Essentially, Skyrim Never Ends

A game launches tomorrow that may not ever really end. The main story will, but your adventure won't.

It's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and according to what director Todd Howard told Wired.com, the game's Radiant quest system will allow for a continuous stream of "procedurally generated content," which essentially means players will always have something to do.

As Howard said- "The vibe of the game is that it’s something that you can play forever." Yeah, well, I knew it felt that way; I didn't realize you could literally play forever. The way it works is that the quest system randomly generates new missions based on your progress in the game. So someone might send you to a place you haven't discovered yet, for instance. In truth, the "options are endless."

Even when you complete the quest chains for certain groups, like the Companions or the Thieves Guild, you can go back and pick up randomly generated quests from time to time. It just won't stop. Basically, Bethesda wanted to emphasize their vision of "environmental storytelling," so you'll see the bigger picture of Skyrim slowly unfold as you pick up pieces here and there. It's kind of what they did with Fallout 3, but Howard says they've found "a few new tricks and gotten better at old ones."

"The most enjoyable part of the Radiant system won’t be completing quests, he says, it’ll be the things you discover along the way: bandit-infested fortresses, or a terrifying lighthouse. The world is probably the one thing that sets [Skyrim] apart from other games. It feels really real for what it is … It’s just fun to explore."

Expect our review later on today.

Related Game(s): The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Tags: skyrim, the elder scrolls v, bethesda, elder scrolls 5

11/10/2011 10:41:25 AM Ben Dutka

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Comments (52 posts)

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Dante399
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:02:31 AM
Reply

Innovations like that make the game world alive. How lucky are we?!

4 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:07:52 AM
Reply

... And so we seem to be one step closer to a truly virtual world to roleplay in. It sounds almost too cool to be true.

Excited, me? You betcha. This is the direction I've always wanted games to evolve.

2 up, 0 down

Zemus101
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:09:43 AM
Reply

I'm going to try and pick this one up at midnight, though it's not very likely the store I'll be going to will even have it. Worse case I go to Walmart tomorrow morning/afternoon.

Can't wait to read a pure PS3 review there, Ben. Hoping our version is more than decent this time around :D

Last edited by Zemus101 on 11/10/2011 11:10:12 AM

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:16:16 PM

Bear in mind I'm using the 360 version for review, although I've seen both.

1 up, 3 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:32:07 PM

Zemus, *if* that comparison video that's posted on the PSXE forums now is true we got not only a descent version, but the *better* version.
No, really. Go see for yourself!

1 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:57:29 PM

That sucks Ben. I am not overly concerned about the PS3 vs 360 comparisons, but I am concerned over frame rate issues. IE - Does the PS3 have any!

4 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 1:15:16 PM

I'm with Pontiac here, of course I'm well know for being not a fan of the franchise but I'm interested if the game ends being enough different to give it a chance, and Dragon Age on the 360 was the way to go on console hope that doesn't happen with this.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:38:29 PM

Why would the send you the review copy for 360?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:54:08 PM

It was a mistake.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 8:11:55 PM

They sent the 360 version to PSNation as well. I guess they didn't anticipate reviewers actually playing games on the PS3 (since most clearly do not).

You'd think the "PS" in the sites' names would be a clue. ;P

0 up, 0 down

Mr Bubbles IGR
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:16:12 AM
Reply

Is very excited to purchase my first elder scrolls game. I've only rented oblivion, and did not like it. Since Ben also disliked oblivion and appears to be enjoying skyrim, then that make me all the more confident that i'll enjoy this too. ^_^

I've read other reviews already but they were for the 360 and not ps3, I hope that the ps3 version has the same standard of quality as the 360.

Last edited by Mr Bubbles IGR on 11/10/2011 11:17:50 AM

2 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:34:13 AM
Reply

I played Fallout 3 for about a year, so I can believe that with Skyrim.

This is exactly how I see GT5.

0 up, 1 down

Turbey
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:35:39 AM
Reply

What about the completionists?

2 up, 0 down

WYO1016
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:43:50 AM

They should probably find a different game. This would probably be like torture to them!

