All of the games take place within the same world on the fictional continent of Tamriel on the world of Nirn, a fantasy world of magic, monsters, and its own complex history and lore. The series is known for having numerous side quests that almost always intrigue the player more than the main story. The games focus on player exploration rather than a rigid, scripted story.
The Elder Scrolls games, primarily developed and distributed by Bethesda, are well-known for their vast open worlds in a fantasy setting.