Your donations keep RPGWatch running!

Elder Scrolls Online - All News

Show news in a year(yyyy), month(yyyy/mm) or day:
Show news of type:
Friday - January 19, 2024
Friday - July 21, 2023
Wednesday - January 25, 2023
Tuesday - June 07, 2022
Wednesday - May 18, 2022
Friday - January 07, 2022
Monday - August 23, 2021
Sunday - May 16, 2021
Sunday - April 18, 2021
Sunday - April 04, 2021
Wednesday - January 27, 2021
Monday - January 11, 2021
Friday - January 17, 2020
Saturday - October 19, 2019
Saturday - June 22, 2019
Monday - May 20, 2019
Monday - March 25, 2019
Saturday - February 02, 2019
Wednesday - January 16, 2019
Sunday - December 16, 2018
Friday - October 26, 2018
Tuesday - August 21, 2018
Friday - June 01, 2018
Sunday - April 08, 2018
Thursday - March 22, 2018
Tuesday - February 13, 2018
Wednesday - January 10, 2018
Sunday - November 26, 2017
Saturday - November 11, 2017
Saturday - October 28, 2017
Tuesday - October 10, 2017
Tuesday - September 19, 2017
Monday - August 14, 2017
Thursday - June 22, 2017
Sunday - June 18, 2017
Sunday - June 11, 2017
Saturday - June 10, 2017
Wednesday - June 07, 2017
Thursday - May 11, 2017
Thursday - May 04, 2017
Monday - April 24, 2017
Saturday - April 22, 2017
Tuesday - April 18, 2017
Thursday - March 30, 2017
Thursday - February 23, 2017
Monday - February 06, 2017
Wednesday - February 01, 2017
Sunday - January 22, 2017
Thursday - November 17, 2016
Tuesday - October 18, 2016
Sunday - September 18, 2016
Saturday - July 16, 2016
Thursday - July 07, 2016
Monday - June 20, 2016
Friday - June 17, 2016
Wednesday - June 15, 2016
Wednesday - June 01, 2016
Tuesday - April 26, 2016
Wednesday - March 23, 2016
Tuesday - March 08, 2016
Saturday - January 30, 2016
Saturday - January 23, 2016
Friday - January 22, 2016
Monday - April 27, 2015
Wednesday - April 22, 2015
Friday - April 10, 2015
Monday - April 06, 2015
Sunday - April 05, 2015
Thursday - March 19, 2015
Tuesday - March 17, 2015
Wednesday - March 04, 2015
Saturday - February 21, 2015
Saturday - February 14, 2015
Wednesday - January 28, 2015
Tuesday - January 27, 2015
Saturday - January 24, 2015
Thursday - January 22, 2015
Wednesday - January 21, 2015
Sunday - January 18, 2015
Saturday - January 10, 2015
Wednesday - December 31, 2014
Sunday - December 28, 2014
Thursday - December 18, 2014
Friday - December 05, 2014
Wednesday - November 05, 2014
Thursday - October 23, 2014
Saturday - October 18, 2014
Thursday - October 02, 2014
Wednesday - September 17, 2014
Thursday - September 04, 2014
Tuesday - August 26, 2014
Monday - August 25, 2014
Sunday - August 24, 2014
Tuesday - August 19, 2014
Wednesday - August 06, 2014
Sunday - August 03, 2014
Tuesday - July 29, 2014
Thursday - July 24, 2014
Saturday - July 19, 2014
Friday - July 18, 2014
Wednesday - July 16, 2014
Friday - July 11, 2014
Thursday - July 10, 2014
Tuesday - July 08, 2014
Saturday - July 05, 2014
Tuesday - July 01, 2014
Thursday - June 19, 2014
Wednesday - June 11, 2014
Tuesday - June 10, 2014
Friday - June 06, 2014
Saturday - May 24, 2014
Friday - May 23, 2014
Saturday - May 17, 2014
Tuesday - May 13, 2014
Sunday - May 11, 2014
Friday - May 09, 2014
Saturday - May 03, 2014
Thursday - May 01, 2014
Monday - April 28, 2014
Tuesday - April 22, 2014
Monday - April 21, 2014
Friday - April 18, 2014
Tuesday - April 15, 2014
Sunday - April 13, 2014
Tuesday - April 08, 2014
Monday - April 07, 2014
Saturday - April 05, 2014
Thursday - April 03, 2014
Sunday - March 30, 2014
Friday - March 28, 2014
Thursday - March 27, 2014
Monday - March 24, 2014
Saturday - March 22, 2014
Tuesday - March 18, 2014
Sunday - March 16, 2014
Saturday - March 15, 2014
Wednesday - March 12, 2014
Monday - March 10, 2014
Friday - March 07, 2014
Thursday - March 06, 2014
Sunday - March 02, 2014
Thursday - February 27, 2014
Thursday - February 20, 2014
Wednesday - February 19, 2014
Monday - February 17, 2014
Sunday - February 16, 2014
Friday - February 14, 2014
Thursday - February 13, 2014
Monday - February 10, 2014
Sunday - February 09, 2014
Saturday - February 08, 2014
Sunday - February 02, 2014
Saturday - February 01, 2014
Friday - January 31, 2014
Wednesday - January 29, 2014
Tuesday - January 28, 2014
Monday - January 27, 2014
Sunday - January 26, 2014
Friday - January 24, 2014
Thursday - January 23, 2014
Wednesday - January 22, 2014
Tuesday - January 21, 2014
Monday - January 20, 2014
Sunday - January 19, 2014
Saturday - January 18, 2014
Friday - January 17, 2014
Thursday - January 16, 2014
Wednesday - January 15, 2014
Tuesday - January 14, 2014
Monday - January 13, 2014
Saturday - January 11, 2014
Friday - January 10, 2014
Wednesday - January 08, 2014
Tuesday - January 07, 2014
Thursday - January 02, 2014
Wednesday - January 01, 2014
Sunday - December 29, 2013
Friday - December 27, 2013
Wednesday - December 25, 2013
Sunday - December 22, 2013
Friday - December 20, 2013
Wednesday - December 18, 2013
Tuesday - December 17, 2013
Wednesday - December 11, 2013
Thursday - December 05, 2013
Saturday - November 30, 2013
Friday - November 29, 2013
Sunday - November 24, 2013
Friday - November 22, 2013
Friday - November 01, 2013
Saturday - October 26, 2013
Friday - October 18, 2013
Thursday - October 17, 2013
Wednesday - October 09, 2013
Tuesday - October 08, 2013
Monday - October 07, 2013
Wednesday - October 02, 2013
Monday - September 30, 2013
Sunday - September 29, 2013
Thursday - September 26, 2013
Wednesday - September 25, 2013
Monday - September 23, 2013
Wednesday - September 18, 2013
Tuesday - September 17, 2013
Saturday - September 14, 2013
Friday - September 13, 2013
Wednesday - September 11, 2013
Saturday - September 07, 2013
Thursday - September 05, 2013
Tuesday - September 03, 2013
Monday - September 02, 2013
Sunday - September 01, 2013
Saturday - August 31, 2013
Friday - August 30, 2013
Thursday - August 29, 2013
Wednesday - August 28, 2013
Tuesday - August 27, 2013
Monday - August 26, 2013
Sunday - August 25, 2013
Saturday - August 24, 2013
Thursday - August 22, 2013
Tuesday - August 20, 2013
Saturday - August 17, 2013
Thursday - August 15, 2013
Wednesday - August 14, 2013
Tuesday - August 13, 2013
Sunday - August 11, 2013
Friday - August 09, 2013
Wednesday - August 07, 2013
Tuesday - August 06, 2013
Saturday - August 03, 2013
Wednesday - July 31, 2013
Monday - July 29, 2013
Thursday - July 25, 2013
Monday - July 22, 2013
Sunday - July 21, 2013
Saturday - July 20, 2013
Friday - July 19, 2013
Thursday - July 18, 2013
Wednesday - July 17, 2013
Wednesday - July 10, 2013
Sunday - July 07, 2013
Sunday - June 23, 2013
Friday - June 21, 2013
Thursday - June 20, 2013
Saturday - June 15, 2013
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Tuesday - June 11, 2013
Wednesday - June 05, 2013
Monday - June 03, 2013
Thursday - May 30, 2013
Wednesday - May 29, 2013
Monday - May 27, 2013
Saturday - May 25, 2013
Friday - May 24, 2013
Friday - May 17, 2013
Friday - May 10, 2013
Saturday - May 04, 2013
Friday - May 03, 2013
Thursday - May 02, 2013
Tuesday - April 16, 2013
Monday - April 15, 2013
Box Art

Friday - January 19, 2024

Elder Scrolls Online - The Gold Road Expansion

by Hiddenx, 11:28

IGN shows a new trailer for the Elder Scrolls Online expansion The Gold Road:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road - Official Cinematic Trailer

Friday - July 21, 2023

Elder Scrolls Online - Free on Epic Games

by Hiddenx, 16:09

Couchpotato spotted that the Elder Scrolls Online are free on Epic Games store until July 27.

Wednesday - January 25, 2023

Elder Scrolls Online - Necrom Reveal and Roadmap

by Hiddenx, 21:17

The next expansion for the Elder Scrolls Online called Necrom will be released in June:

The Elder Scrolls Online - Necrom Reveal & Roadmap | Xbox & Bethesda Dev Direct 2023

The developers of Elder Scrolls Online reveal the next expansion, Necrom, while also giving an overview of what The Elder Scrolls Online is all about and what there is to look forward to for those who jump in to the world of Tamriel.

