How has your perspective on the story changed over the past 15 years?

The game came out when I was 14 years old and playing it for the first time in over a decade as a man who is almost 30, I've noticed how differently I view certain story elements, factions, and characters.

The most prominent example is the civil war. As a kid, I always sided with the Stormcloaks. I had (and still do tbh) a soft for rebels fightingthe evil empire. I didn't view the imperials as being distinct from the thalmor and overlooked much of the racism and violence of the Stormcloaks.

Az an adult though, I am far more sympathetic to the empire. I see the practical necessity of staying united against the thalmor. I actually read Ulfric’s dossier and paid attention how he put down the Markarth uprising. I can't help but view the Stormcloaks as misguided idiots and Ulfric as a cruel warmonger who is tearing his own country apart and helping our common enemy.

Paarthurnax is another example. I always killed him as a kid because I liked the blades. Now, I think Delphine and Esbern are vindictive assholes who need to let go of ancient history. Paarthurnax is redeemed and living peacefully. I can’t bring myself to do it.

Anyway, I've just been thinking about how differently I view a lot of things in the game now that I am an adult with different beliefso and experiences. It got me wondering how it might be for others. The game has been out for 15 years, which is a long time. How have your opinions changed from when you first played Skyrim to today?

p.s. I think it's so cool that there is so much discussion about this game so many yearts later. What a game.