A seasoned developer from Bethesda Softworks, Nate Purkeypile, has expressed a grim prediction: regardless of how exceptional Elder Scrolls VI turns out, the development team will inevitably be subjected to online harassment, including death threats.

Purkeypile, who has contributed to the development of Fallout 3, Fallout 4, Skyrim, and Starfield, shared his insights during a recent GDC presentation.  He recalled the challenging launch of Fallout 76, which was plagued by negativity online.  While the game admittedly had a flawed release, Purkeypile emphasized that the extreme reactions from certain online players went too far, crossing the line into personal harassment of Bethesda employees.

He went on to assert, "I can guarantee you, even if Elder Scrolls VI is a masterpiece, there will be critique videos and death threats."  Purkeypile likened the online backlash to the brutal treatment of a baby seal when a game doesn't meet player expectations.

Former BioWare producer Mark Darrah echoed this sentiment, adding that these enraged players often disregard the arduous work that goes into game creation.  He emphasized that while players have purchased the game, that doesn't entitle them to abuse the developers.