Okay, so is it just me or have the developers almost exclusively been using the human names for the elves to refer to them?

It kinda bothers me just because I think the whole idea of adding new names (Dunmer, Bosmer, Altmer, Orsimer, Dwemer, Maormer, ect.) was to move away from standard conceptions of fantasy elves. By using the more generic names (which might be a playing to the lowest common denominator type of thing) they are standardizing and blandifying (its a word now) these races.

People who aren't familiar with the Elder Scrolls IP are going to go into this game thinking that Wood Elves, High Elves, and Dark Elves will match up with their counterparts in popcorn fantasy. That's not even my real fear though....my real fear is that this is a sign the developers are matching that expectation.

What do you think?

P.S.

Here are some examples:

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/media/concept-art/479

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/game-guide/alliances/ebonheart-pact

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/news/post/2012/12/20/ask-us-anything-aldmeri-dominion-part-2 (the question even calls them Altmer and they respond with "High Elf")

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/news/post/2012/12/10/ask-us-anything-aldmeri-dominion-part-1 (same here, askers use the more proper names)

http://elderscrollsonline.com/en/game-guide/alliances/aldmeri-dominion

I think it depends on who is answering the question, some call them by their common name (high elf, dark elf, wood elf etc.) while other call them by their Mer name. For example in a recent interview with Matt Firor (on buffed.de) he refers to them as Mers and has done so with myself as while when I had the opportunity to speak to him. So I believe it all depends on who is writing the material or answering the question to how they are referenced.

Perhaps it's so people get used to the terms being used interchangeably.

I honestly don't think it matters. A Dunmer is a Dark Elf and a Dark Elf is a Dunmer. *shrugs*

They've made some naming changes/shifts that bug me, but I think the important thing to remember is that the TES series will keep to the elven names. If ESO is widely popular, and brings in more than the TES games, we might see long term consequences for their different word choices.

It bugs me that they pick names everyone is familiar with rather than ones that are unique to TES lore, but.. it is a bit confusing. It would be nice to have in the character creation screen have both Bosmer/Wood Elf, and then proceed to call them Bosmer in game. Even a 50/50 split would be fine, as people could learn both, but they should not single out the human terms for elves.

But... that's how it is in the single player games. I guess I just don't get this particular argument.

http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Morrowind:Dunmer

Ya. Well there's also the fact that this is pre-launch speak which is often tailored to those unfamiliar with the lore. Like when Todd Howard described Oblivion as hell. But in that case it kinda did turn out to be hell...

I don't really see why it matters. People coming to ESO that are new to the IP, will either continue use the "human" names or learn the mer names and use them. Don't see what the issue is. Those like the OP who only use mer versions can continue to do so, it doesn't in any way effect your ability to use names.

Fantasy is fantasy. Despite any notions to the otherwise TES isn't all that special and unique as its made out to be. Does it have its own flavor and style? of course, just like other fantasy IPs do. I just feel like some TES fans need to lighten up and try not to take it so seriously and not worry so much how the unwashed will sully your precious IP. You enjoy the IP you way, let others enjoy it theirs.

I find myself agreeing with this to a point. Although I wouldn't be quite so harsh about it.

heh, suggesting that TES fans will need to share the IP with others is hardly harsh IMO.