I think Elder Scrolls needed a multiplayer aspect, but not a MMO aspect. Before Skyrim came out I contemplated how amazing it would be if it was a co-op title and came up with an interesting storyline clash between the two players. Two heirs vying for power of the throne after their ailing father dies.
I thought having an optional rivalry against the other player while an underlying disaster brews would be awesome.
Before the PS3 everyone was nice to me :(