It’s been dark times for PS3 players of Bethesda’s role-playing epic The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. From framerate issues and rampant glitches at launch to the developer’s failure to release the downloadable content packs Dawnguard and Hearthfire available on Sony’s platform, PS3 owners have been getting the short end of the stick since the game’s launch last November. However, all that may change soon, if details unearthed by a PC player are any indication.
Yesterday, Patch 1.8 entered beta via Steam, and PC players were treated to the latest host of bug fixes and memory optimizations. One dedicated technical sleuth, Bethesda forum member mardoxx, found a bevy of data names and references (via Game Informer) in the files of Patch 1.8 that make reference to what is most likely the game’s next expansion. Supposedly titled "Dragonborn", the content pack will take place on Solstheim, a large north-eastern island that is part of the Morrowind province. Keen-eyed Elder Scrolls fans will recognize Solstheim as the setting of the Bloodmoon expansion for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Other file details support this inclusion. Bonemold, Chitin, and Nordic Armor (all vestiges of Morrowind) are referenced, alongside Vvardenfell creatures like the Netch, Scrib, and Riekling. The goodies don’t stop there, though. There are numerous .txt files mentioning "DragonMounted[Weapon]", suggesting that Dragon mounts will be coming to Skyrim as a new feature soon. There are also specific references to a PS3 version of Dragonborn amidst the file names.
"datainterfaceTranslate_english.txt
$Crafting_$DLC2ArmorBonemold BONEMOLD
$Crafting_$DLC2ArmorChitin CHITIN
$Crafting_$DLC2ArmorNordic NORDIC
$Crafting_$DLC2ArmorStalhrim STALHRIM
$Dragonborn Quests Completed Dragonborn Quests Completed
$DRAGONBORN_ESMName Dragonborn
$DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT_PS3 DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT
update.bsainterfacestartmenu.swfstartmenu.as:
MainList.entryList.push({text: "$DOWNLOADABLE CONTENT" + (iPlatform == 3 ? "_PS3" : ""), index: StartMenu.DLC_INDEX, disabled: false});
Update.bsameshesanimationsetdatasinglefile.txt
DragonMountedDualMagic.txt
DragonMountedDualStaff.txt
DragonMountedMLhSolo.txt
DragonMountedMLhStaff.txt
DragonMountedMRhSolo.txt
DragonMountedMRhSolo_ShieldOrTorch.txt
DragonMountedMRhStaff.txt
Paired_DLC02RipHeartOut"
Is this indication that the latest Skyrim DLC will come to PS3? What about the other two, which remain unseen and plagued by technical issues? Stay tuned to PSU.com for more developments, and let us know what you think of these Dragonborn details in the comments below.