5 up, 0 down

Jdogtoocool
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 11:51:44 AM
Reply

That's gonna annoy me because I like to go in there and finish up everything. Platinumed Dragon Age that way

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:01:45 PM

There will obviously be a platinum trophy on Skyrim too.

1 up, 0 down

big6
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:13:25 PM
Reply

As long there is a level cap, it won't make any difference what they do with randomly-generated content/missions.

I was totally addicted to Fallout 3 right up until I hit the dreaded level cap. After that, I loss all desire to play and sold it. I'm expecting the same experience with Skyrim. (though I did pre-order it)

LEVEL CAPS should not exist in games!

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:35:24 PM

For levels to have any meaning there has to be a cap. You can't raise your stats and perks forever? But it should be really, really high. I agree that we hit level cap way too soon in the Fallout games. I try to *avoid* levelling in those games, to make them last longer. :D

Last edited by Beamboom on 11/10/2011 12:35:41 PM

2 up, 0 down

big6
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:42:05 PM

Yes, but there are ways around it. For instance, they could just make the next level extremely long to attain...like well beyond the normal curve they use for previous levels.
At least, this way, you still feel like you're doing something and progressing, rather than just stopping.
As for abilities at the next level, they could limit that as well, or keep it, but since the level is so long to reach, the player might just finish the game before he gets there.
Bottom line is, at least there's still the sense of progression, which generates desire to play and move ahead in the game.
Level caps are like a wall.

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:49:58 PM

That we agree with. It should be something to reach for, grind for, not something you cap just by playing the main story.
As a comparison, a mmorpg I played a while ago there were 200 levels plus an additional 100 special levels. They all had content too. I played it for 4 years and did not reach level cap on a single character. :D
The levels progressively took longer to reach and the last 20-30 levels required an insane amount of XP each.

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:07:44 PM

@Beamboom - sounds like you're talking about Maple Story am I right? Though there are games with higher level caps like Trickster that goes up to 400, and Tibia that has no level cap at all.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:19:01 PM

Nope - Anarchy Online! 200 regular levels (later raised to 220) plus an "Alien Perk System" that in effect were an additional 100 levels that could be gained in certain areas only (via the "Alien Invasion" expansion).

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:28:27 PM

Ah. Forgot about that one. And it's still going kinda strong for a ten year old, or so, game.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:02:46 PM

I know! That makes it one of the longest running mmorpgs on the market. Pretty darn cool.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:40:10 PM

They raise the level cap with DLC.

0 up, 0 down

wenezz
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:47:01 PM
Reply

there goes the rest of my life; living in another world.

4 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 12:53:42 PM
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Sounds very exciting, and the review is today :)

0 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 1:05:06 PM
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Sounds like a GOTY candidate to me. Well done Bethesda.

1 up, 0 down

anjpikapp3
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 1:22:52 PM
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Sounds like awesomeness....but does anyone know if the PC version and the PS3 versions are the similar? I am really on the wall of which version to buy. I would hate to get the PS3 version if it has restrictions like level of play and DLC but i really want to play this on my big screen...any suggestions?

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:21:00 PM

In terms of content, all versions are pretty much the same so either one will work for you, though Xbox gets the DLC a month in advance :( I'm picking up the PC version so I can have access to all the modded content that will be coming out. The previous Elder Scrolls games have thousands of hours of extra content available each, thanks to mods, and Skyrim will be no exception.

3 up, 0 down

anjpikapp3
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:27:39 PM

@ Geobaldi:

Thanks so much for the inupt! I will be picking up the PC version tonight!

0 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:29:06 PM

Always go with PC for this kind of games the modding adds a lot of cool stuff.

1 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:31:39 PM

You're welcome :) If you use Steam you can pre-load it now and be ready for the unlock in 9 hours, may be different for your time zone. No need to fight crowds if it isn't necessary lol.

Last edited by Geobaldi on 11/10/2011 2:32:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

anjpikapp3
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 2:43:42 PM

@ Oxvial:

Yeah, I was more inclined to purchase the PC version....its just the face that I would have loved to play the game on my big screen. :)

@ Geobaldi:

I am not familiar with Steam...is it similar to Battle(dot)net? Do I have to sign up for it?

