"Play it again and tell me if you really want to do it again." Do we really want a remake of 'Morrowind' or is it just nostalgia?

The acclaimed Elder Scrolls saga continues to spark debate about whether a remake of Morrowind should be produced, the third title in the series released in 2002 with a notably low rating of 83 in PC Gamer. This figure is the lowest for a main Elder Scrolls game in the magazine and has generated mixed feelings among fans.

A remake re-worse

Bruce Nesmith, design leader of Skyrim, has shared his perspective on this lawsuit, suggesting that the interest in a remake is driven more by nostalgia than by the current experience of playing Morrowind. In a recent interview, he stated: “Play Morrowind again and tell me if it’s really the game you want to play again”. According to him, memories of the gaming experience are often idealized over time, and players are likely to face uncomfortable moments when returning to a title from twenty years ago.

Nesmith also noted that even its predecessor’s success, Oblivion, features “awkward moments” and acknowledged that older game designs may not stand the test of time. While he does not rule out the possibility of a remake, he expressed doubts about the availability of the source code for Morrowind, which could complicate its development. Instead of focusing on reviving a classic, he suggested that it might be more appealing to create a new game that “avoids the things that wouldn’t have survived.”

Additionally, some critics believe that other Elder Scrolls titles, such as Daggerfall or Battlespire, might be more deserving of a remaster. The opinion among fans and developers suggests that the legacy of Morrowind, while significant, may not be the only one worth reviving, leaving open the possibility for new approaches to the series.