Within the last week or so, the company ZeniMax Media filed a trademark for “computer game software for use with computers and video game consoles, downloadable computer game software offered via the internet and wireless devices”.
Why is this pertinent to anyone with an investment in gaming? Because ZeniMax is the parent company to Bethesda Studios. Bethesda is well known for their Elder Scrolls series and the Fallout series. This means a potential Skyrim expansion/downloadable content (DLC).
Within the lore (the game world’s history, effectively) of the Elder Scroll series, the Dawn Guards are agents of a cult determined to mete out the will of a demonic lord. This provides the sole tie-in to Skyrim and the Elder Scrolls. It means that we will likely see information emerge within the coming month.
An informed gamer may ask; “What more content could Skyrim possible need?” A valid question addressed by Bethesda employee Todd Howard. The DLC will feature, “ways to make the game better, not just have more, because the game is so big”. (www.computervideogames.com)
On top of this desire to improve the general immersion of the game, there is also an expressed desire to add more fulfilling DLC/expansions after multiple past releases that were received poorly (such as the minute addition of horse armor.)
What sorts of improvements could they possibly make to a game that received near perfect to perfect reviews? There are a plethora, as many critics are shallow headed ignoramuses.
The first improvement that players may see, is a revision of the talent system that allows for the specialization of your character. Many of the current talents are dull and uninteresting for the player to choose. Many talents end up being passive choices with little affect on the ability to play the game. If such a revision does not occur, then players could also see an extension of choices, increasing the overall ability to affect how the gamer plays. Either way, the perks system could likely see some love.
Another feasible addition to the game would be an extension to the magic system. All the schools of magic form a predictable and trite train of progression. They offer little in the way of customizing your ability to use magic, leaving you with few options to choose how you play.
Other additions that seem likely are general improvements to the environment to facilitate immersion, more foliage, increased town/city activity, more vibrant colors etc. We could also see new mounts, guild continuations, combat companions (multiple amounts of them, even), new armor and weapons/retextures. There are a multitude of options that exist to be improved upon.
Outside of the many improvements, it seems likely, due to some excellent in-game sleuths, that the expansion will extend beyond Skyrim and into previous regions that have been seen before, potential zones include Cyrodiil and Morrowind. On top of this, and excluding the other options, we may see a new zone altogether. Theories pertaining to the trademark are abound, and it seems likely that new information will emerge as the month draws on. Fans will have to hang tight until such an announcement.