Last edited by anjpikapp3 on 11/10/2011 2:46:13 PM

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:16:22 PM

It's sorta similar to Battle.net in that you can purchase and run your games through it, even your non Steam games if you want, and not just one publisher's games. Just go to Steam's website and check it out and yes you need to sign up to start an account (it's free). You may also want to check out other sites that are along the same lines as Steam such as Direct2Drive, GOG, Desura, Origin, and others.

0 up, 0 down

anjpikapp3
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 4:33:18 PM

@ Geobaldi:

Again, Thanks for the help! I will check out the sites as this is my first Elder Scrolls game. Really excited to add this one to my ever growing list of back log games...trying to finish Arkham City now...

0 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 1:35:38 PM
Reply

That's money well spent.

0 up, 0 down

Gamer Girl Gemo
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:18:36 PM
Reply

This is kind of how it is with Oblivion. Still, do this day, there are things I've yet to do or experience even after all these years. So, I'd imagine that it will be so much more than what Oblivion was. I'm really excited for this game, and can not wait to get this! I honestly just might have to get it at midnight.

0 up, 0 down

Oyashiro
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:35:32 PM
Reply

Its never ending you say? Hmmm...

There would happen to be a big white dog-dragon you get to ride around on is there?

0 up, 1 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:38:43 PM

I would pee my pants if I saw Falkor at some point during the adventure.

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 3:39:58 PM
Reply

The craziest thing is that Bethesda has had this winning formula since day one of TES games. Obviously they were limited by technology back in the day, but the brains were there. Bethesda rpgs have always been landmarks and this one looks to be no different. Thanks again Tod.

1 up, 0 down

NoSmokingBandit
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 4:14:39 PM
Reply

Quantity over quality? I can't see these being anything more then simple fetch missions. I'd rather have a shorter game that has focus.

1 up, 4 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 4:32:57 PM

Uhhhh...that's not right at all.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:33:00 PM

No it's not, with games like this the journey is always more interesting than the destination. Even if you are to "go here and gather this" the fun is in traversing new places, discovering landmarks, feeling the environment affect your survival abilities, taking on enemies, collecting materials, meeting new people in the field, etc.

This in stark opposition to actual fetch quests where nothing happens along the way but cutting through enemies such as in Nier.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 11/10/2011 5:34:08 PM

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:37:05 PM
Reply

So THIS is the one game you'd want on a deserted island for sure then. Never-ending, never multiplayer... perfect.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 5:54:37 PM

Yes, although I'd still take FFT ahead of it. ;)

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 6:02:48 PM

"never multiplayer"

Unless you play the PC version where the co-op mod will eventually come out just like they did for Oblivion and Fallout 3, with the New Vegas co-op mod currently in development. These games are great solo but having that one sidekick along for the ride, or just roaming separately and doing your own thing, makes it enjoyable as well on another level. But solo is how these are meant to be played.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, November 10, 2011 @ 7:10:37 PM

PC is for suckers

4 up, 2 down

___________
Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 1:33:36 AM

yea, suckers........
if saving 20 bucks, having a more stable platform, having better graphics, and having access to infinite content makes you a sucker then sign me up for the weekly meetings!

i hope they come out with some trainers like they did with fallout 3, those were so much fun!
or the ones for just cause 2, some of the wench mods are so cool!
shame not many games support them.
:(

1 up, 1 down

Beamboom
Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 3:48:03 AM

So the PC version of Fallout gets official coop-expansions? Man that sucks. I've always missed that in those games...!

0 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 7:58:50 AM

lots of games get it!
90% of mods are fan created levels, like the crysis returns mod for crysis 2.
shows off what crysis 2 would of looked like if it stayed in the lush green jungles of the original.
and MY GOD does it look good!

0 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 1:34:57 AM
Reply

such a beautiful, beautiful, living breathing world, with a brilliant engaging story.
why oh why did they have to go spoil it with boring as bat sh*t combat!?
only if we could have the combat and weapon system of the witcher 2, mixed in with this then we would have the perfect action adventure RPG!

0 up, 1 down

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