Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s reveal trailer dropped several weeks ago, and many fans of the series were surprised by the art style that was represented in the trailer. WhileDragon Agehas never been a realistic series, and the art style inDragon Agehas never remained consistent between games, the simplified, 3D cartoonlike style of theDragon Age: The Veilguardtrailerwas a step in a very unexpected direction for many fans. The release of the gameplay trailer shortly after showcased a less cartoony art style, but it is still clear that the art ofDragon Age: The Veilguardis in a different direction to that of its predecessors.
It’s been a while since Bethesda has released any substantive news aboutThe Elder Scrolls 6’s development, including its possible art style.The Elder Scrollsseries differs fromDragon Agein that its art style remains relatively consistent from installment to installment, with only the improvements in game development technology and narrative design marking any real changes. While there are many good reasons to changeThe Elder Scrolls 6’s art style, there’s also a clear case to keep the art style the same.
How The Art Style of The Elder Scrolls 6 Could Change
Setting has proven to be one of the most important factors in the art style inThe Elder Scrolls, as it defines the architecture, landscape, and design of even organic beings such as people and animals. For example, the horses inThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion, found in a very temperate Cyrodiil, are far more graceful and leaner than the stout and hardy horses found inSkyrim. WithThe Elder Scrolls 6’s rumored move to Hammerfellwould come the opportunity to lean into another different art style, and hopefully one that is more visually striking thanSkyrimorOblivion’s.
It has also been13 years sinceSkyrim’s release. Game development technology has taken massive steps forward, and it may be time to giveThe Elder Scrolls 6a revamp. While the art style inThe Elder Scrollsis fine, it’s not unique or distinctive in any way, and refining the art style could go a long way in defining the series, especially after such a long gap betweenSkyrimandThe Elder Scrolls 6.
Why The Art Style of The Elder Scrolls 6 Shouldn’t Change
Alternatively,Bethesda could choose to leaveThe Elder Scrolls 6’s art style unchanged. Consistency across a series is desirable to retain its identity and, while this is less common in video games than it is in TV shows and movies, consistency is important for brand awareness and genre for audiences. As seen with the reception of theDragon Age: The Veilguard’s reveal trailer, pivoting the art style too much can result in backlash from some fans, who may feel as if the spirit of the games is lost.
The Elder Scrollsalready has interesting art to draw from thanks to the many cultures present in Tamriel.Dunmer, Nord, and Redguard artall have visually striking and distinct styles that would be difficult to translate exactly to a 3D video game, but could absolutely influence a unique art style that still remains true toThe Elder Scrolls. IfThe Elder Scrolls 6is set in Hammerfell, the location and culture of the Redguards could prove to be the perfect opportunity to create a more stylized art style that makesThe Elder Scrolls 6immediately identifiable.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
WHERE TO PLAY
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