“I don’t like it.” The father of The Elder Scrolls is not at all happy with modern RPGs, claiming they have become “too linear and small.” Ted Peterson believes that RPGs should offer players the freedom to shape the story in their own way.

Over the past decade, RPGs have undergone a dramatic transformation, moving away from the depth and freedom that once defined the genre’s classics. While series like The Elder Scrolls originally offered vast, open worlds filled with endless possibilities—where every decision shaped the narrative—modern RPGs have leaned into more linear storytelling and simplified mechanics aimed at accessibility.

Developers often justify these changes by claiming they make games more approachable for a wider audience. However, nostalgic fans are not entirely on board with this shift—and neither is The Elder Scrolls creator Ted Peterson. In an interview with Videogamer, he reflected on the evolution of RPGs, expressing frustration over the industry’s shift toward smaller, more restrictive experiences.

“I don’t like how linear and small RPGs have become, how restricted the storylines feel,” Peterson states (via The Gamer). “I was hoping we would break away from that and make games more enjoyable for those who want to experience them in different ways. I’m glad that some developers are challenging these conventions. I’ve seen games that have tried to push those boundaries, and I always lean toward favoring freedom.”

The Next Game from The Elder Scrolls Creator

Peterson previously worked on The Elder Scrolls: Arena, Daggerfall, and Morrowind before returning in 2014 to contribute to The Elder Scrolls Online. With years of RPG experience under his belt, he is currently leading development on The Wayward Realms, a procedurally generated open-world RPG featuring factions, dynamic events, and narrative-driven choices. The story unfolds across The Archipelago, a vast landmass of islands and kingdoms, each with its own unique cultures, political systems, and conflicts.

Source: 3djuegos