Skywind

Skywind is part of a fan volunteer effort by TES Renewal Project to recreate and remaster through total conversion the video games in The Elder Scrolls series,{{cite web|date=June 9, 2016|title=How Skywind is recreating a modern classic|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/how-skywind-is-recreating-a-modern-classic/|access-date=May 4, 2025|website=PC Gamer}} and is approved by the publisher Bethesda Softworks.{{cite web|last=Nunneley-Jackson|first=Stephany|date=May 7, 2024|title=Skyrim continues to deliver: TESRenewal offers fresh look at Skyblivion and Skywind total conversion mods|url=https://www.vg247.com/skyblivion-still-coming-in-2025-skywind-still-on-track-developer-updates|access-date=May 4, 2025|website=VG247}} This began with Morroblivion, a Morrowind remaster on The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006) engine, prior to Skyrim{{'}}s release. The mod was publicly available on the team's website in 2008, and was coordinated through the Morroblivion website's forums.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5944973/morrowind-modded-into-skyrim-is-something-you-must-see|title=Morrowind Modded Into Skyrim Is Something You Must See|last=Schreiner|first=Jason|author-link=Jason Schreier|work=Kotaku|date=September 20, 2012|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308230203/http://kotaku.com/5944973/morrowind-modded-into-skyrim-is-something-you-must-see|url-status=live}}

In 2012, after the release of Skyrim, forum members began work on Skywind, intending to begin the same result of Morroblivion but in the Skyrim engine.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/20/3362854/skywind-project-mods-morrowind-into-skyrim|title=Skywind project mods 'Morrowind' into 'Skyrim'|last=Corriea|first=Alexa Ray|work=Polygon|date=September 20, 2012|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=August 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825190502/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/20/3362854/skywind-project-mods-morrowind-into-skyrim|url-status=live}} That same year, Skywind inspired other modders within the Renewal Project to attempt porting Oblivion{{'s}} assets into the Creation Engine, starting the development of what became Skyblivion.{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/skyblivion-skyrim-oblivion-mod-development/|title=Tracing the Skyblivion Mod's Development Over the Years|last=Francis Docherty|first=Martin|date=August 21, 2021|work=Game Rant|access-date=January 17, 2023|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117110336/https://gamerant.com/skyblivion-skyrim-oblivion-mod-development/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/the-history-of-skyblivion-as-told-by-its-developers/|title=The History Of Skyblivion As Told By Its Developers|last=Troughton|first=James|date=May 20, 2022|work=TheGamer|access-date=January 17, 2023|archive-date=January 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117110336/https://www.thegamer.com/the-history-of-skyblivion-as-told-by-its-developers/|url-status=live}} Skywind is a recreation of Morrowind (2002) in the Skyrim – Special Edition (2016) game engine.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/ten-top-fan-remade-classics-you-can-play-for-free-right-now/2/|title=Ten top fan-remade classics you can play for free right now|last=Pearson|first=Craig|date=January 1, 2014|website=PC Gamer|access-date=June 8, 2017|archive-date=June 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616144606/http://www.pcgamer.com/ten-top-fan-remade-classics-you-can-play-for-free-right-now/2/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Bolding|first=Jonathan|date=January 11, 2020|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skywind-releases-a-big-update-on-moving-morrowind-to-skyrim/|title=Skywind releases a big update on moving Morrowind to Skyrim|website=PC Gamer|access-date=May 3, 2025}}{{cite web|last=Livingston|first=Christopher|date=June 24, 2021|title=Skywind mod shows off a year of progress, but needs your help to finish|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skywind-mod-shows-off-a-year-of-progress-but-needs-your-help-to-finish/|access-date=May 4, 2025|website=PC Gamer}} All original game assets, including textures, music, quests, and gameplay, were planned to be redesigned.{{cite news|url=http://derstandard.at/2000011074333/Lieblingsspiele-neugemacht-Die-bewundernswerte-Kunst-der-Fan-Remakes|title=Lieblingsspiele 2.0: Die bewundernswerte Kunst der Fan-Remakes|last=Sigl|first=Rainer|work=Der Standard|language=de|date=February 1, 2015|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-date=November 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124013140/http://derstandard.at/2000011074333/Lieblingsspiele-neugemacht-Die-bewundernswerte-Kunst-der-Fan-Remakes|url-status=live}}