Source: IGN

Tuesday - June 07, 2022

Elder Scrolls Online - High Isle Launch Cinematic

by Hiddenx, 14:41

 The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle chapter is out now worldwide on PC:

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Launch Cinematic

loading...

Defend the Legacy of the Bretons in The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle and experience the next Chapter in the year-long saga.

  • Explore the regions of High Isle and Amenos -Investigate a deadly organization at the heart of Breton society
  • Recruit unique companions to join you in your quest
  • Venture into the challenging Dreadsail Reef 12-player Trial
  • Play a hand of an all-new card game, Tales of Tribute An exciting adventure awaits in a world never-before-seen in The Elder Scrolls!

Wednesday - May 18, 2022

Elder Scrolls Online - High Isle Trailer

by Hiddenx, 18:06

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle launches on June 6:

The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle - Official History of the Systres Trailer

loading...

Learn about the history of the Systres Archipelago in this latest trailer for the upcoming ESO chapter The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle. 

Long ago, the people of the Systres Archipelago once stood united against any threat to their island home. However, the isles have grown fractured under the rule of opposing Breton noble houses, and now a mysterious new order rises from the islands' shadows.

Friday - January 07, 2022

Elder Scrolls Online - ESO Global Reveal 2022

by Redglyph, 13:07

Gematsu reports that this year's Elder Scrolls Online Global Reveal is planned for January 27, this event will unveil the new content for 2022. A teaser was released for the occasion.

The Elder Scrolls Online Global Reveal Event 2022 set for January 27

First look at the upcoming Chapter and downloadable content.

Publisher Bethesda Softworks and developer ZeniMax Online Studios will introduce "a never-before-seen world and a tale that has yet to be told" for The Elder Scrolls Online via a Twitch live stream on January 27 at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET, the companies announced.

The live stream will provide a first look at the upcoming Chapter and downloadable content that make up this year’s "exciting" releases for The Elder Scrolls Online.

"Get ready to explore new lands, uncover new dangers, and experience all-new stories in the ever-growing world of The Elder Scrolls Online!" Bethesda Softworks teased.

The Elder Scrolls Online is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC via Steam and Bethesda.net, and Stadia. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series versions are also planned.

loading...

Monday - August 23, 2021

Elder Scrolls Online - Waking Flame DLC & Update 31

by Redglyph, 15:35

The Waking Flame DLC and update 31 have been released for Elder Scrolls Online, for PC/Mac and Stadia.

Continue your Gates of Oblivion adventure with the Waking Flame dungeon DLC and Update 31 base-game patch.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Waking Flame DLC game pack is now live on PC/Mac and Stadia, and it challenges players with two new dungeons, each with their own unique Gates of Oblivion stories. If you play on console, don’t fret—Waking Flame arrives on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on September 8.

This release also includes the free Update 31 base-game patch, which provides all ESO players with a series of additions and improvements to the game.

loading...

 

Sunday - May 16, 2021

Elder Scrolls Online - Official Deadlands and Damnation Trailer

by Hiddenx, 15:33

IGN presents the official Elder Scrolls Online: Deadlands and Damnation trailer:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood - Official Deadlands and Damnation Trailer

loading...

Check out the latest trailer for the upcoming Blackwood chapter of The Elder Scrolls Online, available on June 1, 2021, for PC, and on June 8, 2021, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

Before the events of The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood, there was a deal made with the Prince of Destruction. Discover the desperate schemes and mortal ambitions of the Longhouse Emperors that set up the storyline for the upcoming Blackwood Chapter and Gates of Oblivion year-long adventure.

 

Sunday - April 18, 2021

Elder Scrolls Online - Earnable Loot Boxes

by Hiddenx, 17:52

PC Gamer reports that if you like some grinding you can get ESO-loot-boxes for free:

Elder Scrolls Online loot box items will soon be earnable with in-game currency

Khajiit has wares if you have time to grind.

The forthcoming Update 30 for The Elder Scrolls Online, "Tentatively scheduled to launch in June", will add daily and weekly challenges called Endeavors. Completing these tasks will give players rewards like gold, experience, and a new currency called Seals of Endeavor that can be exchanged for items previously only available in crown crates—loot boxes that cost real-world money. 

[...]

Thanks Henriquejr!

Sunday - April 04, 2021

Elder Scrolls Online - Play for free until April 13

by Hiddenx, 15:57

You can check out the Elder Scrolls Online until April 13:

Play Free: March 31 – April 13

Explore a world without limits now until April 13 at 10AM EDT and begin your Gates of Oblivion story with the Blackwood Prologue Quest.

 

Wednesday - January 27, 2021

Elder Scrolls Online - Gates of Oblivion announced

by Hiddenx, 19:13

The Elder Scrolls Online gets a new chapter:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gates of Oblivion - Official Cinematic Announcement Trailer

loading...

Fire and ambition come to Tamriel with The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood, part of the Gates of Oblivion year-long adventure. Explore the diverse region of Blackwood, gain powerful allies with the new Companions system, and uncover the terrible schemes of Mehrunes Dagon, Daedric Prince of Destruction, 800 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion!

Pre-purchase The Elder Scrolls Online Collection: Blackwood now to begin your adventure immediately in the Base Game or previous Chapters, gain instant access to the Nagahide Welwa Ravager mount and Nightmare Bear Cub pet (only available now until March 17), and receive additional bonus items at launch. Coming June 1 for PC/Mac and Stadia* and June 8 for PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One.*Available only in limited territories.

Monday - January 11, 2021

Elder Scrolls Online - Is this any good now?

by Hiddenx, 19:50

Technewstoday checked out The Elder Scrolls Online:

The Elder Scrolls Online Review – Is this any good now?

The multiplayer Tamriel experience has improved so much since its debut

The Elder Scrolls Online is a challenging game to review. It’s the reason why The Elder Scrolls VI still doesn’t exist, even if Bethesda is building a new graphical engine for the game. Even if it exists within the fantasy world of Tamriel, the Online RPG doesn’t feel like a part of the franchise it entails.

Many years after its launch, though, the game is indeed playable. The best thing about this persistent MMORPG world is how it doesn’t require monthly fees or additional payments. Check-in once, and your wallet will be safe to play the rest of the content.

If you want to play the next chapters, though, you’d have to pay for the DLC, albeit most of them carry plenty of extra content.

[...]

Final Say

Ultimately, everything we discussed makes for a great MMORPG game. Yet, it’s not the exact recipe for a great The Elder Scrolls entry.

TESO is a successful game on its rights, but it just falls flat against Skyrim, Oblivion, or Morrowing. The difference lies in its plot, storytelling, characters, and overall writing. The single-player experience has the level of…well, an MMORPG title.

Still, roaming across Tamriel with a squad of friends is a rewarding experience. Even if the combat is not very thrilling, the number of things to craft and create and the multitude of skills to explore make for an immersive experience.

Overall, I say The Elder Scrolls Online as a 7/10 game. It’s worth a try, don’t expect this to be an excellent single-player RPG. It is what it is. TESO is an online, ongoing experience with a broad crafting system plus an okay skill system.

I have to close by saying Bethesda is planning to create an Xbox Series X/S version and a PlayStation 5 version. However, because Microsoft bought Bethesda recently, we don’t know if the title will stay on the PlayStation storefront for long.

Lastly, TESO is commonly on discount on the Steam store, selling for under $10. The standard game includes all of the content except for Greymoor. For that kind of money, TESO is worth it!

 

Friday - January 17, 2020

Elder Scrolls Online - New Greymoor Chapter

by Silver, 21:32

The Greymoor Chapter has been announced for The Elder Scrolls Online. Greymoor is set in Western Skyrim. Expect Greymoor on PC and Mac May 18th, and Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on June 2nd.

loading...

THIS YEAR’S INCREDIBLE NEW CHAPTER – ESO: GREYMOOR
Set more than 900 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Western Skyrim isn’t exactly how players may remember it. An ancient vampire lord leading a terrifying army of vampires, witches, and werewolves, has twisted a once idyllic land into a dark and sinister one.

Greymoor is packed-full of new stories, adventures, and challenges, including:

  • A gigantic new zone, Western Skyrim, and within it, the deep and dark Blackreach cavern. Combined, this is ESO’s largest zone yet.
  • An epic main story quest line with around 30 hours of new adventures that ties into the Dark Heart of Skyrim year-long adventure, plus tons of new side quests and exploration
  • Antiquities: this new system features two skill lines and will challenge players to travel beyond Western Skyrim and across Tamriel to recover lost artifacts to uncover the world’s hidden history and unlock powerful and fun rewards for all types of players
  • A challenging new 12-player Trial: Kyne’s Aegis
  • New World Events: Harrowstorms
  • A vast amount of unique Delves, Public Dungeons, and standalone quests, as well as a host of performance updates and quality-of-life improvements

Saturday - October 19, 2019

Elder Scrolls Online - Matt Firor Interview

by Silver, 20:58

Matt Firor of The Elder Scrolls Online was interviewed by SECTOR.

loading...

At Gamescome, we had the opportunity to go to Bethesda's stand to find out more about the current status, stage version and future of the well-known MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online, as Matt Firor, head of The Elder Scrolls Online and ZeniMax Online, told us.

Thanks Farflame!

