Why does Skyrim keep getting re-released?

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has become one of the most iconic and enduringly popular RPGs of the last decade since first launching in 2011. But some gamers have grown weary of just how many times Skyrim has been re-released on different platforms over the years. So why does Bethesda keep bringing back this epic open world game set in the snowy mountains of Tamriel?

A Look Back at Skyrim‘s Initial Success

It‘s important to understand upfront just how much of a smash hit the original Skyrim was at launch. The fifth main installment in Bethesda‘s acclaimed Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim was released in November 2011 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. It received widespread critical acclaim, especially praising the immense open world, freedom of choice, polished mechanics, and rich lore.

Commercially, Skyrim was a monster success. It sold over 3.4 million copies in the first two days alone, and ended up moving over 30 million units across all platforms. It received numerous Game of the Year awards and is considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made.

With this degree of popularity and reverence among gamers, it‘s no wonder that Bethesda wanted to keep this profitable train running.

Re-Releases Are Common in the Gaming Industry

Before analyzing Skyrim specifically, it‘s useful to understand how common re-releases and remasters are in the video game industry overall. Developers big and small have a long history of porting or upgrading games to newer consoles and platforms.

Some examples of frequent ports or remakes include:

• Super Mario Bros – ported to at least 12 Nintendo systems
• Resident Evil 4 – released on nearly every console under the sun
• Doom – brought to numerous platforms since 1993
• Final Fantasy – many remasters and remakes of vintage titles

There are a few major reasons re-releases are so prevalent:

• Allow classic games to be played on modern systems
• Opportunity to upgrade graphics/performance
• Reintroduce old IPs to new generations of gamers
• Provide revenue stream with minimal development cost

So Skyrim‘s pattern of recurring re-releases is not unusual by industry standards. However, the regularity and longevity of new editions has been astounding.

Previous Elder Scrolls Re-Releases

Bethesda has a track record of re-releasing earlier Elder Scrolls games, primarily Morrowind and Oblivion.

Morrowind saw a Game of the Year edition one year after launch, adding new content. Later, the Xbox version brought Morrowind to console gamers. In 2007, Oblivion got a PlayStation 3 port called Oblivion GotY Edition with all expansion content. When Skyrim launched in 2011, Bethesda released the Elder Scrolls Anthology bundling Arena through Skyrim plus expansions.

The point is, Bethesda re-released earlier Elder Scrolls games to reach new platforms and audiences. This set the stage for similar Skyrim re-packages down the road.

Breaking Down Skyrim‘s Many Editions

Now let‘s examine all the ways Skyrim has been re-sold over the past decade:

The Original Game

Obviously every new IP begins with an initial launch. Skyrim came out in November 2011 on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. This original version still holds up today as a fantastic RPG.

Legendary Edition – 2013

The first re-release added Skyrim‘s three downloadable content packs – Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn. Having all DLC bundled made this a Game of the Year style edition.

Special Edition – 2016

The Special Edition gave Skyrim a full visual overhaul with upgraded graphics, lighting, textures, and effects made possible by newer hardware on Xbox One and PS4. This remaster also released on PC.

VR Edition – 2017

Skyrim VR brought the immersive open world experience to virtual reality platforms like Oculus, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR. Battling ancient dragons in first-person VR took the fantasy to new levels.

Switch Version – 2017

Skyrim on Nintendo Switch marked the first portable version. Playing on the go enabled new ways to interact with this expansive RPG world. The handheld Joy-Con controls were also a fresh way to experience the game.

Anniversary Edition – 2021

This recent edition bundles Skyrim Special Edition with over 500 elements of Creation Club content like quests, dungeons, bosses, weapons, and spells. Enhanced fishing, survival mode, and Saints & Seducers are new headline features.

As we can see, Skyrim has been released at least 6 times, adding new content and supporting new platforms or technology, from VR to Switch. Next we‘ll analyze why Bethesda made these continued re-releases a priority.

Why Bethesda Keeps Re-Releasing Skyrim

From a business perspective, Bethesda reissuing Skyrim makes total sense and has proven very lucrative for the company. Here are the key factors:

Ongoing Popularity and Demand

Quite simply, there is still strong demand from consumers to buy and play Skyrim, even a decade after launch. Many regard it as one of the greatest games of all time. As long as fans keep purchasing, Bethesda will keep supplying re-releases.

Low Development Cost

Repackaging and upgrading an existing product takes fewer resources than developing a totally new game from the ground up. These re-releases have high return on investment.

Improving Graphics and Content

Reissuing Skyrim allows Bethesda to polish the visuals and add new content to keep the experience feeling fresh. Anniversary Edition shows this in action.

