Summary
Skyrimis a game that has established a firm place in the public eye, and it’s unlikely that any other game will displace it. Even though it has now been 12 years sinceSkyrimfirst came out, it’s still about as relevant now as it was upon release. It has managed to achieve a position that few games manage to achieve, and it’s difficult to imagine it falling out of it. Even with Bethesda coming out with other games in the meantime, with more planned for the future,Skyrimprobably won’t stop being its crown jewel anytime soon.
Even without taking into accountSkyrim’s remarkable sales records, the game has made a remarkable impression. WhileThe Elder Scrollswas already a respected series,Skyrimlaunched it into the mainstream in a way that past installments couldn’t dream of. Of course, the fact that it’s a game from Bethesda, one of the more renowned companies involved in Western RPGs, did give it a boost. Even so, the success ofSkyrimwas largely due to its own quality, as well as the memorable nature of the game itself.Skyrimwas Bethesda’s greatest triumph to date, with nothing else in its catalog able to challenge it.
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Skyrim Has Become a Phenomenon Like Few Other Games
Skyrim is One of Few Games to Be Better for Its Memes
Skyrim has emerged as one of thebest open-world games of all timein the eyes of many, thanks to both the gameplay and the adventure that it guides the player through. The province of Skyrim is huge, with many quests to accomplish, enemies to fight, and potential allies to team up with. The player can explore every corner of the world, and almost always find something noteworthy, significantly expanding the game’s longevity even for veteran players. The world ofSkyrimis one of the most well-crafted in the medium, and players can keep revisiting it year after year with new characters to experience the game in new ways.
WhileThe Elder Scrollswas already a respected series,Skyrimlaunched it into the mainstream in a way that past installments couldn’t dream of.
Although the idea sounds a bit crass,memes inThe Elder Scrollshave also proven to be a memorable aspect of the series, and that applies toSkyrimbetter than any other character in the series. Of course, there is the infamous “arrow in the knee” line, but the game has other, far more enduring moments. There is the opening sequence that has been referenced innumerable times, as well as the “Fus Ro Dah” shout that became one of the game’s most iconic attacks. These aspects ofSkyrimhave become so ingrained in pop culture that even those who haven’t played the game could recognize them.
Skyrim Has Yet to Be Bested by a Later Bethesda Game
It’s worth noting the fact thatSkyrimhas more Steam players thanStarfield, which should speak volumes forSkyrim’s longevity. WhileStarfielddid face criticism post-launch, the fact that 13-year-oldSkyrimis still on top is incredible. It shows that another Bethesda game coming along, even one as heavily hyped asStarfield, isn’t enough to dethrone it. WhenThe Elder Scrolls 6is released, there’s no guarantee that it will be able to takeSkyrim’s place either, and if anything, it could end up being seen as the inferior title. It will take something amazing for Bethesda’s next game to replicate its overall impact.
Skyrimmay be old, but it’s a gaming landmark. WhileElder Scrolls 6can draw inspiration fromSkyrim, there’s no guarantee that it will be seen as the better game in the long run. In a climate where even well-made games can come and go without receiving a lot of recognition,Skyrimhas not only earned a place in the mainstream, it’s easily one of the most iconic titles of the past two console generations. While more games will continue to be released as the years go on,Skyrim’s place in pop culture will remain firm.
