-oblivion/ |archivedate=March 12, 2007 |date=May 23, 2006 |accessdate=August 15, 2013}}</ref> and improved [[Computer graphics|graphics]].<ref name="MONTHLY">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameplaymonthly.com/interviews/oblivion.htm |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Interview |date=March 25, 2005 |accessdate=August 15, 2013 |first=Alex |last=Hammond |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060212160610/http://www.gameplaymonthly.com/interviews/oblivion.htm |archivedate=February 12, 2006 |publisher=Gameplay Monthly}}</ref><ref name="ELB">{{cite web|url=http://www.elitebastards.com/page.php?pageid=12316 |title=Oblivion interview - Gavin Carter of Bethesda |publisher=Elite Bastards |date=October 20, 2005 |accessdate=June 1, 2007|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070609150144/http://www.elitebastards.com/page.php?pageid=12316 |archivedate = June 9, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref><ref name="TVG">{{cite web|title=Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Q&A |url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/articles/Elder_Scrolls_IV_Oblivion_-_QA_Feature_8066_4139_0_0_0_0_20.htm |first=Derek |last=dela Fuente |accessdate=June 2, 2007 |publisher=TVG |date=July 20, 2005 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222062102/http://www.totalvideogames.com/articles/Elder_Scrolls_IV_Oblivion_-_QA_Feature_8066_4139_0_0_0_0_20.htm |archivedate=February 22, 2008 }}</ref> Bethesda developed and implemented procedural content creation tools in the creation of ''Oblivion''{{'s}} terrain, leading to landscapes that are more complex and realistic than those of past titles, but had less of a drain on Bethesda's staff.<ref name="RPGCRT">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/games/elderscrolls/elder4/elder4interview.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Interview with Gavin Carter |publisher=RPGamer |accessdate=June 17, 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930014539/http://www.rpgamer.com/games/elderscrolls/elder4/elder4interview.html |archivedate=September 30, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="NOAH">{{cite web|url=http://elderscrolls.com/codex/team_teamprof_nberry.htm |title=A Brief History of Cyrodiil |first=Noah |last=Berry |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |accessdate=June 2, 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509175315/http://www.elderscrolls.com/codex/team_teamprof_nberry.htm |archivedate=May 9, 2007 |deadurl=yes }}</ref> Two downloadable expansion packs, ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine|Knights of the Nine]]'' and ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles|The Shivering Isles]]'' were released in 2006 and 2007, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/ps3-oblivion-shelved-year |title=PS3 Oblivion Shelved Till Next Year |work=1Up.com |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Eg39hYNV?url=http://www.1up.com/news/ps3-oblivion-shelved-year |archivedate=February 24, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/games/the-elder-scrolls-iv-the-shivering-isles/xbox-360-874117|title=The Elder Scrolls IV: The Shivering Isles|author=IGN|date=March 27, 2007|work=IGN}}</ref> ''Knights of the Nine'' added a questline surrounding the search for a set of Crusader relics, while ''The Shivering Isles'' added the eponymous plane to the game. === ''Skyrim'' === {{Main article|The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim}} [[File:Skyrim game world.jpg|thumbnail|right|A third-person screenshot from ''[[Skyrim]]''.]] In August 2010, [[Todd Howard (video game designer)|Todd Howard]] revealed Bethesda was working on a game that had been in development since the release of ''Oblivion'', and that progress was very far along. While the game was conceptualized after ''Oblivion''{{'}}s release, main development was restricted until after ''[[Fallout 3]]'' was released.<ref name="euroaug">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-16-bethesdas-todd-howard-interview |title=Bethesda's Todd Howard (interview) |author=Tom Branwell |date=August 16, 2010 |work=www.eurogamer.net |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203041805/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-16-bethesdas-todd-howard-interview |archivedate=February 3, 2013 }}</ref> In November, a journalist from [[Eurogamer]] Denmark reported overhearing a developer on a plane talking about the project; a new ''The Elder Scrolls'' game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-23-rumour-elder-scrolls-5-in-the-works |title=Rumour: Elder Scrolls 5 in the works |author=Wesley Yin-Poole |date=November 23, 2010 |work=www.eurogamer.net |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126131657/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-23-rumour-elder-scrolls-5-in-the-works |archivedate=November 26, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.dk/articles/2010-11-22-the-elder-scrolls-v-paa-vej |title=The Elder Scrolls V på vej |work=www.eurogamer.dk |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |language=Danish |date=November 22, 2010 |author=Kristian West |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126233106/http://www.eurogamer.dk/articles/2010-11-22-the-elder-scrolls-v-paa-vej |archivedate=November 26, 2010 }}</ref> although Bethesda did not comment on the report. At the [[Spike Video Game Awards]] in December, Todd Howard appeared on stage to unveil a teaser trailer and announce the title of the game.<ref name=SkyrimUnveil>{{cite web|url=http://www.huliq.com/10177/bethesda-unveils-elder-scrolls-v-confirms-direct-sequel-oblivion |title=Bethesda unveils Elder Scrolls V, confirms direct sequel to Oblivion |author=David Hughes |date=December 12, 2010 |work=www.huliq.com |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411200209/http://www.huliq.com/10177/bethesda-unveils-elder-scrolls-v-confirms-direct-sequel-oblivion |archivedate=April 11, 2013 }}</ref> ''The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'' was released on November 11, 2011 to widespread critical acclaim. It was awarded 'Game of the Year' by IGN,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/PC_Game_of_the_Year |title=PC Game of the Year |work=IGN |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108022415/http://uk.