When it comes to having a few too many editions, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim takes the cake. As of this moment, there's a Standard, Legendary, Special, VR, and Anniversary Edition. Each of these comes with its own unique changes and content additions, but have also caused a bit of a problem within the community.
While new editions aren't inherently a bad thing, how Skyrim has done it has whipped up a storm of trouble. This has caused to fans notoriously debate things like whether the Special or Anniversary Editions of Skyrim are superior. The Elder Scrolls 6 should avoid recreating this issue, opting for a healthier long-term plan.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Needs Far Fewer Editions Than Skyrim
When it comes to new editions, players typically expect a revitalized version of the same game, often with new content or changes to certain features. For example, when the Special Edition of Skyrim came out, it offered a more next-gen experience that overhauled much of the game's graphics and textures. Usually, this would be an objectively good thing, as an updated experience ultimately offers a more fulfilling one. However, for a game like Skyrim, it messes with one of the game's most iconic aspects: its modding community.
Modding has long been a part of The Elder Scrolls community, with there having been mods for The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind all the way back in 2002. But with new editions comes new coding that must be done in order to accommodate it. When Skyrim's Special Edition was released, one of the biggest issues players had with it was the fact that all the mods that had been made for the Standard/Legendary Edition were not compatible with it.
When Skyrim's Anniversary Edition came out, this event was sort of replicated, with many fans complaining that even those who had not purchased the Anniversary Edition had their mods broken. For that reason, it is important for The Elder Scrolls 6 to aim to have far fewer editions than Skyrim.
Though they may sell well, multiple editions cause issues with core aspects of its community that should not be overlooked. Not only that, but having to constantly purchase new editions of the same game over the course of a decade or longer could be tiring for those who are just eager for the next installment. Regardless of the differences between Skyrim's several editions, it does not change the fact that the inclusion of a new edition can be somewhat disruptive for many who enjoy the game how it is.
This is an especially important lesson for The Elder Scrolls 6 to learn from. After all, one of the biggest reasons Skyrim is still largely popular today is due to the fact that its modding community has put in a significant amount of work in creating content for it. They help keep the game fresh and entertaining so that it can still be enjoyed over a decade after its original release. Some of Skyrim's best mods add new weapons and even expansive new locations to explore, piling onto the already infinite content that Skyrim possesses outside its main campaign. But having too many editions could discourage all of this, hence why The Elder Scrolls 6 should avoid having too many editions.
Though The Elder Scrolls 6's release date may still be several years away, that just means Bethesda has more time to hash out a better plan for how it will approach post-launch content. With any luck, that plan could have way fewer editions than Skyrim has.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
