Bethesda is shutting down a game it had already forgotten about

Bethesda, a beloved game developer, has announced the closure of The Elder Scrolls: Legends, its collectible trading card game that was intended to rival Hearthstone. Despite initial excitement, the game has not received updates since 2019 and has seen a decline in player numbers.

As of January 30, 2025, the game servers will be permanently shut down. Players can no longer download the game from Steam, and in-game items and events are now available for just one gold each. This decision has disappointed many loyal players who have invested real money into the game.

While it is not uncommon for games to be shut down despite having a fan base, it raises questions about ownership rights in the gaming industry. The closure of The Elder Scrolls: Legends serves as a reminder that players do not truly own the games they purchase on platforms like Steam.