The development of Skywind began in 2012, roughly one year after Skyrim and its various downloadable contents and add-ons (Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn) were released. Much like its predecessor Morroblivion, Skywind began life as a fan-made port of Morrowind, meant to be playable in Skyrim{{'s}} engine with Skyrim{{'s}} mechanics.{{cite news |last=Senior |first=Tom |date=2012-09-20 |title=Skywind mod to port Morrowind into the Skyrim engine, first videos and screenshots released |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skywind-mod-aims-to-bring-morrowind-to-the-skyrim-engine/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |work=PC Gamer }}{{cite web |date=2014-01-05 |title=Morrowind-in-Skyrim Video Shows Modders' Impressive Progress |url=https://kotaku.com/morrowind-modders-show-off-their-hard-work-in-a-long-de-1494947188 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Kotaku }} The project began with about eight modders, and the team expanded by January 2014 to 70 volunteers. Since then, the team came to involve over 70 volunteers in artist, composer, designer, developer, and voice acting roles who released several videos highlighting their development progress. On January 4, 2014, the team released on YouTube their first development video.{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2014-01-05 |title=Morrowind-in-Skyrim Video Shows Modders' Impressive Progress |url=https://kotaku.com/morrowind-modders-show-off-their-hard-work-in-a-long-de-1494947188 |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=Kotaku }}

In September 2012, the first videos and screenshots of an early version of a Skywind mod to port Morrowind into the Skyrim engine were released.{{cite news |last=Senior |first=Tom |date=2012-09-20 |title=Skywind mod to port Morrowind into the Skyrim engine, first videos and screenshots released |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skywind-mod-aims-to-bring-morrowind-to-the-skyrim-engine/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |work=PC Gamer }} That same month, while the team was still struggling with buggy files, it was suggested that they take Skywind in a different direction. Rather than use Morrowind assets, as had been the case with Morroblivion, they should instead focus on remaking or replacing everything: new models, new textures, new voices, music, and landscaping. This was a mammoth undertaking compared to the creation of a simple port. As the scope of Skywind expanded, so did the need for talented individuals to turn the ambitious plans into a reality. The project attracted professionals, aspiring professionals, and amateurs alike, and standards continually rose until Skywind{{'s}} quality could compete with other AAA productions.{{cite web |date=May 21, 2015 |title=A Brief History of Skywind |url=https://tesrenewal.com/blog/blog-entry-6 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 3, 2025 |website=TES Renewal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602211211/https://tesrenewal.com/blog/blog-entry-6|archive-date=June 2, 2015}} The creators stated on July 6, 2014, that the alpha version (an unfinished test version) was "nearing its first public release".{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |date=2014-07-06 |title=Skywind's first public alpha will launch 'soon,' say developers |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/7/6/5874653/skywind-alpha-release-date-morrowind-skyrim-mod-pc |access-date=2014-10-02 |website=Polygon }} That summer, an alpha version was released for download.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/10/7525625/morrowind-HD-remaster-skyrim-pc-mod-skywind-fans|title=Fans remastering Morrowind give another glimpse of its landscape|last=Good|first=Owen S.|work=Polygon|date=January 10, 2015|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123091836/https://www.polygon.com/2015/1/10/7525625/morrowind-HD-remaster-skyrim-pc-mod-skywind-fans|url-status=live}} It was later taken down due to the large number of questions about unfinished content saturating the forums;{{cite web |date=2014-12-27 |title=Skywind has been taken down from download |url=https://tesrenewal.com/comment/69528#comment-69528 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717144806/https://tesrenewal.com/comment/69528#comment-69528 |archive-date=2015-07-17 |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=TES Renewal Project}} the game's first public alpha was soon withdrawn also due to its "very alpha state".

In November 2014, the team reported to have finished half of the remaster's environment, over 10,000 new dialogue lines, and three hours of series-inspired soundtrack. Players were able to download and play an unfinished version of the release until late 2014, when the volunteer team chose to divert assets to development instead of user support. A March 2015 update showed updated levels. The developers wrote that they were not close to a release despite technical indications from their project's software versioning.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ambitious-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-and-morrowind/1100-6426132/|title=Ambitious The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Morrowind Crossover Mod Gets a New Trailer|work=GameSpot|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=February 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228232709/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ambitious-the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-and-morrowind/1100-6426132/|url-status=live}} In September 2015, it was observed that the game had recruited more voice actors than Skyrim itself (over 100) to re-record the game's lines.{{cite news |last=Erica Webber |first=Jordan |date=2015-09-07 |title=Skywind has over 100 voice actors re-record Morrowind lines |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skywind-has-over-100-voice-actors-re-record-morrowind-lines/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=PC Gamer }} In March 2016, the project team released its fourth update, which was designed to solicit volunteers for the remaining work.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/5/11166016/skywind-developer-video-morrowind-skyrim-pc|title=Fan-made Morrowind remaster gives another look at the progress they've made|last=Good|first=Owen S.|work=Polygon|date=March 5, 2016|access-date=March 8, 2016|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308212227/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/5/11166016/skywind-developer-video-morrowind-skyrim-pc|url-status=live}} In October 2018, a further major trailer was released,{{cite web|title=Skywind – The Fall of House Dagoth Story Teaser Trailer|website=IGN|date=October 3, 2018|url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/03/skywind-the-fall-of-house-dagoth-story-teaser-trailer|access-date=2019-07-02|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702093326/https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/10/03/skywind-the-fall-of-house-dagoth-story-teaser-trailer|url-status=live}} and another in July 2019 and January 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/skywind-trailer-2019|title=New Skywind trailer introduces a haunting remix of the Morrowind theme|website=PCGamesN|date=July 2019 |access-date=2019-07-02|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702093327/https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/skywind-trailer-2019|url-status=live}}

