Mods are really the only thing keeping those games afloat. Modders end up doing half the work just to make the games halfway decent.

They're really quantity > quality.

Back in the day when people might not have had enough games to keep them occupied, Bethesda games were always there providing massive bang for buck.

It's different being an adult and having access to way more digital entertainment. Now we don't feel as compelled to stretch our enjoyment as much as possible.