General:Bruce Nesmith

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Bruce Nesmith
GEN-developer-Bruce Nesmith.jpg
Role(s) Game designer
Softworks tenure 1995–1998
2004-2021

Bruce Nesmith (b. 1959) was the Director of Design at Bethesda Game Studios from the 1990s to the early 2020s, with credits on The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Starfield.

After retiring from the company, Nesmith has authored and published his own fantasy novels called Loki Redeemed and Glory Seeker.

Credits[edit]

Known Contributions[edit]

  • Daggerfall — Nesmith was responsible for the dungeon systems of Daggerfall, including the tutorial dungeon of Privateer's Hold. He also authored the various shrines seen in the wilderness. He was responsible for the game balance. He also created quests and provided additional design support for the game's main quest. He also provided additional writing for The Daggerfall Chronicles.
  • Battlespire — Nesmith worked on the game, providing additional design and balancing support. He also provided additional writing for Battlespire Athenaeum.
  • Redguard — Nesmith provided additional support for the game, including internal testing.
  • Morrowind — Nesmith did some small freelance work for the game, creating a list of quest prompts for use by the team.
  • Oblivion — Nesmith handled the overall game balancing for Oblivion. He was in the writer's room for the game's main quest, and also was responsible for all design elements of the Thieves Guild faction questline. He also provided additional writing for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Official Game Guide.
  • Knights of the Nine — Nesmith provided additional balancing.
  • Shivering Isles — Nesmith handled overall design direction and balancing for Shivering Isles, and was responsible for the Ghosts of Vitharn quest.
  • The Infernal City — Nesmith served as an editor and worldbuilder, alongside designer Kurt Kuhlmann.
  • Skyrim — Nesmith handled overall design direction and balancing for Skyrim, and worked with Kurt Kuhlmann to design the radiant story quest system. He helped design the overall map and world locations, as well as the game's creatureset. He designed and implemented much of the new magic system and leveling system. Additionally, he created the Laid to Rest quest. He also provided additional writing for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Prima Official Game Guide.
  • Dawnguard — Nesmith handled overall design direction and balancing for Dawnguard, and handled the implementation of the new Vampiric abilities and Vampire Lord feature.
  • Hearthfire — Nesmith authored the initial prototype for Hearthfire.
  • Dragonborn — Nesmith was responsible for the Neloth character, and the encounter with the Ebony Warrior.
  • Elder Scrolls Online — Nesmith served as an advisor for narrative pitches, but did not advise on narrative or design.

Texts Authored[edit]

This list is non-exhaustive and includes only texts which have been confirmed to be written, fully or partially, by Nesmith.

Out-of-game

Interviews[edit]

See Also[edit]

  • Nesmyt — A character from The Daggerfall Chronicles who was most likely named after Nesmith.

External Links[edit]

References[edit]