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2011/PC_Game_of_the_Year |archivedate=January 8, 2012 }}</ref> Spike<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamerant.com/2011-spike-video-game-awards-complete-winners-list-robk-120822/ |title=2011 Spike Video Game Awards: Complete Winners List |work=Game Rant |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126204932/http://gamerant.com/2011-spike-video-game-awards-complete-winners-list-robk-120822/ |archivedate=January 26, 2013 }}</ref> and others. The game is set after the events of ''Oblivion'', when the great dragon Alduin the World Eater returns to Skyrim; a beast whose existence threatens all life in Tamriel. Three pieces of DLC were released on PC and [[Xbox 360]] in 2012 – ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard|Dawnguard]]'', ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire|Hearthfire]]'' and ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn|Dragonborn]]'', with a [[PlayStation 3]] release in February 2013. ''Dawnguard'' added two joinable factions and an associated questline revolving around Vampires, while ''Hearthfire'' added more home customisation options including a house creation kit and the ability to adopt children. ''Dragonborn'' added the island of Solstheim to the northeast. On October 28, 2016, ''Skyrim – Special Edition'' was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.steampowered.com/app/226880/ |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn on Steam |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322020106/http://store.steampowered.com/app/226880 |archivedate=March 22, 2015 }}</ref> On November 17, 2017, ''Skyrim – Virtual Reality'' was released for [[PlayStation 4]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-vr-ps4/ |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – VR on Playstation store }}</ref> On June 10, 2018, ''Skyrim: Very Special Edition'', a voice-activated text adventure game poking fun at the game's many releases, was released for [[Amazon Alexa]] devices.<ref>https://www.polygon.com/e3/2018/6/11/17448080/skyrim-alexa-iphone-android-how-to-play</ref> === ''Online'' and ''Legends'' === On May 3, 2012, ''[[The Elder Scrolls Online]]'' was revealed. ''The Elder Scrolls Online'' was released for Windows and macOS on April 4, 2014, with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions initially slated to follow in June 2014 but later delayed until June 9, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/12/11/the-elder-scrolls-online-pc-xbox-one-and-ps4-release-dates-announced|title=The Elder Scrolls Online PC and Mac, Xbox One, and PS4 Release Dates Announced - IGN|last=Dyer|first=Mitch|date=December 11, 2013|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=December 11, 2013}}</ref> The game originally required a subscription to play, but this requirement was dropped on March 17, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/21/elder-scrolls-online-no-subs-ps4-pc-xbox-one/ |title=The Elder Scrolls Online drops subs, console release date announced |author=Stephany Nunneley |work=[[VG247]] |date=January 21, 2015 |accessdate=January 21, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121165243/http://www.vg247.com/2015/01/21/elder-scrolls-online-no-subs-ps4-pc-xbox-one/ |archivedate=January 21, 2015 }}</ref> There is however a subscription service entitled "ESO Plus" which grants access to all current and future downloadable content (DLC). The DLC is otherwise available for individual purchase in the Crown Store. Additionally, the optional subscription grants various perks that allow players to progress slightly faster than a free player, and grants them a payment of 1650 crowns per month.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/home?region=UK|title = The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited FAQ|date = January 21, 2015|accessdate = January 21, 2015|website = The Elder Scrolls Online|publisher = ZeniMax|last = |first = }}</ref> On June 14, 2015, ''[[The Elder Scrolls: Legends]]'', a collectible card game, was announced by [[Bethesda Game Studios|Bethesda]] during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2015]]. It was released on March 9, 2017 for [[Microsoft Windows]] and is in beta for [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], and [[macOS]]. === ''Blades'' === {{main article|The Elder Scrolls: Blades}} At Bethesda's E3 2018 press conference, Todd Howard announced ''The Elder Scrolls: Blades'', expected to be released in Q3 2018. It is expected to be released for Apple and Android phones first, followed by PC and console, including VR. The player will be able to play as a member of the faction the Blades who has returned home to their town to find it destroyed. There will be a survival, arena, and town-building mode, with multiplayer support through its arena and town-building mode, as well as cross-platform. The game will also be able to be played in portrait mode, unusual for an RPG.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://kotaku.com/the-elder-scrolls-blades-announced-for-phones-1826717970|title=The Elder Scrolls Blades Announced For Phones|last=Grayson|first=Nathan|date=|work=Kotaku|access-date=June 11, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/10/17447612/elder-scrolls-blades-e3-2018-announce-trailer|title=The next Elder Scrolls game is a beautiful mobile RPG named Blades|last=|first=|date=|work=The Verge|access-date=June 11, 2018}}</ref> ''Blades'' is expected to release some time in early 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/29/18118700/the-elder-scrolls-blades-delayed-early-2019 |title=Bethesda delays The Elder Scrolls: Blades into 2019 |first=Charlie |last=Hall |date=November 29, 2018 |website=Polygon}}</ref> === ''The Elder Scrolls VI'' === At Bethesda's [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018|E3 2018]] press conference, Todd Howard announced ''The Elder Scrolls VI,'' which is expected to be released after their next franchise, ''[[Starfield (video game)|Starfield]]''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-11-bethesda-announces-the-elder-scrolls-6|title=Bethesda announces The