Skyrim map on show

Upcoming action RPG The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is generating a massive amount of hubbub among gamers, not least in anticipation for what promises to be a huge and engagingly characterised fantasy world.

For those of us just too impatient for release day to start planning our travels among the mountains and glaciers of the province of Skyrim, home of the game’s Nord race and the scene for an unexpected infestation of dragons, Kotaku is reporting that Russian fans have managed to get their hands on scans of the game’s official map. According to their readers, the maps were handed out at the Igromir gaming show in Moscow, which certainly beats our tiny haul of loot from Eurogamer into a cocked hat.

The map may not match up exactly to what we see in the final game, as the place names are English translations from their Russian equivalents. However, the layout of the land looks enough like the small amount we saw in our recent preview to ratchet up our excitement to fever pitch.

Kotaku has been unable to confirm the map’s authenticity with Bethesda, but even should it turn out to be false, we are still impressed by the craftsmanship. Personally, nothing beats the feel of paper in the hand, but a virtual equivalent will do the trick at least until the Collectors’ Edition turns up.