Saturday - June 22, 2019

Elder Scrolls Online - Previews

by Silver, 11:08

PixelOpinions and DigitalChumps previewed The Elder Scrolls Online - Elsweyr

Similarly, the new world activity that has continued the trend of finding replacements for the base games dark anchors are the Dragon hunts. Public events that will see a dragon spawn and eventually land allowing a group of players to engage in battle. These are much more challenging and demanding versions of public bosses which will require larger groups as well as those people playing their role, unlike public bosses which can be beaten by as little as a couple of experienced players. While these are very fun and rewarding experiences, you will quickly realize that they are not as dynamic as they first appear and even take place in predetermined areas. I have concerns about how manageable they will be once the initial population spike due to a new expansion subsides again. It gives off the impression that like their impact in the main campaign, they will end up just being there.

I realize that it seems like I am being very critical of the storytelling but I don’t mean to be, it isn’t bad by any means, it just doesn’t meet its full potential. In fact, much like everything before it, what is here is very well written and exceptionally voice acted to its usual high standard. Just make sure you are a fan of the Khajiit and their unique way of speaking, otherwise you will find yourself a little annoyed since they are the most prominent race in Elsweyr. Truthfully, where the main campaign is lacking, the experience is more than made up for in the side quests which are amongst the best we have seen yet. This is the furthest from your boring kill x, collect y quest template of past MMOs. You will come across a wide variety of colorful quest givers with their own personalities and agendas that will send you on what feel like meaningful tasks.

[...]

The Dragons

These aren’t you 2011 Skyrim dragons, nor are you the Dragonborn. The dragons in Elsweyr pose so much more of a threat, and you better make sure that you are prepared. These dragons believe that Elsweyr is theirs, and will make sure nobody is in the way to stop them.

The first time the player gets to see a dragon up close and personal is in the tutorial. The dragon is brought down by a horn the player blows that grounds them for a bit. A couple of the adepts and the player go to confront the dragon while it is grounded. It becomes rapidly apparent that the player is not yet ready to kill a dragon. The dragon is called away by a voice on the wind, and honestly, that was a lucky break. For the player and adeptorium alike.

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Monday - May 20, 2019

Elder Scrolls Online - Elsweyr Interview

by Silver, 08:53

AusGamers interviewed the Rich Lambert, Creative Director at Zenimax Online Studios, about Elsweyr for The Elder Scrolls Online.

Alongside dragons and getting to see the homeland de los gatos, Elsewyr is also introducing a new playable class – the Necromancer. Something that, no matter the fantasy setting, fans always seem to be asking for. In the world of The Elder Scrolls, Necromancy has been a major presence throughout the history of Tamriel. “Necromancy is a really big thing in Elder Scrolls lore,” Rich confirms. “It’s kind of the precursor to the Mages Guild. The Mages Guild was started because there was infighting in the Psijic Order, around whether Necromancy was good or bad. One of the Daedric Lords is all about Necromancy. It’s something we've always wanted to do and something that our players have always wanted us to do. Even during the initial beta, they were asking, ‘Where's the Necromancer class?’”

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Monday - March 25, 2019

Elder Scrolls Online - Elsweyr - Zone Trailer

by Silver, 18:32

The Elder Scrolls Online has a new trailer for Elsweyr.

loading...

The Khajiiti homeland is under attack and it's up to you to defend it from dragons, undead, Imperial Necromancers, and more. Overcome new and exciting challenges as you venture into Elsweyr.

Explore fertile grasslands with stalking predators, winding canyons whose shadows hide bandits and worse, and wild borderlands where the Khajiit grow their famous moon-sugar crops.

Experience all of this and more in The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr. Pre-purchase The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr now to gain immediate access to the otherworldly Rahd-m'Athra Mount, the base Elder Scrolls Online game, the Morrowind and Summerset Chapters, plus get the Noble Clan-Chief costume, Blue Dragon Imp pet, Baandari Peddler Crate, and more when Elsweyr launches.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr will be available on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on June 4, 2019, with PC/Mac early access starting May 20.

Saturday - February 02, 2019

Elder Scrolls Online - Wrathstone Next

by Silver, 20:03

ExpansiveDLC reports that The Wrathstone DLC will be released next for The Elder Scrolls Online.

loading...

The Elder Scrolls Online website has confirmed the next DLC – Wrathstone – will be releasing soon along with Update 21.

This will be the first of three DLC packs this year, along with the next major Chapter, Elsweyr. The four packs combined make up the Season of the Dragon.

Wrathstone will release before Elsweyr on May 20th and will add two new group dungeons – the Depths of Malatar, and Frostvault.

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Wednesday - January 16, 2019

Elder Scrolls Online - Elsweyr Expansion Trailer

by Silver, 01:12

A new expansion has been announced for The Elder Scrolls Online which is set in Elsweyr.

loading...

In "The Elder Scrolls Online: Elsweyr" the dragons return to Tamriel! "Elsweyr" is part of the "Season of the Dragon", an all-year ESO adventure. Explore sun-drenched savannahs and gorges, defend the Khajiite homeland, and command the merciless undead necromancer in the brand new chapter of the award-winning "Elder Scrolls Online" saga!

Sunday - December 16, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Murkmire Review

by Silver, 13:29

The Elder Scrolls Online: Murkmire was reviewed by Sknr.

The main quests are some of the most interesting to come out of ESO in quite some time. Upon entering Murkmire you will meet an archaeologist named Famia, who’s scouring the temples to find Argonian artifacts for her museum. Her heart is in the right place, wanting to preserve Argonian culture, but it is unfortunately at the expense of taking those artifacts out of The Black Marsh. The quests you embark on with (and often times for) Famia, have a Tomb-Raideresque feel, carefully tumbling and sneaking your way past various traps throughout the temples. This definitely gives the expansion a more Raiders of the Lost Ark vibe, as opposed to the traditional sword and sorcery feeling you get by playing Summerset Isles.

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Friday - October 26, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Murkmire Available

by Silver, 09:46

The Murkmire DLC is available for The Elder Scrolls Online.

The Murkmire DLC Game Pack

Now available on PC/Mac free with ESO Plus™ membership or for 2000 crowns from the in-game Crown Store. Coming November 6 for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

Brave the Forbidding Black Marsh

Wade into the perilous bogs and mossy ruins of the Argonian homeland and explore a strange land

Learn the Secrets of the Mysterious Hist

Venture deep into the strange and colorful history of Murkmire to recover a powerful Argonian antiquity

Prove Your Mettle in the Arena

Enter the dreaded Blackrose Prison and face waves of enemies in a battle for treasure and glory

Collect Murkmire’s Hidden Treasures

Acquire unique items, collectibles, and gear from this mysterious and dangerous new world

Tuesday - August 21, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Murkmire Impressions

by Silver, 07:51

The Elder Scrolls Online 'Murkmire' impressions by GameReactor.

We were also introduced to a puzzle within the dungeon - something which has been a rarity within the Elder Scrolls Online series so far. This required us to match the heights of corresponding plates that were seen on some pillars and a set of pullies. Lambert told us that this was another example of how players are trained to pay more attention to the environment in this update, as our friend offers a clue to solving it during dialogue. He also told us that this was to make things seem a lot more obvious for the player so that they don't have to search for answers online.

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Friday - June 01, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Summerset Review

by Silver, 14:07

Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset has been reviewed by RockPaperShotgun.

For a game all about fluttering flower fields, gleaming spires and aloof nobility, Summerset sure is busy. Playing with a brand new character (partly so I could begin directly in Summerset, partly because I couldn’t remember much about how to play) only granted me a few precious minutes of feeling that this was a brave, new and unspoilt world. Once the short’n’stabby tutorial quest – set in some spectral other-world – was over, I emerged into the green and pleasant land of Summerset proper. Everywhere I looked, I could see people wearing silver filigree armour or robes made from obsidian thorns, sprinting about the place atop flaming panthers and giant spiders. The cumulative effect of various pre-order bonuses, paid unlocks and cross-character trophies was that almost everyone here looked like a dark god from minute one.

[...]

Thanks henriquejr!

Sunday - April 08, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Summerset Previews

Thursday - March 22, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Summerset Expansion Announced

by Silver, 20:14

@Dualshockers A new expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online is set in the Summerset Isles.

This week, Maryland-based studio Bethesda Softworks announced that the next expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online would take place in Summerset, the ancestral home of Tamriel’s Altmer—the High Elves.

According to the press release, the Summerset DLC will wrap-up the story that initially started back in 2015 with the Orsinium expansion. Aside from wrapping up a narrative, the Summerset DLC will also introduce new content, including a new zone, a new jewelry crafting skill, and new Delves, Boss battles, a brand-new 12-player Trial called Cloudrest, as well as the Psijic Order faction and skillset.

[...]

loading...

loading...

Tuesday - February 13, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Dragon Bones DLC released

by Hiddenx, 22:22

The first ESO-DLC of 2018 is out now - the Dragon Bones DLC:

Dragon Bones

Ancient monsters rise to plague Tamriel anew in Dragon Bones, The Elder Scrolls Online's newest DLC game pack. Check out everything you need to know about this new adventure and Update 17 in our launch article!

We are thrilled to announce that the Dragon Bones DLC game pack and Update 17 are both live on PC/Mac. This new adventure and base-game update includes:

  • Two new dungeons: Scalecaller Peak and Fang Lair
  • The Outfit System
  • Home Storage
  • A new Level-Up Experience
  • Combat improvements
  • Two new Battlegrounds: Deeping Drome and Mor Khazgur

This new DLC is available free-of-charge for all ESO Plus™ members or for purchase with crowns from the in-game Crown Store. The Update 17 base-game patch arrives free for all ESO players. Want to celebrate the release of Dragon Bones with us? Download the official wallpaper.