Elder Scrolls 6|last=|first=|date=|work=Eurogamer.net|access-date=June 11, 2018|language=en}}</ref>{{clear}} == Gameplay == ''The Elder Scrolls'' games are [[action role-playing game]]s, although they do include elements taken from action and adventure games. In ''Arena'' players advance by killing monsters (and thereby gaining [[experience point]]s) until a preset value is met, whereupon they level-up. However, in ''Daggerfall'', ''Morrowind'', and ''Oblivion'' the series took a skill-based approach to character advancement. Players develop their characters' skills by applying them, and only level-up when a certain set of skills have been developed. ''Skyrim'' took a new approach, where the more a skill is leveled, the more it helps to level the character. This shifted the focus away from character creation and more onto character development. The flexibility of the games' engines has facilitated the release of game extensions (or [[Mod (computer gaming)|mods]]) through [[The Elder Scrolls Construction Set]]. ''The Elder Scrolls'' main series of games emphasizes different aspects of the gaming experience than most role-playing games. A brief article by Joystiq in early November 2006 compared [[BioWare]]'s creations to Bethesda's by noting a difference in emphasis. Bethesda's creations focused on "aesthetic presentation and open-ended adventuring"; BioWare's on a combat system and modular architecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/metareview-neverwinter-nights-2/ |title=Neverwinter Nights 2, Metareview |author=Rose, Alan |date=Nov 3, 2006 |publisher=Joystiq |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061105112841/http://www2.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/metareview-neverwinter-nights-2/ |archivedate=November 5, 2006 }}</ref> This overarching aim has been noted by their designers as well. Bethesda has described their motivations in creating the first series game, ''Arena'', as those of any good pen-and-paper role-playing games: creating an environment in which the player could be what the player wants and do what the player wants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-arena.htm |title=Arena, Behind the Scenes |work=The Elder Scrolls Tenth Anniversary |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |year=2004 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211032310/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-arena.htm |archivedate=December 11, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''Daggerfall''{{'s}} manual begins with a design manifesto, declaring the developers' intention to "create a book with blank pages," and "a game designed to encourage exploration and reward curiosity." Choices, in the form of paths taken by the player, to do good, to chase after evil, are left open to the player, "just like in real life."<ref>(1996) Bethesda Softworks ''Daggerfall Instruction Manual'' Bethesda Softworks, 1–2.</ref> This design trend continued with ''Morrowind'', following the hiatus of similarly epic games in the interim, though Joystiq's previously noted insistence on graphics came again to the fore. During the development of ''Morrowind'', Bethesda tripled its staff, so as to perfectly color its newly hand-made world. In their own words, "We knew we had to exceed the visual polish of the other games on the market, and we made it our goal to put ''The Elder Scrolls'' back into the forefront of game innovation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-morrowind.htm |title=Morrowind, Behind the Scenes |work=The Elder Scrolls Tenth Anniversary |publisher=[[Bethesda Softworks]] |year=2004 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114102101/http://www.elderscrolls.com/tenth_anniv/tenth_anniv-morrowind.htm |archivedate=November 14, 2006 }}</ref> == Series overview == === Setting === ''The Elder Scrolls'' takes place in a [[high fantasy]] world with influences by many cultures from our own. Like most works of high or epic fantasy, ''The Elder Scrolls'' games are typically serious in tone and epic in scope, dealing with themes of grand struggle against a supernatural or evil force. Many races exist in the world of ''The Elder Scrolls'', some typical of high fantasy works, such as humans, orcs and elves; some atypical, such as the lizard-like Argonians and cat-like Khajiit; and some subversions, such as the extinct Dwemer, known colloquially as "dwarves," who follow the high fantasy stereotype of being subterranean, skilled [[metallurgists]] and masons, but are here a variety of elf. As is also typical in high fantasy works, magic and sorcery, mythical creatures, factions with their own political agendas, walled medieval cities and strongholds, and plot elements driven by prophecies and legends can be found in abundance as well. In accordance with many literary high fantasy works, the world of ''The Elder Scrolls'' is known for its attention to detail, including well-developed lore and back story. This includes a vast amount of information such as names, dates, and places that constitute its history and the interconnected structure of its various societies, cultures, and religions. Lore, including histories and legends, are contained in thousands of readable in-game books that are scattered throughout the game world. ''The Elder Scrolls'' games primarily take place on the continent of Tamriel, located on the world of Nirn. The exceptions are ''[[The Elder Scrolls Legends: Battlespire]]'', which is set in a "slipstream" dimension found between the mortal plane of Mundus and the myriad otherworldly planes of Oblivion; portions of ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]'', which venture into a particular Oblivion plane called the Deadlands, the realm of the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon; the entirety of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion's expansion [[The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles|''Shivering Isles'']], which takes place in the Oblivion plane The Shivering Isles, realm of the Daedric Prince of madness, Sheogorath; and a brief visit to the Oblivion plane of Soul Cairn during the Dawnguard DLC of ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]''; as well as the plane of Apocrypha during the Dragonborn DLC; and the