In 2021, the game marked the milestone of 100 completed dungeons.{{cite news |last=Pearson |first=Craig |date=2021-06-24 |title=Morrowind remake Skywind now has over 100 dungeons complete, but still has a long way to go |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/morrowind-remake-skywind-now-has-over-100-dungeons-complete-but-still-has-a-long-way-to-go |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun }} In May 2023, the 21st anniversary of Morrowind{{'s}} release, the Skywind team released a 21-minute video of gameplay footage. In the video, the narrator stated that the team was "finalizing major game elements".{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Graham |title=Skywind releases long new trailer for Morrowind's 21st anniversary |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/skywind-releases-long-new-trailer-for-morrowinds-21st-anniversary |website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=May 2, 2023 |access-date=July 11, 2023 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162710/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/skywind-releases-long-new-trailer-for-morrowinds-21st-anniversary |url-status=live }} By May 2024, after nearly thirteen years of development, level design was estimated to be 70 percent complete, while voice acting was 80 percent done, with nearly all the quests written. Additionally, in contrast to the base game of Skyrim and its about 1,100 non-playable characters voiced by 70 actors, Skywind has over 3,000 different characters voiced by around 300 performers, three times as many as Skyrim; the significant amount of work required to rebuilt Morrowind, itself a very large world despite its age, explains the long development.{{cite news |last=Livingston |first=Christopher |date=2024-05-01 |title=Skywind, the ambitious mod remaking Morrowind in Skyrim, has over 3,000 characters—three times as many as the original Skyrim |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/rpg/skywind-the-ambitious-mod-remaking-morrowind-in-skyrim-has-over-3000-charactersthree-times-as-many-as-the-original-skyrim/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |work=PC Gamer }} As of January 2025, the mod is still in development.{{cite web |last=Koselke |first=Anna |date=2025-01-16 |title=After 12 years, the modders merging Morrowind and Skyrim say their project would 'come out faster' if 'we were all working with Bethesda,' but it would be 'much worse' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/the-elder-scrolls/after-12-years-the-modders-merging-morrowind-and-skyrim-say-their-project-would-come-out-faster-if-we-were-all-working-with-bethesda-but-it-would-be-much-worse/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |website=GamesRadar+ }}

In 2014, Nathan Grayson of Rock Paper Shotgun praised the trailer of mod's first areas as "incredibly nostalgia-provoking", describing the visuals as "splendid" but saying that he was "impressed yet skeptical", citing the lack of gameplay shown; he added that he was "very, very hopeful for Skywind{{'s}} continued progress".{{cite news |last=Grayson |first=Nathan |date=2014-03-06 |title=Nostalgiablivion: Morrowind's First Quests In Skywind |url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/skywind-quests-trailer |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=Rock Paper Shotgun }} Also in 2014, PC Games said the 0.9 version of Skywind looks "absolutely professional" and even in its unfinished form the playable elements leave "an excellent impression".{{cite magazine |last1=Bertits |first1=Andreas |title=Die neusten Mods – The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim-Mods – Skywind |magazine=PC Games |date=2014 |issue=258 |page=156 |url=https://archive.org/details/pcg-1214/PCG_0214/page/156/mode/2up |publisher=Computec Media GmbH |language=de}} In 2023, Christopher Livingston of PC Gamer stated that Skywind's latest trailer, about the quest "Necromancer in Mawia", looked "fantastic", and described the world as "beautifully recreated", citing the mod's faithfulness to the original game.{{cite news |last=Livingston |first=Christopher |date=2023-05-01 |title=Skywind, the ambitious mod remaking Morrowind in Skyrim, has a new 20 minute gameplay video showing off an entire quest |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/skywind-the-ambitious-mod-remaking-morrowind-in-skyrim-has-a-new-20-minute-gameplay-video-showing-off-an-entire-quest/ |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=PC Gamer }} In 2024, Rory Norris of PCGamesN described it as "the most ambitious mod on the way for Bethesda's nearly 14-year-old RPG" and said "it would be hard to argue against Skywind being one of the best Skyrim mods of all time".{{cite web|last=Norris|first=Rory|date=August 25, 2024|title=Skyrim's ambitious Morrowind remake mod is looking better than ever in new developer showcase|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim/skywind-developer-update-map-tour|access-date=May 4, 2025|website=PCGamesN}}

• Fan game
• Fan labor
• Enderal
• Skyrim modding
• User-generated content

{{reflist}}

• {{official|https://tesrskywind.com/}}
• [https://tesrskywind.com/faq/ Frequently-Asked Questions]

{{Elder Scrolls}}

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