Wednesday - January 10, 2018

Elder Scrolls Online - Dragon Bones DLC

by Hiddenx, 20:50

The Elder Scrolls Online will get a major update and a new DLC in February:

Dragons in ESO! Well … technically, undead dragons in ESO!

Zenimax Online Studios has revealed details on the first major update of 2018 for The Elder Scrolls Online – a two-dungeon DLC Game Pack called Dragon Bones, and Update 17, a free addition for everyone which includes a slew of new features and upgrades that make ESO better than ever. Dragon Bones and Update 17 are expected to launch in February.

The Dragon Bones DLC Game Pack will include two new dungeons – Scalecaller Peak and Fang Lair  – available in both normal and veteran modes, with a veteran Hard Mode for each final boss. These new dungeons pit players against new and returning enemies, including plague-ridden ogres, powerful sorcerers and their undead creations, and even the reanimated bones of an ancient dragon.

Players will be rewarded with new items and monster sets, collectibles, and achievements, as well as a Renegade Dragon Priest mask, awarded just for entering one of the dungeons. The Dragon Bones DLC Game Pack will be free for ESO Plus members, and available for purchase from the Crown Store for non-members.

The free-for-everyone Update 17 will release simultaneously with Dragon Bones, and will include:

  • The Outfit System: allows players to customize the look of their equipment, regardless of equipped gear
  • Two New Battlegrounds: the Orc Stronghold of Mor Khazgur and the Dwarven ruins of Deeping Drome bring 2 new arenas for 4v4v4 multiplayer mayhem (Battlegrounds PvP requires ESO: Morrowind)
  • Home Storage System: this highly anticipated feature provides players the opportunity to lock items away safely in their homes via the Homestead housing system
  • Additional Gameplay Features: new quality of life additions will help new and experienced players get the most out of ESO, including the new Level Up and Skills Advisors, guiding players to the best upgrades when they level up; and improvements to combat, making it easier to identify and activate ability synergies.

The additions and improvements included in Update 17 will be available free of charge for all players.

For all of the details on both the Dragon Bones DLC Game Pack and Update 17, please read the article on The Elder Scrolls Online website.

Thanks Farflame!

Sunday - November 26, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Clockwork City Review

by Hiddenx, 02:23

PC Aficionado has reviewed the ESO expansion Clockwork City:

Elder Scrolls Online: The Clockwork City Review

The Clockwork City is an expansion to the Elder Scrolls Online taking us to a steampunk realm that Dwemer lovers will feel right at home in. The city is constantly moving and taking different forms, clockwork buildings made up of cogs, gears and various other pieces of mechanical contraptions assemble around you. With a large new area to explore and a large quest to embark on. The Clockwork City adds a fantastic new world to explore and interact with.

You were able to explore the Clockwork City before, in the Tribunal expansion of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. However the world has not been seen in this much detail and with such rich story telling before. The world has been created from the ground up and has a lot to discover.
[...]
The Clockwork City is a fantastic addition to an ever expanding game. It bring us a rich new adventure to embark on, as well as many interesting activities to partake such as trials, side quests and new features. The vast amount to do will give you a lot to do and see while exploring the city and will not leave you dissatisfied.

Score: 8.5/10

Thanks Farflame!

Saturday - November 11, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Clockwork City Trailer

by Hiddenx, 11:15

Farflame spotted a trailer for the ESO expansion Clockwork City:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Clockwork City – Official Trailer

loading...

A mysterious Daedric conspiracy threatens the Clockwork City. Enter Sotha Sil's realm and explore a mechanical world unlike anything else in Tamriel! Experience an all-new zone, a unique storyline, a new, challenging Trial, new daily quests, and more.

Saturday - October 28, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Clockwork City

by Hiddenx, 06:10

MMO Games checked out the new Elder Scrolls Online addon Clockwork City:

The Elder Scrolls Online: A Look at the Clockwork City

The Elder Scrolls Online has been kind in offering us lore that we never thought we’d get to see, and this brand new foray into the Clockwork City is no different. For those of you who don’t know, the Clockwork City is a miniature metropolis located deep beneath Ebonheart, unknown to most of those living in Tamriel. The city was created by Sotha Sil as his ideal image of Tamriel, though after losing Sunder and Keening at Red Mountain, he retreated into his creation and lost touch with the outside world. Your journey through the Clockwork City will be highly eventful, whether you want to explore the rich environment and take in the extensive lore or you wish to take on some of the world bosses. Either way, this is one DLC that’s going to blow your mind as you explore a miniaturized version of Tamriel.

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Tuesday - October 10, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Clockwork City: October 23

by Hiddenx, 20:31

PC Gamer reports that the ESO-expansion Clockwork City will be available on October 23:

The Elder Scrolls Online Clockwork City release date announced

The brass fortress awaits.

The Elder Scrolls Online is heading to Sotha Sil's Clockwork City for a ten-hour expansion, due out on October 23. The update is included as part of the ESO Plus membership, and otherwise costs 2000 crowns in the in-game Crown store. That's roughly $20 / £15 worth of crowns once you've converted the amount from real money.

[...]

Thanks Henriquejr!

Tuesday - September 19, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Clockwork City Preview

by Hiddenx, 16:43

Eso fans can check out the content expansion Clockwork City on the Bethesda Twitch channel.

Thank you for the info, Farflame!

Monday - August 14, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Horns of the Reach DLC released

by Hiddenx, 19:57

Two new dungeons are available for The Elder Scrolls Online:

Horns of the Reach DLC Game Pack

Bloodroot Forge and Falkreath Hold, two new challenging dungeons, pit four-player groups against the menacing hordes of the Dreadhorn Clan. Both dungeons contain unique item sets, monster masks, achievements, and collectibles. For more details on the lore, enemies, and rewards, please see the preview articles for Bloodroot Forge and Falkreath Hold on the ESO web site.

Horns of the Reach is also available in a special Collector’s Bundle, which offers a unique selection Horns of the Reach-themed items in addition to the DLC game pack, including the Karthwolf Charger mount, Karthwolf Shepherd pet, and five Crown Experience Scrolls. This exclusive bundle is available for a limited time in the Crown Store for 3,500 crowns.

Update 15 Details

Alongside Horns of the Reach, ZeniMax Online Studios has also released Update 15 for PC and Mac, delivering  a host of overall game improvements that are free for everyone, as well as major additions to ESO’s fast-moving new Battlegrounds PvP, which are free for all owners of ESO: Morrowind.

Battlegrounds additions include a new arena – Arcane University – set in the heart of Cyrodiil’s ruined university, as well as a new game mode, Chaosball, in which players must capture and protect a “ball” to earn points for their team. For more information, please see the ESO web site’s Battlegrounds preview.

Update 15’s general game updates -- free for all players -- includes fixes, balance changes, additions, and improvements that everybody can enjoy. For a complete list of changes and additions, please see the base game update preview on the ESO web site.

Thursday - June 22, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - No MMO?

by Hiddenx, 20:07

PCGamesN reports that Zenimax don't call The Elder Scrolls Online an MMO anymore:

Why Zenimax don't call The Elder Scrolls Online an MMO anymore

If there was an underlying problem with The Elder Scrolls Online at launch, it was perhaps too online. Along with that anachronistic name, it took on the traditions of the ‘90s MMORPG and muffled some of the best traits of Bethesda games: a sense of place and permanence.

In the years since, however, developers Zenimax Online Studios have worked consistently to shed the strictures of their parent genre.

 

“We don’t even use the term MMO with The Elder Scrolls Online anymore, because really it’s not,” game director Matt Firor says. “MMO was a term coined in 1997 with Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Dark Age of Camelot – we are not that game.” 

Zenimax dedicated their first 12 months after launch to making the game “feel more like The Elder Scrolls.” They wound up with a world more tactile and reactive – where the thing you touch might be an NPC’s purse, and the reaction might be a cold sword through the guts, courtesy of a player enforcer in Zenimax’s justice system.

[...]

Sunday - June 18, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Review

by Hiddenx, 09:38

HardcoreGamer has reviewed The Elder Srolls Online: Morrowind:

Review: The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind

Ever since the original release for PC in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online has received countless updates and numerous expansions, revamping the gameplay and adding new content to keep players interested. The newest addition, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, is meant to be more than just another basic expansion with a vast new location, new character class and other additional content and features. This new chapter is designed in a way to not only cater to veteran players but also serve as a good entry point for newcomers, where a freshly created level one character can travel alongside someone at level 50 and the game will make it work for both players.

If it wasn’t obvious from the title, the new location in The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is Vvardenfall, an island in the Dunmer province of Morrowind, which is the setting of the third mainline Elder Scrolls game. This content takes place approximately 700 years before The Elder Scrolls III Morrowind, but despite some differences, the unique environment of Vvardenfall is recognizable immediately when starting this area, taking only a couple minutes of exploration to find a domestic Silt Strider ready to ferry the player to a new destination. New and old characters have immediate access to Vvardenfall, and while there is plenty to do here, traveling to the other parts of Tamriel can be done at one’s leisure.

[...]

Closing Comments:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is an impressive new addition to an already solid MMO. The Elder Scrolls Online has been constantly evolving since its initial launch, and the new content introduced in this chapter builds upon these improvements. There’s plenty to do in Vvardenfell, a land with consonants to spare,  but one of the greatest strengths of this title is the level of accessibility. Any type of character build can work in this game, and players of all levels can play together and things will balance themselves out so everyone can have a good time. Plus, for the times when you may want to play alone, this MMO does actually provide a good solo experience. Whether someone is a long time player, new to the game, or has played before and taken a lengthy break, anyone can jump in and experience new adventures in Vvardenfell.

