EP: Research - Elder Scrolls Online

Having recently played around a bit with Elder Scrolls Online, I spotted some great atmospheric environments in the game that I found to come out of nowhere. While I don't think they necessarily fit in with what I've seen from past expansions of the Elder Scrolls series, I do really like some of the lighting Bethesda have used in areas.

Places like the starting prison and the realm in The Harborage quest are set in other realms/plains of existence and I think this reflected very well by the dark, moody and surreal-like coloured environments. The idea of having a very civilized structure or series of constructions planted in a strange location, abandoned and barren; really appeals to me. It continues on from the themes in Dark Souls 1 & 2 which have inspired me. I'm reminded again by Elder Scrolls Online to think of location and setting, possibly attempt tie in why the game is taking place in said strange land and how the player got there.

My 'Elder Scrolls Online' Inspiration Board

In regards to the lighting - I particularly like the darker areas in 'ESO', I think the use of contrasting light temperatures is great and Bethesda aren't afraid to inject some vibrant colours into environments to convey a sense of wonder & mystery. The Harborage area has a mixture of horror, surreal fantasy with Victorian, classical architecture, it reminds me of H.P. Lovecraft. I really like the difference in design - very formally structured buildings mixed in with a primal, natural and chaotic setting. it's unsettling and may create some discord for the player - really interesting concept that I may want to look more into.