Along with several new screenshots detailing several of the environments and creatures of The Elder Scrolls Online, the devs share a behind-the-scenes look at crafting one of the more recognizable enemy creatures. Also, there’s word of the original game that started it all making a return: Arena [Updated at bottom of post].

We recommend that interested players read our extensive Elder Scrolls Online preview roundup to help put the images in better context:

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As for the creature getting the spotlight this week, the Ogrim, first seen in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind - I still remember the Ogrim artwork in the instruction manual - is one of the obvious returning NPC creatures in TESO and ZeniMax Online Studios have taken to their blog to begin detailing the art and design work that goes into realizing the many lifeforms from The Elder Scrolls lore and to take fans behind-the-scenes.

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Longtime fans of the series and veteran gamers may appreciate the next bit of news.  Much like Australia provided the original reveal of Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, that very same ratings system is spoiling a major surprise from Bethesda. The Elder Scrolls: Arena was age-rated last week by the Australian Classification Board for a multiplatform release.

The original Arena was made freely available (the full game - download here) by Bethesda previously so this could be a mobile version of the game or what we’d much prefer: an HD remake or an all-out remake of The Elder Scrolls I. Bethesda did promise that they’ll be taking the spotlight this year with some major announcements. Pete Hines was quoted last week saying:

Could Arena be “reinvented” as The Elder Scrolls VI?

[Update 1: Nope, not happening. Bethesda says it was a mix-up]

Bethesda VP of PR and Marketing Pete Hines tells Joystiq:

[Update 2: Skyrim is complete.]

Bethesda announced on their official blog that the team behind The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is moving on the their next project.

Read the full goodbye on page 2.

Even though we’re moving on, we’ll still have minor updates to Skyrim as needed. We’ve invested so much of ourselves into Skyrim and will never truly say goodbye to it.

If you missed it, check out The Elder Scrolls Online cinematic trailer.

Let me know on Twitter @rob_keyes your favorite TES title!

Sources: AGB, Games.On.Net, ZeniMax, Bethesda

Skyrim has been a labor of love for us since we started designing it in 2006. We never imagined it would become the phenomenon it has. And that is because of you, the fans. It was all of you who made it a success. We can’t thank you enough for embracing the game, spreading the word, and making it your own.

For the last year and a half we’ve been working on new content for Skyrim; from the game updates, Creation Kit, Steam Workshop, Kinect support, to DLCs. Parts of our team have also been in pre-production on our next major project, and that game is at the point where it requires the studio’s full attention to make it our biggest and best work yet.

Even though we’re moving on, we’ll still have minor updates to Skyrim as needed. We’ve invested so much of ourselves into Skyrim and will never truly say goodbye to it.

We loved hearing your stories, your in-game triumphs, and your suggestions. One thing stuck out to us through those emails, letters, and postings. And that is — video games matter. They’re as important to you as they are to us. It’s not just about entertainment, it’s about your time. And you chose to spend it with our game.

Thank you again for all your support. We hope you stay engaged in the gaming community here and elsewhere. Keep spreading the word. Games are the world’s best entertainment because they can do what other forms cannot — fill you with the wonder of exploration and the pride of accomplishment. We look forward to sharing our next adventure with you.

Until next time,

Bethesda Game Studios