Score: 4/5

Sunday - June 11, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Review

by Hiddenx, 09:57

The Gaming Boulevard has reviewed TESO: Morrowind:

Review: The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind

The official launch of the original Elder Scrolls Online wasn’t without failures. The game had some downs due to a great number of irritating bugs but luckily it has made one hell of a comeback thanks to the free-to-play model. After this major update, people started to enjoy it more thanks to the unbelievable support Bethesda has offered. With some tweaks here and there, the game became a lot more stable and even a lot more fun to play. This week, the game launched with their first big expansion “Morrowind” where The Elder Scrolls veteran players will find their way back home and feel at ease…

[...]

Conclusion:

Vvardenfell has a lot of PVE content to go through. This expansion is definitely a buy when you’re ready to sink in some hours within this universe. The Warden class feels versatile and will definitely amp up the metagame. The option to choose what kind of weapon you want to fight with, is still there and talent trees can be expanded when you’re becoming a member of one of the guilds within this game. The island looks good and the best thing is, the developers stayed true to the original Morrowind. Old veterans will feel like a familiar place has evolved into the same place worthy of this online world. There’s a lot to check out: a new PVP mode, a new raid, the Warden class and of course the loot. If you’re ready to start playing the ESO, now’s the time to start! Experienced players will probably already have bought the expansion and if you’re an experienced MMO player and you want to try ESO out again, go ahead and play the game, it’s the best time to (re-)visit the game but don’t expect something new when it comes to the gaming mechanics. It still is an Elder Scrolls game and it will stay true to its origin.

Score: 8.5/10

Thanks Farflame!

Saturday - June 10, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Review

by Hiddenx, 09:08

Twinfinite has reviewed the Morrowind addon for the Elder Scrolls Online:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind Review

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind on PC

Disclaimer: This review is being written from the perspective of a new player. The Morrowind expansion to The Elder Scrolls Online (TESO) is fairly unique that it can be the starting point of a new player and its main quest can be completed by anyone at any level unlike other MMORPGs. Thus, our review score will be focused on the new player experience in TESO: Morrowind and its story content. Any impressions of high-end content geared towards returning, experienced and well equipped players will be done separately and will NOT factor into our launch day review score.

[...]

The release of TESO: Morrowind is the perfect time for fans of the Elder Scrolls single player games to jump in and give the MMORPG a try if they’ve been hesitant so far. Even if you just play as a lone wolf and want to experience the game’s stories and quests as well as explore past Vvardenfell, it’s worth the price of admission.  Whether you stay for the long haul, or convert from a different MMORPG is going to depend on how much you enjoy the game’s PvP and end game structure, which has both its strengths and weaknesses. If you’re already playing, you’ve likely figured that out already and don’t need this review to tell you. If you’re playing something else, the only way to know for sure if you’ll like it is to try, and TESO: Morrowind is an expansion worth giving a shot.

Score: 4/5 – Great - Editor's Choice

Pros:

  • Main quest has both steak and sizzle.
  • Quests and characters overall have the quality of main numbered Elder Scrolls games.
  • Warden is fun to play.
  • Vvardenfell is worth exploring. It’s beautiful, full of surprises.
  • Lovely soundtrack and ambiance.

Cons:

  • Leveled content made combat a bit dull.
  • Group play never felt needed.
  • Battlegrounds felt out of place and probably won’t convert anyone that doesn’t already enjoy its PvP.

Wednesday - June 07, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Review @ IGN

by Hiddenx, 19:48

IGN has reviewed the Morrowind addon for The Elder Scrolls Online:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind Review


A triumphant return to one of The Elder Scrolls' most memorable locations.

Stepping off the boat in Seyda Neen at the beginning of The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind brought back a flood of memories from 2002’s The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Seeing the plain wooden dock extend out in front of me toward the small hamlet made me feel as though I were 15 years younger, ready to tackle the world laid out in front of me. In every pixel, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind strives to create this feeling. And the centerpiece island of Vvardenfell, coupled with a new interesting class and stellar writing, make this a great new expansion.

[...]

The Verdict
Morrowind adds a lot of good content to the Elder Scrolls Online library, with the fresh new look of Vvardenfell staring at the center of a great expansion. The storytelling and writing are taken to new heights, continuing a trend of improvement in each content release since Orsinium in 2015. The addition of the Warden class gives new and returning players alike a fresh and versatile way to play through the 25 hours of content. While the Warden’s bear companion skill disappoints and the Battlegrounds need work, what Morrowind does well has kept me enthralled in the world of Tamriel. Morrowind feels like it begs you to come home, and what a welcome it has in store when you get there.

Score: 8/10

Thursday - May 11, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Early Access on May 22

by Hiddenx, 19:19

Early Access for The Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind will be available on May 22:

ESO: Morrowind | May 22 “Early Access” Launch for PC/Mac Upgrades

loading...

It’s almost time to return to Morrowind in The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, and today we have exciting news for existing PC and Mac ESO players. ZeniMax Online Studios has revealed that PC and Mac players who purchase the digital upgrade version of ESO: Morrowind, or the Physical Collector’s Edition, will have the option to begin their adventures in Vvardenfell a little early – starting May 22 – via a special “Early Access” launch of the game.

Separate from the Public Test Server beta, “Early Access” players will receive the full game, play on live servers, and will retain all progression when the game officially launches on June 6. “Early Access” is available for players who purchase the Digital Upgrade or Digital Collector’s Edition Upgrade versions of ESO: Morrowind for PC/Mac at any time prior to launch, as well as those who purchased the PC/Mac Physical Collector’s Edition. Physical Collector’s Edition owners will need to contact Customer Support at the following link to activate Early Access: https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/app/mw_notification

New players purchasing the full ESO: Morrowind game for PC/Mac will begin play on launch day -- June 6.

Whether starting a new Warden or bringing their existing heroes over to Vvardenfell, PC/Mac upgraders will have a two week jump on the epic storylines and new areas in the massive new Chapter. The “Early Access” period will allow for final gameplay tuning and polishing before the game launches for everyone in June.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will launch on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6. For more information, or to pre-order the game for a variety of in-game and other rewards, players should visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com.

Thursday - May 04, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Video

by Hiddenx, 18:52

Morrowind returns on June 6:

The Elder Scrolls Online:
Morrowind – A New Chapter in Vvardenfell

loading...


In celebration of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind’s 15-year anniversary, we look ahead to the next chapter in Vvardenfell’s story. Set 700 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, you’ll help the demi-god Vivec ensure that the Morrowind you remember comes to be. Watch our latest video to find out why Elder Scrolls fans are so excited to rediscover the home of the Dark Elves, and prepare for your return to the island of Vvardenfell with The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind on June 6.

Monday - April 24, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Preview

by Hiddenx, 19:46

Trusted Reviews checked out the upcoming ESO expansion Morrowind:

Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind preview

[...]

Vvardenfell is a land teeming with life. Wander past the Seyda Neen's bustling streets to find lush, verdant forests, with a scattering of lightly-animated flora writhing from side-to-side. With the appropriately-named vvardvarks scuttling past, Morrowind feels very much alive.

Set 700 years before the events of the original Morrowind, the gargantuan Ink-Cap mushrooms sprouting into the sky will be immediately familiar to returning players. Naturally, many cues are taken from the physical landscape of the original RPG, so the lava-coated wastes of the Red Mountain make a return alongside boggy marsh lands and grassy highlands.

Following the main quest, however, will lead you to the gleaming grandeur of Vivec City, where the life force of legendary warrior-poet Vivec is dwindling. In exploring his mysterious illness and uncovering the true nature of the ancient daedric threat hanging over the island, you’ll happen upon plenty of lore and political intrigue in the land of the Dunmer (otherwise known as Dark Elves).

Morrowind is an intensely divided society and it’s the tension between its rival houses and tribes that drive the more interesting quests you’ll take on. What unites the Telvanni, Dres, and Redoran houses, the Ashlander barbarians and the Morag Tong, is their hatred of “outlanders”. Where Morrowind first timers will be engrossed as they unravel these divisions, ZeniMax has prepared many nostalgic treats for veterans.

[...]

First impressions

What's striking about Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is how polished the game was for me. I did have occasional connection issues whilst queuing for PvP matches and some textures were very slow to load at times, but overall the expansion looks very promising ahead of its June 6th launch. Ever since 2014, ESO has clearly been one long learning curve for ZeniMax and Bethesda, with the excellent Morrowind the result. With an intriguing narrative holding together a refreshing new class and PvP modes, Morrowind represents an MMO going from strength to strength.

Saturday - April 22, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind: Warden Gameplay Trailer

by Hiddenx, 16:18

A new class is coming to The Elder Scrolls Online - the Warden:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind –
Warden Gameplay Trailer

loading...

In The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, Tamriel has a powerful new protector. On June 6, you can take control of the first new class to join ESO since launch: the Warden. These guardians of the wilds protect Nirn with a host of unique, nature-based abilities. Watch the Warden Gameplay Trailer for a look at the kind of hero you can become, and learn more here.

Tuesday - April 18, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Warden Class Gameplay

by Silver, 23:54

@PCInvasion The Elder Scrolls Online will be getting a new class with the Morrowind content come June 6th called the Warden class.

This new gameplay trailer showcases the class skills with their nature-based magic and their versatility of being damage dealers and healers. You can also summon a rather large War Bear which is always helpful, summon healing plants, or even place yourself in a block of ice to cool off. These guys are at one with nature.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind can be purchased as a standalone release and includes all the original game content in case you were wondering.

loading...

