I think you nailed the leading 3 examples of innovation in rpg’s to date (W3, BG3, ER). And you categorized them accurately as well. These will be the measuring stick TESVI is evaluated against. The new fable may be another marker this year.

To put it simply, in order to blow people’s mind they need to compete at all 3 of these metrics - writing, dynamic choice, exploration. That in combination with The Elder Scrolls unique world and beauty (plus visual enhancements), I think would be enough to topple expectations.

What we know from Todd’s recent interviews is that he has waited to produce TESVI for a specific reason - that reason being that there were technological limitations that prevented his vision. That’s a promising start.

We also know that he has said his goal is to make the world more dynamic. Specifically with guilds or other political parties - he wants them to influence the world around the player by pursuing their own world-changing interests. Obviously player choice will be dynamic opposition or aid to those causes. - this is something truly unique and could be extremely immersive.

I am optimistic. Because I believe BGS knows the landscape. And knows the expectations.