realm of Molag Bal, Coldharbour, which appears in ''[[The Elder Scrolls Online]]''. Other continents exist on Nirn aside from Tamriel, such as Akavir, Yokuda, and Atmora,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Nirn |title=Lore:Nirn - UESPWiki |publisher=Uesp.net |date= |accessdate=November 16, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105035502/http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore%3ANirn |archivedate=November 5, 2013 }}</ref> but none have been used as a setting for a game in the series. Tamriel itself is divided into nine provinces or regions, each of which is dominated by a distinct race: Black Marsh is home to the Argonians; Cyrodiil is home to the Imperials; Elsweyr is home to the Khajiit; Hammerfell is home to the Redguards; High Rock is home to the Bretons; Morrowind is home to the Dunmer, or Dark Elves; Skyrim is home to the Nords; Summerset Isle is home to the Altmer, or High Elves; and Valenwood is home to the Bosmer, or Wood Elves. A tenth race, the Orsimer, or Orcs, reside in settlements scattered across Tamriel and, at some points in history, a kingdom inside High Rock known as Orsinium.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} The major political power in Tamriel's history is the Septim Empire, or Third Empire, centered in Cyrodiil, which at one time or another controlled most of Tamriel's nine provinces. The Empire was founded by Tiber Septim (also known as Talos Stormcrown), who as a ''Dragonborn'', had powerful magical abilities called Shouts. Tiber Septim conquered Tamriel and his dynasty ruled the Empire for several hundred years, at times prospering in peace and other times marred by [[civil wars]] and succession crises. During the Oblivion Crisis of ''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion'', a religious cult called The Mythic Dawn opened up dimensional gates to a Hell-like realm called The Deadlands and killed the Emperor Uriel Septim VII and his three sons. The ''Daedra'', beings from the Planes of Oblivion, were eventually defeated, but the end of the Septim dynasty left a severely weakened Empire, which eventually erupted in civil war, allowing many Imperial provinces to break away. As of ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]'', chronologically the latest-set game in the series (taking place in the 201st year of the Fourth Era of recorded history, abbreviated as 4E 201), the balance of power in Tamriel has shifted dramatically. The Third Empire of Tamriel, which once controlled the entire continent, has declined significantly under the new Mede dynasty of emperors; the Empire can claim only High Rock, Skyrim, and the capital province of Cyrodiil for its own. Three of the Empire's former provinces, Black Marsh, Hammerfell, and Morrowind, are effectively independent: Black Marsh and Hammerfell seceded from the Empire, while Imperial forces withdrew from Morrowind after a volcanic eruption and invasion from Black Marsh devastated it. Rising to rival the Empire is the Aldmeri Dominion, which rules the Summerset Isles and Valenwood outright, and claims the kingdoms of Anequina and Pellitine (the remnants of the province of Elsweyr) as client states. After having its capital city sacked, the Empire defeated a Dominion invasion during The Great War, but the effort exhausted it and peace was only achieved by conceding to many of the Dominion's harsh demands by signing the White-Gold Concordat, including ceding parts of Hammerfell and outlawing the worship of Talos. Skyrim is mired in civil war over the question of secession from the Empire, but some of Tamriel's inhabitants believe the conflict is only a distraction from the true looming threat: a second war between the Empire and the Dominion with both sides provoking each other locked in a state of "cold war".<ref>{{cite web|title=Fourth Era |url=http://imperial-library.info/content/fourth-era |publisher=Imperial Library |accessdate=December 4, 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129081135/http://www.imperial-library.info/content/fourth-era |archivedate=November 29, 2011 }}</ref> === The "Elder Scrolls"=== The actual Elder Scrolls play a very limited role in the storyline of the series, serving only as a framing plot device (''i.e.'', "[the events in this game] were foretold in the Elder Scrolls..."). The Elder Scrolls themselves are rarely referenced in-game. ''[[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]]'' marked the first actual appearance of the Scrolls in the final quest of the Thieves Guild questline.<ref name="The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion" /> The Scroll itself appears as an incomprehensible chart, containing luminous [[glyph]]s.<ref name="The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion">{{cite video game| title = The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion| developer = Bethesda Game Studios| publisher = Bethesda Softworks, 2K Games| date = April 30, 2007| version = 1.2.0416}}</ref> Information about The Elder Scrolls is sparse, and often contradictory. They are thought to be relics from the creation of the Aurbis and the Mundus by the Aedric et'Ada (legendary beings similar to Daedra that sacrificed their immortality to create the world). The Scrolls themselves usually cannot be translated nor transcribed. There exists a sect of monks—the Order of the Ancestor Moths—who devote their lives to the reading and interpreting of the Elder Scrolls.<ref name="The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion" /> Reading the Scrolls takes a huge toll on the monks' vision. Senior members who read the Scrolls wear blindfolds at all times when they are not divining the Scrolls' content and retired Moth Priests are always completely blind. Attempting to read the Elder Scrolls without training always results in failure and immediate blindness. Cosmically important individuals, or individuals that are the subject of prophecy, have been able to see the unencrypted writing on the Elder Scrolls without the associated rituals or resulting blindness. A book entitled ''Lost Histories of Tamriel'' provides further insight on the Elder Scrolls, stating that when any event has actually occurred, it sets itself unchangeably into the Scrolls, and no action, magical or otherwise, can alter this.