The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis certainly getting on in years. The game turns ten this November, and the 2016Special Editionwill soon be as old as the original was when Bethesda released it. Some might even start to wonder if and whenSkyrimmight a full-fledged remaster.
Neither Microsoft nor Bethesda have hinted at any such plans for the immensely popular action RPG. However, one fan took it upon themselves to show the world whatSkyrimwould look like in theearly access version ofUnreal Engine 5.
RELATED:Starfield’s Faction System Can’t Make the Same Mistakes as Skyrim
The highly detailed 3D render comes from freelance asset designer Chris G, who goes by Hall 00117 on YouTube. The 2-minute video shows off his recreation of Whiterun’s Western Watchtower. Fans will remember that as the location ofSkyrim’sfirst Dragon battle. Chris only rendered the tower’s exterior and immediate surroundings, but what is there looks fantastic. The grass and shrubs are lush and dense, while the tattered Imperial banners flutter realistically in the wind.
Skyrimnever looked so beautiful, though it certainly matches how many fans want to remember their favorite game. As of this writing, the video is sitting at just under 169,000 views and around 6,000 likes. It’s just over 2 minutes long, and fans should definitely check it out if they want something to inspire them to pickSkyrimback up all over again.
Chris G’s render also prompted some discussion about the possibility of an official, or fan-made remaster using modern graphics. The latter sparked some disagreement over how practical it might be, with detractors pointing out the nightmarishly long development time for similar projects. An official remaster, on the other hand, might not be impossible, assuming Bethesda was interested. However, that would likely take resources away from thestill-in-developmentStarfieldandElder Scrolls 6.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda also raises the specter of Xbox and Windows PC exclusivity. Not to mention that many gamers would be essentially buying the same product thrice. However, based on responses to the video, some fans seem willing to pay that price.
In addition to theSkyrimrender, Chris G also recreated Goodsprings fromFallout: New Vegasin Unreal Engine 4. Posted back in April, the dusty not-quite ghost town looks fantastic in a modern engine. TheNew Vegasrender also triggered discussion of a possible remaster. But, again, it seems unlikely, although less so now, withthe once feuding Obsidian and Bethesdaunited under Microsoft’s banner.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis available on PC, PS3, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