Thursday - March 30, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Province Primer

by Silver, 21:53

@MassivelyOP The Elder Scrolls Online now has a Morrowind Province Primer.

So let's assume that you're a regular MMORPG player who's never really been into Elder Scrolls series, wasn't around for TES III: Morrowind, never picked up Skyrim's Dragonborn DLC, or didn't side with the Ebonheart Pact in The Elder Scrolls Online. Or maybe you just have nothing but antipathy for dark elves in fantasy. If you're in those groups but are still interested in The Elder Scrolls Online as just a solid themepark MMORPG rather than fanservice, you might be wondering just why the heck everyone is freaking out in anticipation of the Morrowind expansion.
[...]

Thursday - February 23, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Return to Morrowind Trailer

by Silver, 22:13

Bethesda has released their 'Return to Morrowind' gameplay trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online.

loading...

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind - Return to Morrowind Gameplay Trailer | PC Xbox One & PS4

The Elder Scrolls Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing (MMORPG) video game developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It was originally released for Microsoft Windows and OS X on April 4, 2014.It is a part of The Elder Scrolls series, of which it is the first open-ended multiplayer installment.

As with other games in The Elder Scrolls franchise, the game is set in the continent of Tamriel and features a storyline indirectly connected with the other games. The Elder Scrolls Online had been in development for seven years before its release in 2014. It initially received mixed reviews, but these improved significantly with the re-release and rebranding as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, with the majority of reviews praising the changes.

Monday - February 06, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Become a Homeowner

by Hiddenx, 22:08

Yo can now become a homeowner in Elder Scrolls Online:

It’s time to take the big leap and become a homeowner … in Tamriel.

Today PC/Mac players of The Elder Scrolls Online receive the first major DLC of 2017 – Homestead – a free update that will allow them to buy apartments, homes, manors – and even an island – in Tamriel. Available for both in-game Gold and through the Crown Store, homes can be customized with more than 2,000 decorating items, including furniture, décor, books, barrels and a whole lot more.

Homestead will release on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on February 21.

Tons of Homes!

Homestead releases with nearly 40 instanced homes to choose from, each styled after one of the game’s 10 playable races. Anyone who would like to grab their own Tamriel digs can get one for free through an initial tutorial quest. Once that introductory quest is completed, players can move on and up, owning multiple homes of various sizes that can be shared across all of their in-game characters.

Not Your Friend’s House

Owning a house is only the beginning of Homestead – it’s not truly a home until you decorate it. Players can make their new residences truly unique by acquiring and placing more than 2,000 items with the game’s new Housing Editor. Furniture and other décor are available through in-game vendors and the Crown Store, but players can also craft their own using existing crafting skills. Available décor includes tables, chairs, chests, beds, bars, counters as well as decorating items like books, food, barrels, paintings, light fixtures, plants, trees, and more. Looking for more utility? Players can also place items like combat dummies, crafting tables and assistants in their homes.

Wednesday - February 01, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Morrowind Expansion Announced

by Silver, 12:53

@GameRant report on The Elder Scrolls Online new expansion which adds Morrowind.

Bethesda Softworks announces ZeniMax Online Entertainment's first major The Elder Scrolls Online expansion, Morrowind, which also adds the Warden class.

ZeniMax Online Studios today announced the first major expansion to its 2014 MMO, The Elder Scrolls Online. It's time to return to Morrowind. The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is a prototypical MMO expansion, featuring a large new land for players to quest and adventure. Additional features include the addition of all new class, the Warden, the new Battlegrounds PvP mode, and of course, an expanded story campaign. Morrowind will come with the pricing of a prototypical expansion as well.

loading...

Sunday - January 22, 2017

Elder Scrolls Online - Homestead

by Hiddenx, 09:11

iTech-Post reports that the Elder Scrolls Online gets a Homestead DLC on February 6:

Elder Scrolls Online Homestead DLC:
Everything You Should Know Before Its Release

[...]

Players Need To Complete A Quest Before Owning A Home In Tamriel

Players need not worry; they just have to complete a tutorial quest in the Elder Scrolls Online Homestead DLC before they can buy a home, as per TrueAchievements. After which, they will be given a "modest" home, which is really just a room at the local inn.

The houses that the Homestead DLC will bring are inspired by the races in the Elder Scrolls Online. As can be seen in the trailer, there are homes for the Khajit, the Imprerial and more. These homes can be purchased by saving up in-game gold or by spending some Crowns, which can be bought using real money.

loading...

Thursday - November 17, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Free Weekend and Sale

by Silver, 08:58

On Steam the Elder Scrolls Online:Tamriel Unlimited is having a free weekend until Monday at 10AM Pacific Time. The game is also on sale for 67% off until Wednesday 10am Pacific Time.

Tuesday - October 18, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Saving the ES MMO

by Aubrielle, 19:26

Polygon steps back and takes a longer look at Elder Scrolls Online, its evolution, and where it's going with One Tamriel and beyond.

How do you take one of the biggest franchises in games and move it to an entirely different genre without losing what makes it special?

That was the question posed by the team at ZeniMax Media when it formed ZeniMax Online Studios in 2007. Its answer was The Elder Scrolls Online, an ambitious project to take the world of Tamriel — made famous by single-player games like The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion — and reshape it into a massively-multiplayer online game.

But in 2011, four years after work began, studio director Matt Firor and his team started to think they might be on the wrong track. The feedback from internal playtests was mixed. ESO was just OK, and OK wasn’t anywhere close to good enough.

Read on.

Sunday - September 18, 2016

Matt Chat #353 - Elder Scrolls Online

by Hiddenx, 07:37

Part 2 of the Lawrence Schick interview:

loading...

Mr. Schick is back this week to talk about his book, Heroic Worlds, the evolution of MMORPGs, why Tamriel is special, and what open world collaboration is all about.

Saturday - July 16, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Shadows of Hist Preview

by Aubrielle, 15:56

Elder Scrolls Online's Shadows of the Hist DLC - and update 11 - will launch on the 1st of August. Early impressions are rolling in about some interesting new mechanics.

After spending some hands-on time with ZeniMax's ambitious Update 11 patch and complementing Shadows of the Hist game pack for The Elder Scrolls Online, the editors at MMORPG.com have wrangled up some first impressions to give us a better understanding of what to expect when they officially launch on August 1st. Word is:

Cyrodiil Cities

This is my personal favourite addition to the game. When you zone into Cyrodiil and look at the map you’ll notice 3 new icons on the map. These are the new cities that can be controlled by any faction, Bruma, Vlastarus and Cropsford. These towns require you to capture three points within them, one that is unguarded, another with only a few guards and one that is heavily guarded. These new areas will bring new fights to Cyrodiil, as these cities can play a very important role for PvP as they act as resurrection points for those who’ve fallen in battle. Anything that Brian Wheeler can add to Cyrodill that promotes smaller scale combat alongside with the large battles that Cyrodiil is designed around is fantastic.

Racial Passives

Racial abilities are something that I’ve discussed in the past, numerous times. I never felt that ESO’s racial passives were deciding factors when it came to building your character. This is something I praise ZOS for, the freedom to truly play a character the way you want without completely ruining your play experience. Yes, the bonuses gave a player a slight advantage in terms of health regen etc, but never enough that another player couldn’t overcome them. That said, I also commented that some racial abilities just didn’t seem right. Let’s take a look at the new ones and you tell me what you think of them.

Source: GameBanshee

Thursday - July 07, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Gold Edition Announced

by Aubrielle, 04:25

A Gold Edition of Elder Scrolls Online has been announced.  It will contain all of the extra content currently available for ESO.

Bethesda Softworks brings word of their plans to release a The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition compilation package on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, though no specific release date has been given yet. However, you can pre-order the game if you already know that the core MMORPG, its four expansion packs, and other included goodies are something you're interested in:

Own the complete ESO story plus the first four DLC game packs with the newly announced The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition. From Skyrim to Daggerfall, this pack allows you to explore the vast world of Tamriel in one package. Travel to Abah's Landing to master the art of thievery with the iconic Thieves Guild, become a deadly assassin of the Dark Brotherhood in the Gold Coast, or ride to Wrothgar and aid the Orc King Kurog in rebuilding Orsinium.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition includes the following content:

• The Elder Scrolls Online
• DLC game packs:
• Imperial City
• Orsinium
• Thieves Guild
• Dark Brotherhood
• Palomino horse mount
• 500 crowns to spend in the in-game Crown Store for new game accounts

Starting today, you'll be able to pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Edition for $59.99 from select retailers.

Source: GameBanshee

Monday - June 20, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Dungeons, Player Housing

by Aubrielle, 11:42

Big updates are coming for The Elder Scrolls Online, including a dungeon pack slated for August and player housing coming in 2017.

Two years after the PC release and one after launching on PS4&XB1, The Elder Scrolls Online is thriving. The Dark Brotherhood DLC just came out and Zenimax Online announced more updates at E3 2016.

eso_dark_brotherhood_skeletons

During Bethesda’s E3 Showcase, it was revealed that over 7 million players bought The Elder Scrolls Online since its release. Game Director Matt Firor then announced One Tamriel, a new feature that allows players to group with friends anywhere in the PvE world regardless of the character level or alliance. This sounds very similar to the system used in Guild Wars 2.

