While, thus far, details regarding The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim have suggested that developer Bethesda is taking all of their classic RPG elements and evolving them once again, one piece of news reveals they aren’t against reimagining concepts/features as well.

As revelaed by Pete Hines, Skyrim will actually feature no weapon or armor degradation, but will instead allow players to create and improve their weapons and armor using the game's crafting. It might be a harsh blow to those who love to micromanage, and truly live the life of a swordsman, but for those who thought armor degradation detracted from the experience, this is great news.

Obviously, from the extensive character customization to being able to marry almost anything, Bethesda isn’t shying away from a fully featured experience. Sure, being without armor degradation might be a bummer to fans of the Elder Scrolls series, but the feature isn’t being abandoned, it’s being replaced.

@elderscrollsftw We replaced that w/ creating/improve weap/armor, instead of spending lots of time getting them back to where they were

Vague, we know, but it still does confirm that armor and weapons won’t constantly need to be repaired with prolonged use. Personally, having to micromanage my inventory wasn’t exactly a nagging problem, but it sometimes distracted from just getting out their and killing creatures.

Continuing with the Skyrim news, Hines also revealed that vampires would be returning to the Elder Scrolls series. How exactly they will be integrated with the experience we don't know, but if it's anything like the "surprise you're a vampire" from Oblivion it should be awesome. Gamers who went hands-on with the game during PAX were even given the opportunity to slay some of them.

So, for those that are keeping count, there is one element from the Elder Scrolls that is returing for Skyrim, and one that has been substantially altered. Bethesda isn’t going to be able to please all of their fans, but demonstrating a willingness to preserve some aspects and evolve others will keep the majority happy. Honestly, if you just let us slay dragons all day long, we’d be extremely happy.

What are your thoughts on Bethesda’s decision to do away with armor and weapon degradation in Skyrim? Any thoughts on the return of vampires?

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim releases November 11, 2011 for the PS3, PC, and Xbox 360.

Source: Twitter