Our gaming expert picks the best games to gift in December

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (PS3, 360, PC)
The Elder Scrolls games are known for the giant worlds that have consistently lived up to the definition "immersive," and Bethesda Game Studios has become one of the industry's leading experts on it. Elder Scrolls V takes us to the kingdom of Skyrim where its citizens are plagued by political unrest, civil war, and the return of dragons. Overflowing with side stories, dungeons, quests, and factions to take sides with, Skyrim packs nearly 300 hours of gameplay and is the perfect game to lose yourself (and your social life) exploring every nook and cranny.

Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)
Blizzard Entertainment better start looking over their shoulder; World of Warcraft might have some serious competition on its hands. Taking the world of Star Wars into the massively multiplayer online game genre, The Old Republic seeks to marry the MMO experience with top-notch storytelling and gameplay usually reserved for console games. There will be a monthly subscription fee tied to this title, but with constant updates and patches adding new content, The Old Republic is sure to be around for years to come.