Skyrim: The Story of the Making of a Great Game by Ekstanazi. Books from the French publisher Third Publishing are often criticized for being secondary and repetitive, frequently offering little more than a rehash of game scenarios. They tend to be seen as mere “Wikipedia” summaries rather than in-depth explorations. Fortunately, this is not the case with Skyrim: The Story of the Making of a Great Game. This book is primarily aimed at newcomers rather than devoted fans, making it an excellent resource for those unfamiliar with The Elder Scrolls series¹ and seeking to dive into the world of Skyrim².

Ekstanazi covers the entire history of the franchise, highlighting key milestones in the fictional universe of The Elder Scrolls. The book reviews the main game mechanics and delves into the reasons behind Skyrim’s immense popularity. It provides an insightful look into the development process and the factors contributing to the game’s success.

The book’s brevity is a testament to its focus and effectiveness. It is a rare example of a book that is best enjoyed not before or after playing Skyrim, but in parallel with it. Reading this book alongside playing the game can significantly enhance a newcomer’s understanding of the intricate lore of The Elder Scrolls universe and the various factions within it.

By addressing the subtleties of the game’s world and providing context for its numerous factions, Ekstanazi’s work offers valuable insights that enrich the gaming experience. For those looking to gain a deeper appreciation of Skyrim and its place within The Elder Scrolls series, this book is a worthy companion.

Footnotes

1. The Elder Scrolls series – A popular franchise of role-playing games developed by Bethesda Game Studios, known for its richly detailed worlds and deep lore. ↩
2. Skyrim – The fifth main installment in The Elder Scrolls series, renowned for its open-world exploration, immersive storytelling, and critical acclaim. ↩