Actor Patrick Stewart has passed away at the age of 86. Bethesda joined players in mourning, calling him "an emperor, a captain, and an inspiration to us all," and reflecting on his role as the voice of Emperor Uriel Septim VII in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
In The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Stewart voiced Emperor Uriel Septim VII, the character from whom the game's story unfolds. Although his screen time was brief, Stewart's character played a crucial role in the opening of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. It was Uriel Septim who introduced players to the world of Cyrodiil and the looming threat. Fans have pointed out that Stewart's distinctive voice and performance gave the prologue its unique atmosphere, making it unforgettable.
According to Bethesda Executive Producer Todd Howard, the developers prepared a document detailing the Emperor's life and personality traits for Stewart. Some reports suggest this document was around 90 pages long, despite the character appearing in the game for less than ten minutes. The team initially worried that Stewart wouldn't delve into such extensive material; however, the opposite proved true. He was impressed by the depth of the character setup and threw himself into the performance with enthusiasm.
In a documentary about the making of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, developers recalled Stewart's initial recording sessions. The team held his performance in high regard, especially considering that some lines were initially deemed unconvincing even by their creators. One employee was such a huge fan of Stewart that he kept a photo of him in his wallet.
Stewart's gaming contributions extend beyond The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. He reprised his roles from Star Trek and X-Men in various games and served as the narrator for Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. Upon hearing the news of his passing, fans recalled these works and highlighted his contributions to the gaming industry.
Stewart's family has requested that those wishing to honor his memory support Alzheimer's research and organizations providing care for dementia patients.