But it's not really about the combat, progression, enemy variety, or quest writing, is it? Those are all secondary to the core of why people like Bethesda games: they're relaxed, easy-to-play excuses to roam around a fantasy landscape, see the sights, and participate in an adventure. It's one of the least diluted ways you can satisfy the same itch a lot of moviegoers felt after watching Lord of the Rings: "I'd like to go there." I don't think it's anything less or more than that, and while they're not up to the standards of other RPGs from other developers, the core gameplay loop in your average Bethesda title isn't bad enough to pull people out of that experience, especially when it's engaged with casually.