Elder Scrolls Online Adds Woke Non-Binary Elf – Gamers Are Furious!

The Elder Scrolls Online Introduces Controversial Non-Binary High Elf Companion, Sparking Backlash

The Elder Scrolls Online has once again stirred up the gaming world by introducing a new companion character in their latest update, a non-binary High Elf named Tanlorin, voiced by drag king Vico Ortiz. With Update 44, players can unlock this new character either through the Crown Store or as part of the ESO Plus membership.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), The Elder Scrolls Online revealed Tanlorin with the following description: "Brash and energetic, Tanlorin finds themselves wrapped up in a plot that could change the Aldmeri Dominion forever." The use of the gender-neutral pronoun "themselves" for Tanlorin hasn't gone unnoticed, sparking debates among fans.

Tanlorin’s character features medium armor, dagger-wielding abilities, and a perk that gives players an advantage in lockpicking, but it’s the character’s non-binary identity that has caused a stir. Many fans accuse Zenimax Online Studios of focusing on "woke virtue signaling" rather than gameplay improvements. One disgruntled gamer commented, “They seriously haven’t learned anything from Concord's disaster. Gamers don’t want this forced woke narrative.”

IGN, TheGamer, and other woke media outlets have attempted to justify Tanlorin’s inclusion by pointing to previous Elder Scrolls lore, such as the genderfluid Daedric Princes like Molag Bal, or characters like Vivec. However, many fans argue that these beings are gods or higher-dimensional entities, making their portrayal drastically different from a mortal character like Tanlorin.

Vico Ortiz, best known for his Ricky Martin-inspired drag persona, "Vico Suave," and roles in Harley Quinn and Craig Before The Creek, brings life to this new character, marking his first foray into video game voice acting. However, Ortiz’s involvement and the character’s gender identity have not been universally praised.

The addition of Tanlorin, much like the failed Concord game and other attempts to insert woke ideologies into entertainment, has triggered discussions about the future of gaming. Fans are quick to voice their displeasure, claiming that the Elder Scrolls Online has become yet another casualty of the woke gaming industry’s obsession with diversity and DEI initiatives.

As gamers continue to vent on forums and social media, one thing remains clear: The Elder Scrolls Online’s attempt to include more “progressive” characters has left much of its player base unimpressed.