Greening Vvanderfell. An Ecocritical Retrospective on The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Abstract

This paper analyzes the popular video game The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (Bethesda Game Studios, 2002), from an ecocritical retrospective. While it cannot be properly considered an ecogame, nor was it made with explicit ecocritical goals, Morrowind offers insights relevant to the current conversation about game design and sustainability. The study examines the ways in which the game's narrative, gameplay and design choices make relevant points on environmental issues, such as depiction of flora, human-nature relationship, and landscape relevance. Drawing on the most recent ecocritical theories, this paper argues that Morrowind represents a virtuous example for more sustainable game design. The analysis highlights the potential of commercial and massively distributed video games as a medium for environmental education and awareness-raising, while proposing strategies for integrating ecocritical approaches into game design and development.