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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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The Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls is a series of open-world action role-playing video games primarily developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Elder Scrolls is a series of open-world action role-playing video games primarily developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Set on the continent of Tamriel, the series is known for free-form gameplay, large fantasy worlds, and long-running lore. It has sold more than 90 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

The series is built around open-world exploration, character progression, and player choice. Games in the franchise blend action, adventure, and role-playing mechanics.

Setting and lore

Most games take place on the continent of Tamriel, within a fictional universe that mixes medieval fantasy with political and cultural detail. The lore commonly involves a chosen hero confronting a major threat.

Commercial and critical reception

Several mainline entries have been both critically and commercially successful. Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim received Game of the Year awards from multiple outlets.

Release history

The first game in the series was The Elder Scrolls: Arena, released in 1994. Later major installments expanded the franchise into one of the best-known role-playing series in video games.

Key facts

  • The series centers on free-form exploration and role-playing in an open world.
  • Most entries are set on Tamriel, a fictional continent in a high-fantasy setting.
  • Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim each won Game of the Year awards from multiple outlets.
  • The series has sold more than 90 million copies worldwide.
  • It combines action and adventure elements with role-playing mechanics.
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Canadian context

The series has a large Canadian player base and is widely covered by Canadian gaming media, but it has no specific Canada-only setting or origin.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of game series is The Elder Scrolls?
It is an action role-playing video game series with open-world gameplay.
Who develops The Elder Scrolls?
The series is primarily developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.
Where are the games set?
Most games are set on the continent of Tamriel in a fictional fantasy universe.
When was the first Elder Scrolls game released?
The first game, The Elder Scrolls: Arena, was released in 1994.
How successful is the series?
It has sold more than 90 million copies worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls
    Supports: Series description, developer/publisher, gameplay style, setting, awards, and sales.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_Elder_Scrolls_video_games
    Supports: First release date and franchise release history.