Lead designer Bruce Nesmith says Skyrim was a hit because it was built on institutional knowledge from Oblivion

Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith says the game benefited from Bethesda keeping much of the Oblivion team together, allowing staff to carry forward their knowledge and avoid repeating mistakes. He argues that this continuity helped the team build on earlier successes and deliver a world rich in varied experiences.

Nesmith also credits Skyrim’s distinct environments, enemy and loot variety, and small discoveries that can lead players into new adventures. He says experienced staff could start work without being taught what making an Elder Scrolls game involved, and that retaining a shared team and vision has often helped successful game series.