Here’s how it works:

  • Characters will have their level scaled the same way that the game currently scales players to the level of DLC zones (Imperial City, Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood).
  • You will be able to explore the entire world in any sequence you wish – just walk across the world and you will always find appropriately leveled content.
  • You will be able to play and group with anyone in the game at any time (outside of PvP). No longer will you have to create a lower level character to play with a friend who has just joined the game. You will be able to group and adventure together from the moment your friend emerges from the tutorial.
  • All PvE Alliance restrictions are being dropped. You will be free to explore of all Tamriel, including other Alliances. It is up to you how you want to role-play your character while doing this. “Silver” and “gold” versions of zones will be replaced by Cadwell quest storylines that you can do in any order you wish.
  • Alliance restrictions will still be enforced in all PvP areas, of course. One Tamriel will not affect the PvP systems in Cyrodiil.
  • In general, higher level players will be the same “level” as lower level players, but they will have far more tools in their arsenal: better gear, more abilities, and of course more Champion points.
  • Gear rewards will be scaled appropriately to make sure that there is always a way to get more powerful via crafting, questing, PvP, and dungeon/trial boss loot drops.
  • All Trials and Dungeons will continue with standard and Veteran difficulty modes, and you will have to be Veteran level to play veteran dungeon modes.
  • The Coldharbour zone will be “roped off” from players who have not yet completed the quests that lead there. However, if you are invited to a group that is already there, or travel to a friend who is there, you can immediately access the zone.

Chances are we’ll get a lot more information on both those upcoming DLC packs at Quakecon, due August 4-7 in Dallas, Texas.

A couple days later, Firor revealed to IGN that the next DLC will be an Argonian Dungeon Pack, due to release this August alongside the barber shop. Player housing, on the other hand, is planned to become available in the first quarter of 2017.

Friday - June 17, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - One Tamriel Details

by Aubrielle, 04:55

Since One Tamriel was announced, more details have emerged on the coming world change for The Elder Scrolls Online.

Since taking to the stage at E3 to announce their plans for "One Tamriel", the update that will make all content in The Elder Scrolls Online playable at any character level, the web is now home to a couple of previews regarding Zenimax Online's ambitious plans. The first one comes to us via MMORPG.com, where they briefly break down how this is going to work:

It’s something they’ve been perfecting since the game was released. First it was in Cyrodiil, then Orsinium, Hew’s Bane and most recently the Gold Coast. So all content will essentially be boosted to “max level” and all characters, regardless of actual character progression, will also be scaled. This will put every new player and old player at the same content and they will be able to explore and do quests together without any barriers.

The impediment of opposing of factions is also being removed with One Tamriel. No matter if you originally sided with Daggerfall, Ebonheart Pack, or even the filthy Aldmeri Dominion, you’ll be able to group with and play alongside anyone. This is something that had been requested well before the game launched. The Elder Scrolls community felt that with the faction lock the game wouldn’t feel like an Elder Scrolls game. They were right, the faction lock took out a lot of the single player Elder scrolls game feeling and gave it more of a MMORPG feel to it.


And then PC Gamer offers up a slightly shorter piece to fill in a couple of gaps:

When One Tamriel goes live, character levels will be scaled for the full game in the same way that they're currently scaled to the Imperial City, Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood DLC zones. You'll be able to take on the entirety of Tamriel however you wish—“Just walk across the world and you will always find appropriately leveled content”—and, aside from PvP, players will be able to group and play with whoever they want, regardless of level or allegiance.

PvE Alliance restrictions are also being dropped, and “silver” and “gold” versions of zones will be replaced by Cadwell quest storylines that can be completed in any order. Trials and Dungeons will continue to offer Standard and Veteran difficulties, and the Coldharbour zone will be inaccessible to players who haven't finished the questline that leads there; if you're invited to join a group that's already there, however, you'll be able to access it immediately.

Source: GameBanshee

Wednesday - June 15, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - One Tamriel

by Aubrielle, 08:10

Elder Scrolls Online will soon launch an update called One Tamriel, which will remove all content barriers and make group play and exploration easier.

Big changes are coming later this year to The Elder Scrolls Online in the form of One Tamriel, an overhaul of the Zenimax MMO that Director Matt Firor said will “make it easier for ESO players to group together, and to promote the sense of freedom to explore that Elder Scrolls games are known for.” The plan, in a nutshell, is to remove all content barriers from the game and make everything available to everyone. 

When One Tamriel goes live, character levels will be scaled for the full game in the same way that they're currently scaled to the Imperial City, Orsinium, Thieves Guild, and Dark Brotherhood DLC zones. You'll be able to take on the entirety of Tamriel however you wish—“Just walk across the world and you will always find appropriately leveled content”—and, aside from PvP, players will be able to group and play with whoever they want, regardless of level or allegiance.

PvE Alliance restrictions are also being dropped, and “silver” and “gold” versions of zones will be replaced by Cadwell quest storylines that can be completed in any order. Trials and Dungeons will continue to offer Standard and Veteran difficulties, and the Coldharbour zone will be inaccessible to players who haven't finished the questline that leads there; if you're invited to join a group that's already there, however, you'll be able to access it immediately. 

“In general, higher level players will be the same 'level' as lower level players, but they will have far more tools in their arsenal: better gear, more abilities, and of course more Champion points,” Firor wrote. “We will adjust gear rewards to scale appropriately to make sure that there is always a way to get more powerful via crafting, questing, PvP, and dungeon/trial boss loot drops.” 

More information about One Tamriel will be announced over the summer and leading up to its launch, currently slated for sometime this autumn.

Source: PC Gamer

Wednesday - June 01, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Dark Brotherhood Trailer

by Silver, 08:40

Bethesda have released a trailer for the Dark Brotherhood DLC game pack ahead of its release.

loading...

Blood will flow. Prepare for your life as one of Tamriel’s most feared assassins with this assassination trailer featuring of Blade of Woe kills, courtesy of the Dark Brotherhood. The Dark Brotherhood DLC game pack is available now on PC and Mac. Coming to Xbox One and PlayStation®4 on June 14!

Tuesday - April 26, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - New DLC May 31st on PC

by Silver, 10:04

New DLC has been announced as reported by Gamespot. Titled 'Dark Brotherhood' the DLC sees you return to the Gold Coast last seen in Oblivion. PC players get it first with a release date of May 31st.

The Elder Scrolls Online continues to grow and evolve, with its latest DLC pack, Dark Brotherhood, scheduled to come out on May 31 for PC and Mac. Bethesda announced the release date today, also confirming that console versions will come out on June 14 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

[...]

The new Dark Brotherhood DLC pack sees players joining an "infamous guild of assassins" in the region of the Gold Coast, which was last seen in 2006's The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

The content comes with a new passive skill line, "hours" of new quests to take on, more gear, and new world boss encounters, among other things.

"Become the deadliest assassin with a new and exclusive passive skill-line, defend the Brotherhood against a mysterious foe in hours of new story content, prove your skill for homicide in new repeatable assassination quests, and more," reads a line from the DLC's description.

Though Dark Brotherhood doesn't officially launch until next month, PC players can test it out on The Elder Scrolls Online's public test server starting today, April 25. For lots more on Dark Brotherhood, check out this blog post.

Wednesday - March 23, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Thieves Guild Released

by Myrthos, 23:07

The third DLC for The Elder Scrolls Online, Thieves Guid, has been released.

Thieves Guild, the third DLC game pack for the award-winning multiplayer roleplaying game The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, is now available worldwide for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Join the Thieves Guild of Abah's Landing to become the newest recruit in their organization of pickpockets, burglars, robbers, and thieves. The latest DLC game pack for the award-winning The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited takes you to Hew's Bane - an all new zone to explore located in the southern peninsula of Hammerfell. Combined with new story content that will bring you back to all your favorite areas of Tamriel, Thieves Guild offers unexplored delves, powerful group bosses, and much more!

Thieves Guild is included with an active ESO Plus membership or will be available for 2,000 crowns via the ESO Crown Store.

Additional DLC Details:

Brand New Story Content
Help restore the Thieves Guild in Abah's Landing, currently besieged by the mercenary force known as the Iron Wheel. After a high-stakes heist gone horribly wrong, the Iron Wheel will stop at nothing to destroy the Guild. Hours of story content await as you solve the mystery of the Iron Wheel and restore glory to the Thieves Guild.

New Criminal Activities.

Leveraging ESO's Outlaw Refuges, Thieves Guild quests take you all over Tamriel to engage in - and profit from - criminal activity such as stealing, looting, and pickpocketing. Heists, a new quest type, allow you to hone your thieving skills by adding trespassing and stealth/hiding mechanics that enable you to break into warehouses and homes in Abah's Landing to relieve merchants and citizenry of their goods. Beware of the guards!

New 12-Player Trial
With both Normal and Veteran difficulty modes, the Maw of Lorkhaj 12-Player Trial will test your allies and your courage. Breach the gates of an ancient Khajiiti shrine, and confront the ghostly legions of Namiira in eerie lamp-lit corridors - complete with ruthless new enemies, terrifying bosses, and a wealth of treasure from the depths of Oblivion.

All-New Skill Line
Want to enhance your character with all-new thieving, sneaking, and stealing-related passive skills? You're in luck! The Thieves Guild in Abah's Landing will teach you these skills as your progress through the ranks of the organization.

Thieves Guild-Exclusive Rewards and Items
Earn new items through in-game quests and browse Thieves Guild-themed items coming to the Crown Store soon.

loading...

Tuesday - March 08, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ Metro

by Myrthos, 12:27

In an interview with Metro, (ESO) director Matt Firor talks about the future of the game and MMOs and that making a game like this being very hard.

GC: How do you feel The Elder Scrolls Online has performed since launch and what are you most pleased with? What do you think were the biggest mistakes at launch and what do you think ESO offers that other MMOs do not?

