Former Bethesda developer Kurt Kuhlmann recently shared his insights about working on the Elder Scrolls series, particularly focusing on the development of Oblivion. He highlighted that the original concept for Oblivion’s setting, Cyrodiil, was much “weirder” than what players ultimately experienced.
As the “lore master” of The Elder Scrolls, Kuhlmann had a distinct vision for the world that may diverge from the final product, bringing both positives and negatives to the table. The previous installment, Morrowind, was celebrated for its mix of “psychedelic” and surreal elements, making it stand apart from the more traditional fantasy landscapes of Oblivion and Skyrim.
This evolution in style disappointed some fans who initially encountered Cyrodiil through the Pocket Guide to the Empire and were hoping for a continuation of Morrowind’s unique vibe. As Bethesda develops new titles like Starfield and the remaster of Oblivion, many believe it’s time to revamp their approach for the long-awaited Elder Scrolls 6.
Kuhlmann discussed his time at Bethesda in an interview with Kiwi Talkz, reflecting on his contributions to Daggerfall and Morrowind before returning to Oblivion. By the time he rejoined the team in 2003, much of Cyrodiil had already been established, leaving him surprised by its relatively conventional appearance compared to earlier ideas influenced by media such as Dune and Dark Crystal.
He expressed a desire to incorporate more bizarre elements into the game. The reasons behind Oblivion’s less eccentric design include the impact of the popular Lord of the Rings films and the creative direction of Todd Howard, who tends to shy away from the strange.
While Skyrim also maintained a more grounded aesthetic, it ventured into darker themes. Kuhlmann, who worked on the “weirdest” expansion, Shivering Isles, acknowledged that he has no role in the development of The Elder Scrolls 6 after leaving Bethesda in 2023, stating that he is just as eager as fans to see the new direction the series will take.