Reaching New Platforms

Bringing Skyrim to new consoles like Switch, or new tech like VR, expands the available market and customer base. Portability and virtual reality open new sales opportunities.

Reliable Revenue Stream

In a volatile industry, Skyrim re-releases represent a stable source of revenue at low risk. Bethesda can count on hardcore Elder Scrolls fans to purchase each new iteration.

On the whole, Skyrim re-releases check all the boxes: low cost, low risk, and high reward. From a business angle, it makes total sense to keep recycling such a valuable IP.

Fan Reception of Skyrim Re-Releases

Among the gaming community, reactions to Skyrim re-issues over the years have been mixed. Here‘s a quick pulse check:

Enthusiasm

• Fans eager to replay Skyrim on new platforms
• Chance to dive back into nostalgic open world
• Excitement about graphics upgrades and new content

Fatigue

• Too many versions dilute novelty
• Yearly releases feel like a money grab
• Same old game packaged differently
• Resources could be spent on new IPs

Conclusion

• Core fans happily buy each new edition
• Casual players experience some franchise fatigue
• Overall still one of the most beloved games

So while some gamers understandably feel overwhelmed by the barrage of Skyrim re-releases, each one still succeeds in getting diehard Elder Scrolls lovers to drop another $60.

Mods Extend Skyrim‘s Life

One factor that contributes greatly to Skyrim‘s longevity is mods. The vast modding community has produced over 60,000 mods that alter or expand virtually every aspect of the game. Top mods like Skyrim Script Extender, SkyUI, Alternate Start, and Falskaar transform the vanilla experience.

With such a wealth of mods and ways to customize one‘s game, this adds near infinite replay value and makes Skyrim feel new again. Bethesda understands this endless flexibility keeps fans coming back year after year.

How Skyrim Compares to Other Re-Released Games

To put Skyrim‘s re-release tally into perspective, let‘s compare to a few other franchises:

• Resident Evil 4 – 9 releases across multiple platforms
• GTA V – 3 key editions (original, enhanced, expanded)
• Mario Kart – 9 iterations across console generations
• Doom – too many ports to count since 1993!

So while 6+ Skyrim editions feels gratuitous to some, it is not unprecedented in the wider industry, especially for universally lauded games. However, the consistent pace and longevity of Skyrim reissues is quite rare.

Criticism and Debate Around Excessive Editions

Not everyone is thrilled about Skyrim releases becoming an annual tradition. Common criticisms include:

• The constant repackaging comes across as shameless money grabs. Gamers resent feeling nickel and dimed.

• Resources spent on rehashing Skyrim could be better invested in new IPs and advancing the medium.

• Too many versions dilutes the novelty and magic of Skyrim. It becomes old news.

• Minor upgrades or new bundles aren‘t compelling enough to purchase repeatedly.

On the flip side, supporters counter:

• If consumers keep buying, why should Bethesda stop? It‘s simply smart business.

• Players who own enough versions can simply skip new ones, but releases cater to new audiences.

• Mods and Creation Club content keep things interesting for veteran players who want to revisit Skyrim.

There are merits to both arguments. At a certain point, too many versions tests even the most devoted fans‘ patience and willingness to buy yet another Skyrim upgrade.

Will Skyrim Re-Releases Continue?

Guessing whether more remasters lie ahead requires reading the tea leaves. Here are some considerations:

For More Re-Releases

• Anniversary Edition shows Bethesda isn‘t slowing down yet

• New platforms like next-gen consoles emerge

• Technology enabling new features will entice existing owners

• Demand from new young gamers discovering Skyrim persists

Against More Re-Releases

• Sales appetite among loyal fans will wane eventually

• Attention shifts to Elder Scrolls VI down the road

• Resources shift to new IPs like Starfield

My prediction is we‘ll get at least a couple more iconic Skyrim re-issues before Bethesda closes the book on this RPG classic. I estimate 1-2 more releases in the next decade – for example, a 20th Anniversary edition bundled with every scrap of DLC and content. But sooner or later, even stalwart Dragonborn adventurers need to move on from Skyrim.

The Bottom Line

While the constant flow of Skyrim re-releases undoubtedly causes some franchise fatigue, most core fans happily embrace each new version. And from Bethesda‘s perspective, the tremendous success and minimal risk of recycling Skyrim makes sound business sense. They will likely continue leveraging this beloved property as long as consumer demand persists.

For gamers who simply want to enjoy one of the greatest open world RPGs ever made, having so many versions ensures Skyrim is always accessible on modern platforms. As long as you avoid double dipping on too many incremental upgrades, embracing the occasional remaster keeps this timeless adventure thriving for new audiences. Because you can only kill so many dragons and conquer so many dungeons before you need to return once again to the wintry mountains of Tamriel.