Summary
- Bethesda opted not to make more Skyrim DLC due to creative desires to explore new projects like Fallout 4 and Starfield.
- Memory limits on previous consoles prevented additional Skyrim expansions after three were released.
Skyrim's lead designer Bruce Nesmith has confirmed why the studio did not continue to make any more expansions for its hit RPG. After its launch, Skyrim received three expansions: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn, the last of which was released in late 2012.
To this day, Skyrim remains a unique experience that few other games can compete with. Thanks to the game's dedicated modding community, Skyrim has been kept alive and modernized, and it's incredible to see what gamers have done with the title. It's easy to forget that official support for the game ended so long ago, despite the releases of Skyrim: Special Edition and Skyrim VR. It's not often a game stands the test of time like this, with some even calling for more Skyrim DLC ahead of The Elder Scrolls 6's l aunch, although it's clear at this point that won't happen.
In an interview with VideoGamer, Skyrim's lead designer Bruce Nesmith has confirmed why Bethesda decided not to pursue any more than the game's three expansions, despite its enormous success. According to Nesmith, more Skyrim DLCs were "not on the table," with most individuals at the studio looking to "exercise new creative muscles" with the development of Fallout 4 and later, Starfield. "Imagine if Skyrim had never been made, and all we kept doing was just completely reinventing Oblivion. You know, what a crying shame that would be," he pointed out.
Bethesda Developers Wanted To Make Something New Instead of Skyrim DLC
Not everyone at the developer shared the exact same sentiment, with Nesmith acknowledging that some individuals "came to Bethesda simply because they wanted to work on fantasy titles." It wasn't all down to creative fatigue, though. The memory limits on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 meant that adding more expansions simply wasn't possible, confirming that Skyrim was already "straining those limits," and Bethesda "physically could not add another DLC without breaking the game.” At least each Skyrim expansion added something totally unique to the experience, rounding out the final product perfectly.
Imagine if Skyrim had never been made, and all we kept doing was just completely reinventing Oblivion. You know, what a crying shame that would be.
Although Skyrim launched back in 2011, Elder Scrolls 6 has still not been released by Bethesda. It was actually revealed back in 2018, and remains one of the top upcoming RPGs gamers are excited about. Many believe Bethesda revealed the game's existence too early. Regardless, it doesn't change the fact that the ongoing 13-year wait for a new title in the series is almost unbelievable, given Skyrim's success. With Starfield's release last year, the hope is that the studio is now largely focused on finally bringing Elder Scrolls 6 to players.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
- Released
- November 11, 2011
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda Softworks
WHERE TO PLAY
Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim celebrates 10 years of adventuring in stunning detail. The Anniversary Edition includes a decade worth of content: the critically acclaimed core game and add-ons of Skyrim Special Edition, plus Creation Club content released on or prior to November 11, 2021.
EPIC FANTASY REBORN
Skyrim reimagines and revolutionizes the open-world fantasy epic, bringing to life a complete virtual world open for you to explore any way you choose.
LIVE ANOTHER LIFE, IN ANOTHER WORLD
Play any type of character you can imagine, and do whatever you want; the legendary freedom of choice, storytelling, and adventure of The Elder Scrolls is realized like never before.
YOU ARE WHAT YOU PLAY
Choose from hundreds of weapons, spells, and abilities. The new character system allows you to play any way you want and define yourself through your actions.
BATTLE DRAGONS
Battle ancient dragons like you’ve never seen. As Dragonborn, learn their secrets and harness their power for yourself.
- Engine
- Creation Engine
- Cross-Platform Play
- no
- Cross Save
- no
- Expansions
- Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard
- Franchise
- The Elder Scrolls
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- yes
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 35 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium (Special Edition)
- File Size Xbox Series
- 29 GB (DECEMBER 2023)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