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Lost_Histories_of_Tamriel |title=Lost Histories of Tamriel |publisher=UESP |accessdate=January 18, 2011 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211132418/http://uesp.net/wiki/Lore%3ALost_Histories_of_Tamriel |archivedate=February 11, 2011 }}</ref> In ''The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim'', the Scrolls are described as "fragments of creation" (a reference to the creation-myth associated with the Aedra), and play a vital role in the main quest-line. They are said to be very powerful artifacts and without training or worthiness, one may go insane trying to decipher them. The player is tasked with retrieving an Elder Scroll from an expansive Dwemer ruin known as Blackreach, located underground. During gameplay, if the player tries to read the Elder Scroll, they will go temporarily blind. It is discovered that the Elder Scroll was used by the ancient Nords to battle Alduin, the ancient [[Dragon]] prophesied to swallow the world, inadvertently sending him forward in time. The player character uses the Scroll to [[time travel|travel back in time]] to gain the knowledge of how the Nords were able to combat Alduin. It is also described that the number of the Scrolls is unknown not because of their immense quantity, but because the number itself is unknowable, as the Scrolls "do not exist in countable form." The actual number and placement of Elder Scrolls fluctuates constantly as it is said that they technically exist and do not exist at the same time. This makes their predictions difficult to cite authoritatively because entire Scrolls or entries can change or vanish as events transpire. This unpredictability has caused other ascetic groups, such as the Greybeards from Skyrim, to find the existence of the Elder Scrolls a blasphemy. In ''The Elder Scrolls V: Dawnguard'', Lord Harkon attempts to use the Elder Scrolls to blot out the sun so that the vampires can overwhelm Tamriel. Whether the player joins the vampires or the vampire hunters referred to as the Dawnguard, they will find a Moth Priest, Dexion Evicus, to read the Scrolls that are collected. Once collected, the Moth Priest reveals that he has become blind, not having prepared himself properly in his hurry to read the first Scroll. So he tells the player of a ritual allowing the player to read the Scrolls. The ritual involves harvesting bark from a special Canticle Tree and using it to bring Ancestor Moths to a shaft of light and reading all three Scrolls to find Auriel's Bow. The Moth Priest Dexion states that Ancestor Moths can give a person the connection to the divine augur that is necessary to truly read the Scrolls. === Future === At [[E3 2016]], [[Bethesda Game Studios]] director [[Todd Howard (video game designer)|Todd Howard]] reported that the studio was already working on a sixth installment in ''The Elder Scrolls'' franchise, although it would still be "a very long way off"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/13/e3-2016-bethesda-is-working-on-the-elder-scrolls-6 |title=E3 2016: Bethesda Is Working on The Elder Scrolls 6 |first=Joe |last=Skrebels |date=13 June 2016 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[IGN Entertainment]] |accessdate=13 June 2017}}</ref> and at [[E3 2017]], [[Bethesda Softworks]] vice president of [[public relations]] stated that no new title was in active development, and that they have "at least two major titles" to complete before this would change.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/the-elder-scrolls-6-isnt-in-development/ |title=The Elder Scrolls 6 isn't in development |first=Fraser |last=Brown |date=13 June 2017 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |accessdate=13 June 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613125624/http://www.pcgamer.com/the-elder-scrolls-6-isnt-in-development/ |archivedate=June 13, 2017 }}</ref> At [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018|E3 2018]], Howard revealed a small teaser trailer for ''The Elder Scrolls VI'' and announced that it would be released following ''[[Starfield (video game)|Starfield]]''.<ref name=":0" /> == Related media == In 2009, science-fiction author [[Gregory Keyes]] released ''[[The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal City]]'', a novel set approximately 40 years after the Oblivion Crisis. ''[[Lord of Souls]]'' was released in 2011 as Keyes' second novel in his ''The Elder Scrolls'' book series. On August 1, 2013, Bethesda revealed ''The Elder Scrolls Anthology'' for the PC, a compilation of all five of ''The Elder Scrolls'' games, including all of the expansions to ''Morrowind'', ''Oblivion'' and ''Skyrim''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bethblog.com/2013/08/07/the-complete-elder-scrolls-collection-comes-to-pc-this-september/ |title=The Complete Elder Scrolls Collection comes to PC this September (Updated) |date=August 7, 2013 |accessdate=August 10, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810031420/http://www.bethblog.com/2013/08/07/the-complete-elder-scrolls-collection-comes-to-pc-this-september/ |archivedate=August 10, 2013 }}</ref> == Reception == {{Video game series reviews | updated = | gr = yes | game1 = [[The Elder Scrolls: Arena]] | gr1 = (PC) 80%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/564545-the-elder-scrolls-arena/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls: Arena Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109032214/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/564545-the-elder-scrolls-arena/index.html |archivedate=January 9, 2015 }}</ref> | mc1 = — | game2 = [[The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall]] | gr2 = (PC) 79%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/29065-the-elder-scrolls-chapter-ii-daggerfall/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109032601/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/29065-the-elder-scrolls-chapter-ii-daggerfall/index.html |archivedate=January 9, 2015 }}</ref> | mc2 = — | game3 = [[An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire]] | gr3 = (PC) 63%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/196728-an-elder-scrolls-legend-battlespire/index.html |title=An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110043912/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/196728-an-elder-scrolls-legend-battlespire/index.html |archivedate=January 10, 2015 }}</ref> | mc3 = — | game4 = [[The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard]] | gr4 = (PC) 78%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/71565-the-elder-scrolls-adventures-redguard/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110043545/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/71565-the-elder-scrolls-adventures-redguard/index.html |archivedate=January 10, 2015 }}</ref> | mc4 = — | game5 = [[The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind]] | gr5 = (PC) 89%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/913818-the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109032629/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/913818-the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind/index.html |archivedate=January 9, 2015 }}</ref><br />(Xbox) 87%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/480241-the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012154017/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/480241-the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind/index.html |archivedate=October 12, 2014 }}</ref> | mc5 = (PC) 89<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223155001/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind |archivedate=February 23, 2015 }}</ref><br />(Xbox) 87<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226043451/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/the-elder-scrolls-iii-morrowind |archivedate=February 26, 2015 }}</ref> | game6 = [[The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal]] | gr6 = (PC) 81%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/914491-the-elder-scrolls-iii-tribunal/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207031752/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/914491-the-elder-scrolls-iii-tribunal/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc6 = (PC) 80<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iii-tribunal |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Tribunal Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118034533/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iii-tribunal |archivedate=January 18, 2015 }}</ref> | game7 = [[The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon]] | gr7 = (PC) 83%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/589642-the-elder-scrolls-iii-bloodmoon/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207032211/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/589642-the-elder-scrolls-iii-bloodmoon/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc7 = (PC) 85<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iii-bloodmoon |title=The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221202759/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iii-bloodmoon |archivedate=February 21, 2015 }}</ref> | game8 = [[The Elder Scrolls Travels#Shadowkey|The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey]] | gr8 = ([[N-Gage (device)|NG]]) 56%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/920555-the-elder-scrolls-travels-shadowkey/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls Travels: Shadowkey |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=3 February 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203163925/http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/920555-the-elder-scrolls-travels-shadowkey/index.html |archivedate=February 3, 2017 }}</ref> | mc8 = — | game9 = [[The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion]] | gr9 = (X360) 94%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/927345-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203091000/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/927345-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/index.html |archivedate=December 3, 2014 }}</ref><br />(PC) 93%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/924363-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203091519/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/924363-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/index.html |archivedate=December 3, 2014 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 93%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/934605-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107024219/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/934605-the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion/index.html |archivedate=January 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc9 = (X360) 94<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129005913/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |archivedate=January 29, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PC) 94<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203115854/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |archivedate=February 3, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 93<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203054740/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-iv-oblivion |archivedate=February 3, 2015 }}</ref> | game10 = [[The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine]] | gr10 = (PC) 83%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/936112-the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207025949/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/936112-the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc10 = (PC) 81<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622100533/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-knights-of-the-nine |archivedate=June 22, 2015 }}</ref> | game11 = [[The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles]] | gr11 = (X360) 88%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/937897-the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207024754/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/937897-the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PC) 87%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/937555-the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207035211/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/937555-the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc11 = (X360) 86<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601234029/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles |archivedate=June 1, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PC) 86<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles |title=The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622100559/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-iv-shivering-isles |archivedate=June 22, 2015 }}</ref> | game12 = [[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]] | gr12 = (X360) 95%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207110607/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/615803-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PC) 94%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203063921/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/615805-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/index.html |archivedate=February 3, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 88%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221132655/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/615804-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/index.html |archivedate=February 21, 2015 }}</ref> | mc12 = (X360) 96<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710131820/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim |archivedate=July 10, 2017 }}</ref><br />(PC) 94<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208053622/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim |archivedate=February 8, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 92<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210220859/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim |archivedate=February 10, 2015 }}</ref> | game13 = [[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard]] | gr13 = (PS3) 79%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/677873-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dawnguard/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207030753/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/677873-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dawnguard/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(X360) 76%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/669743-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dawnguard/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207024655/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/669743-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dawnguard/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PC) 69%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/677874-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dawnguard/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207032307/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/677874-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dawnguard/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc13 = (PS3) 79<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dawnguard |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224134307/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dawnguard |archivedate=February 24, 2015 }}</ref><br />(X360) 73<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dawnguard |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606235015/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dawnguard |archivedate=June 6, 2017 }}</ref><br />(PC) 66<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dawnguard |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303211527/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dawnguard |archivedate=March 3, 2015 }}</ref> | game14 = [[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire]] | gr14 = (PS3) 74%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/700163-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-hearthfire/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207025235/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/700163-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-hearthfire/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(X360) 62%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/681574-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-hearthfire/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207031209/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/681574-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-hearthfire/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc14 = (PS3) 69<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---hearthfire |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225054222/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---hearthfire |archivedate=February 25, 2015 }}</ref><br />(X360) 54<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---hearthfire |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Hearthfire Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330060906/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---hearthfire |archivedate=March 30, 2015 }}</ref> | game15 = [[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn]] | gr15 = (PS3) 83%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/692416-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dragonborn/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207032001/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/692416-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dragonborn/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PC) 83%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/692417-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dragonborn/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207030232/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/692417-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dragonborn/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref><br />(X360) 83%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/689059-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dragonborn/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207030445/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/689059-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-dragonborn/index.html |archivedate=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> | mc15 = (PC) 83<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dragonborn |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320100332/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dragonborn |archivedate=March 20, 2015 }}</ref><br />(PS3) 82<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dragonborn |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217054941/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dragonborn |archivedate=February 17, 2015 }}</ref><br />(X360) 82<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dragonborn |title=The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonborn Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714211639/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim---dragonborn |archivedate=July 14, 2017 }}</ref> | game16 = [[The Elder Scrolls Online]] | gr16 = (PC) 71%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/669684-the-elder-scrolls-online/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls Online Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215003900/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/669684-the-elder-scrolls-online/index.html |archivedate=February 15, 2015 }}</ref> | mc16 = (PC) 71<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-online |title=The Elder Scrolls Online Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=February 6, 2015 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208070412/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-online |archivedate=February 8, 2015 }}</ref> | game17 = [[The Elder Scrolls: Legends]] | gr17 = (PC) 82%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/168522-the-elder-scrolls-legends/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls: Legends Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=August 1, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629024158/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/168522-the-elder-scrolls-legends/index.html |archivedate=June 29, 2017 }}</ref><br />(iOS) 77%<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/168523-the-elder-scrolls-legends/index.html |title=The Elder Scrolls: Legends Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=August 1, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801175134/http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/168523-the-elder-scrolls-legends/index.html |archivedate=August 1, 2017 }}</ref> | mc17 = (PC) 80<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-legends |title=The Elder Scrolls: Legends Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=August 1, 2017 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414051654/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/the-elder-scrolls-legends |archivedate=April 14, 2017 }}</ref> }} {{expand section|date=September 2012}} In 2012, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked ''The Elder Scrolls'' at number 20 on the list of the best video game franchises.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/the-elder-scrolls |title=The Elder Scrolls - The 50 Best Video Game Franchises - Complex |author=Elton Jones |date=September 25, 2012 |work=Complex |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928035115/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/the-50-best-video-game-franchises/the-elder-scrolls |archivedate=September 28, 2012 }}</ref> In 2013, ''The Elder Scrolls'' was voted as the Greatest Game Series of the Decade on [[GameSpot]], beating out 64 other competitors. ''The Elder Scrolls'' reached the final round, beating the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series by a margin of 52.5% of the vote for ''The Elder Scrolls'' to 47.5% for ''Grand Theft Auto''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/videos/greatest-game-series-of-the-decade-winner-the-elde/2300-6415146/ |title=Greatest Game Series of the Decade winner: The Elder Scrolls |publisher=GameSpot |date=September 30, 2013 |accessdate=November 16, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118083724/http://www.gamespot.com/videos/greatest-game-series-of-the-decade-winner-the-elde/2300-6415146/ |archivedate=November 18, 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Elder Scrolls voted game series of the decade |url=http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/elder-scrolls-voted-game-series-decade/ |title=Elder Scrolls voted game series of the decade |publisher=Attack of the Fanboy |date=September 12, 2013 |accessdate=November 16, 2013 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123071259/http://attackofthefanboy.com/news/elder-scrolls-voted-game-series-decade/ |archivedate=November 23, 2013 }}</ref> == Controversy == In August 2011, Bethesda Softworks contacted the developer of ''[[Minecraft]]'', [[Mojang]], claiming that the intended trademark of the title ''[[Scrolls (video game)|Scrolls]]'' for its new game breached Bethesda's trademark on ''The Elder Scrolls''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/ |title=Minecraft studio threatened with suit by Bethesda over 'Scrolls' title |work=Engadget |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028072143/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/minecraft-studio-being-sued-by-bethesda-over-scrolls-title/ |archivedate=October 28, 2012 }}</ref> On March 10, 2012, [[Markus Persson]] tweeted that the two had come to an agreement over the use of the name. The agreement prohibits Mojang from using the title ''Scrolls'' in any future sequels of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/mojang-cant-use-scrolls-in-any-sequels-to-scrolls-lawsuit/|title=Mojang can't use 'Scrolls' in any sequels to 'Scrolls,' lawsuit dictates|work=Engadget}}</ref> {{Clear}} == References == {{Reflist|30em}} == External links == {{Wikipedia books|The Elder Scrolls series}} * {{Official website|www.elderscrolls.com}} {{The Elder Scrolls}} {{ZeniMax Media}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Elder Scrolls, The}} [[Category:The Elder Scrolls| ]] [[Category:Action role-playing video games]] [[Category:Open world video games]] [[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1994]] [[Category:Video games adapted into novels]]'