In a recent discussion, Bruce Nesmith, who was the lead designer during Skyrim’s development, reflected on the enduring presence of loading screens in Bethesda games. He remarked on how these delays have become a staple in the gaming experience and acknowledged that they will likely persist in future titles, including the upcoming The Elder Scrolls 6.

Nesmith revealed that the necessity for loading screens stems not from negligence but from technical limitations. He stated, ‘It’s not that anybody at Bethesda ever wanted to do it. We just didn’t have a choice, really.’

The complexity and graphical fidelity of Bethesda games often lead to increased loading times. Nesmith highlighted that the demanding graphics mean the game cannot simultaneously handle both the interiors and exteriors of vast open worlds, making loading screens an unavoidable part of the experience.

“Everybody who complains about them assumes that it’s done because we’re lazy or we don’t want to follow the modern thinking on stuff,” he clarified.

It’s a necessary trade-off for maintaining the game’s detailed environments and mechanics, reinforcing that while many players might find loading times frustrating, they are a part of preserving the intricate worlds Bethesda is known for.

Nesmith concluded by emphasizing that making games with fewer assets or details would compromise the excellent gaming experience players have come to expect, saying, ‘So it’s just one of those necessary evils…’