Oblivion Remastered Hype Proves Why an Elder Scrolls TV Series Must Happen

We have come a long way from the era of video game adaptations being failures that go unnoticed. HBO’s The Last of Us season 2 is currently dominating the television landscape, while Minecraft has proven to be a massive success with families at the box office.

Another TV series that enjoyed success in recent years was Fallout from Amazon’s Prime Video studios, in collaboration with Bethesda. This sci-fi show, as humorous as it was violent, struck the perfect balance of references for fans of the post-apocalyptic games while also creating a fresh narrative that captured the attention of new audiences.

Amazon

The success of Fallout has raised hopes that Bethesda now has the expertise to tackle another popular franchise currently in the spotlight, The Elder Scrolls fantasy game series.

The recent release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered garnered an impressive four million downloads within the first four days, showcasing the dedicated fanbase this universe possesses.

I was one of the players who eagerly watched the stream, marveling at the updated visuals of the Imperial City and Emperor Uriel Septim VII. I purchased the title on the same day, although I had to wait for my Xbox Series S to download the massive 120GB game.

After spending several hours in Oblivion, it has reignited the intricate storylines that I believe deserve to be enjoyed by non-gamers on television screens as well. The Elder Scrolls series, particularly 2011’s Skyrim, with its numerous remastered versions, could also be a strong contender for a TV adaptation.

An Elder Scrolls television series is a no-brainer, and here are three reasons why:

The vast world of Tamriel

While Prime Video’s Fallout explores steampunk towns in a desolate California landscape, an Elder Scrolls TV series offers a more fantastical setting that would appeal to fans of franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. Tamriel, the continent in the Elder Scrolls universe, provides not only diverse landscapes but also multiple races and rich lore to delve into.

Bethesda

Oblivion’s province of Cyrodiil, home to the Imperials, offers a diverse and lush environment, with the majestic Imperial City at its center. From the charming streets of Chorrol to the shady alleys of Bravil, each city has its own unique characteristics. The landscapes in between are filled with vibrant colors and wildflowers, making it visually appealing.

Skyrim, inhabited by the Nords, may not be as picturesque, but its rugged mountains, snowy outposts, and enchanting Northern Lights create a harsh yet captivating setting. The presence of dragons soaring overhead adds an element of fantasy to the landscape.

Even if a potential TV series does not directly adapt Elder Scrolls IV or V, there are numerous other lands to explore, such as the jungles of Elsweyr inhabited by the Khajiit race or the desert dunes of Hammerfell, home to the Redguards. The possibilities are endless for a skilled writer.

Hannah Cowton-Barnes / Foundry

The gripping guilds

Many Elder Scrolls players, myself included, believe that some of the most compelling stories come from side quests and guilds. The Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion and the Thieves Guild in Skyrim are standout guild storylines that can be seamlessly adapted into a TV series, offering intriguing characters and plots.

Both guilds provide ample material for a television show, and the diverse range of guilds in the Elder Scrolls universe offers endless possibilities for adaptation.

The meme-ability

Similar to Fallout, the Elder Scrolls series has a sense of humor that can create memorable and shareable moments. Characters like the Adoring Fan and the Daedric Prince of Madness, Sheogorath, offer opportunities for comedic and viral content that could attract new audiences to a TV adaptation.