MF: ESO is doing awesomely! Our success has gone a bit under the radar so to speak, but we are very happy with where we are. I am very pleased that we developed a game that can take so many different types of gamers and give them different play experiences – but all the while introduce them to other play styles and stay true to the Elder Scrolls lore. I’m also extremely happy with how our technology works behind the scenes. We don’t get to talk about that enough, but we seamlessly hide server transitions and instancing, which allows players to simply choose a region megaserver (Europe or North America), and the technology does the rest.

To answer your question about comparing ESO to other MMOs: ESO is not really a traditional MMO, so we don’t use that term much around the office – and it is this distinction that separates it from other games. If you want to play it solo, like you did with other Elder Scrolls games, you can do that. If you want to play it super-grindy with dungeons, Trials, and group bosses as the core of you experience, you can join up with others and do that too.

It’s really up to you to figure out how you want to play it, as we don’t enforce a play style one way or the other. In fact, ESO has been super-successful at taking gamers not used to massive online games, introducing them to the concepts of group play by making it fun and optional, and turning them into online gamers.

I think we could have done a couple of things better at launch like setting proper expectations for our betas (which for the first few were done primarily for technical scaling testing, not for game testing), and we definitely launched with a content bug that prevented many players from completing quests.

Thnaks Couch.

Saturday - January 30, 2016

ESO - Thieves Guild Launches in March

by Aubrielle, 00:46

The Elder Scrolls Online's new Thieves Guild DLC will launch for PC on March 7.

loading...

The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited’s first DLC of 2016 will arrive in March with the Thieves Guild pack, launching March 7 on PC, March 22 on Xbox One and March 23 on PlayStation 4.

Following this announcement, a new trailer giving us an indepth look into the DLC pack was also released.

The Thieves Guild DLC pack will feature an all new passive skill line following the Guild, new Justice gameplay and hours of new story content. It will also add a new area in the southern lands of Hammerfell, Hew’s Bane, where players of all levels can initiate the DLC content. A new 12-player trial, Maw of Lorkhaj, will also be available as well as new group bosses and unique costumes, motifs and item sets inspired by the Thieves Guild.

This DLC will be available at no cost to those with an active ESO Plus membership, but it will cost 2000 crowns in the Crown Store for others.

The game will also receive a base-game patch which will affect all players, featuring a 64-bit client for PC and Mac, scrolling combat text, combat and gameplay balances and grouping improvements and incentives. The patch will add improved facial animations on Mac and prioritisation of animations during combat too.

Check out the video above to take a look at the new content to be added. Sneaking through the shadows does look like a nice change from constantly annihilating everything in my path!

More information.

Source: Pixel Dynamo

Saturday - January 23, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Creative Director Speaks

by Aubrielle, 01:01

Elder Scrolls Online's creative director, Rich Lambert, tells us a little more about the upcoming Thieves Guild DLC.

Thanks to Couch for tonight's news.

The Thieves Guild will be Elder Scrolls Online's first DLC of 2016, and it's shaping up to be pretty massive in terms of content included. We caught up with ESO's Creative Director, Rich Lambert to ask a few questions about the recent info dump on the content pack.

MMORPG: Will the Maw of Lorkhaj (a new 12 player Trial) be scaled so that players of all levels can try it?  

Rich Lambert: Yep – the Maw of Lorkhaj will scale like our dungeons do. The leader of the group determines the level of the Trial. Note – in order to get on the leaderboard, the leader must be VR16 and the trial difficulty be set to Veteran. It’s also our very first Trial that has both a Normal and Veteran mode!

MMORPG: What's this about Trespassing? Explain!

RL: We’ve added in more criminal activities into the justice system. Specifically:

Trespassing - Certain locations in Abah’s Landing are off-limits where just being seen there is considered a criminal act. These locations are accessible via clearly labeled entrances that make it clear you will be trespassing. While doing so, the on screen justice indicator will notify you of your illicit status.

Criminal Mischief – A bunch of different actions fall under this criminal category. (forgery, vandalism, etc) While you are on quests or exploring Hew’s Bane these actions will be highlighted in red before performing them to indicate their criminal implications. Being witnessed performing criminal mischief will incur bounty, just as with other crimes.

Bounty Pardons - Given the Thieves Guild has certain “connections” they may at times reward their members with documentation which conveniently erases some of your accrued bounty.

MMORPG: Can you preview any of the skills we'll see in the Thieve's Guild line?

RL: For Thieves Guild skill line we’ve added in all new passive skills. The focus of this line is to improve your toolset as a thief – the easier it is to either escape the law or reduce being noticed during criminal activities, the easier it is to be a successful thief. A really good example of this would be Clemency, which is the ability to sweet talk your way out of being arrested by a guard for a limited amount of time.

MMORPG: What are the benefits we'll see with a 64-Bit client?

RL: Players will see some pretty significant stability improvements (i.e. – less crashing or stuttering) as well as overall performance improvements as the 64-bit client will be able to take advantage of larger memory pools.

More information.

Source: MMORPG.com

Friday - January 22, 2016

Elder Scrolls Online - Thieves Guild

by Aubrielle, 01:12

Bethesda has released a first look at ESO's upcoming DLC pack, Thieves Guild.

Thanks to Couch for tonight's news.

loading...

Thieves Guild DLC Game Pack Features & Content

  • Join the iconic Thieves Guild for the first time in ESO
  • Hew's Bane, a new zone available to characters of all levels and home of Abah's Landing, the Thieves Guild headquarters, located in the southern peninsula of Hammerfell
  • Hours of exciting new story content and quests that will take you through all your favorite areas of Tamriel
  • A challenging, new 12-player trial: Maw of Lorkhaj
  • Formidable new group bosses and delves to conquer
  • The addition of new criminal activities
  • A new passive skill line exclusive to members of the Thieves Guild
  • Unique costumes, motifs, and item sets inspired by the devious Thieves Guild

Base Game Patch Features & Content

  • A 64-bit client for PC and Mac
  • Improvements to grouping including incentives and cross-alliance grouping outside of the Grouping Tool
  • Tons of combat and gameplay balance changes
  • Scrolling combat text (SCT)
  • Improvements and updates to Cyrodiil and its campaigns
  • Access to content from other alliances in any order you choose upon reaching Veteran Rank 1
  • Prioritization of animations during combat
  • Improved facial animations for Mac
  • …and more!
  • Source: Bethesda Softworks

    Monday - April 27, 2015

    ESO - Why Bethesda Dropped Subscriptions

    by Couchpotato, 05:18

    The Examiner had a short chat with Bethesda to talk about why the developer dropped the Elder Scrolls Online subscription model a few moths back.

    Examiner.com had the chance to chat with Elder Scrolls Online Game Director Matt Firor about what went into the decision to drop subscriptions in ESO. "The decision came about by us listening to our fan’s feedback – they really liked the fact that they had so much freedom in the game and they wanted that same freedom with their payment methods," Firor said.

    "So, we changed our subscription-required payment model to subscription-optional, and we created a virtual currency/in-game store system that allows players to purchase customization and convenience items. Player reaction has been outstandingly positive since we announced the change, and especially since the changes went live on March 17."

    It's doubtful ESO would have found success on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One had the game kept its subscription model. With the selection of other games already available on the systems, it would have been hard to justify spending another $14.99 per month for a game you already own.

    Wednesday - April 22, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - v2.0.6 Patch Notes

    by Couchpotato, 05:11

    A new patch was released for Elder Scrolls Online. Here are the patch notes.

    The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited v2.0.6 is an incremental patch that fixes a number of issues including some Templar abilities, quests, long loading screens, and more. Also remember that the Senche-Leopard will be removed from the Crown Store after the maintenance for this patch. The total size for this patch is approximately 225MB.

    Friday - April 10, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Welcomes Back Beta Players

    by Couchpotato, 05:41

    ZeniMax Online has an update on the website for Elder Scrolls Online about offering Beta testers the chance to play the game for free on April 16th through April 20th.

    A lot has changed since The Elder Scrolls Online beta, and we want you to discover all the new adventures waiting for you in Tamriel. From Thursday, April 16th at 10:00 AM EDT through Monday, April 20th at 10:00 AM EDT, we're inviting all beta players who never purchased the game to join us for a free weekend! You'll be able to download the game and experience all of our six major game updates, tons of improvements and fixes, and all of Tamriel Unlimited. We hope you'll join us!

    If you're a beta player who is planning to participate in the Welcome Back Weekend, please check your email for more information and start downloading or updating your ESO client today!

    Monday - April 06, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Happy 1st Anniversary

    by Couchpotato, 05:24

    The Bethesda Blog announces that ESO has celebrated its first anniversary.

    loading...

    Hard to believe how fast times goes by, but today marks the first birthday for The Elder Scrolls Online!

    The game has seen many improvements through regular updates and the introduction of Tamriel Unlimited, but one thing hasn’t changed: the amazing support from the game’s community. A shining example comes on the game’s first birthday — a touching community tribute put together by community member Elloa.

    To the entire ZOS team and ESO fanbase, congrats on an amazing first year!

    Sunday - April 05, 2015

    ESO: Tamriel Unlimited - The Right Direction

    by Couchpotato, 06:10

    A blog site by the name of nardmode published a short article with their opinion that ESO: Tamriel Unlimited is a big step in the right direction for the MMO game.

    In general Tamriel has become a much more dynamic place. You notice it as soon as you enter the game as you’ll often hear guards fighting or chasing after people yelling “Halt!”. A month ago towns were almost empty of players and now many are bustling hubs of activity.

    Indeed Zenimax has taken a big step in the right direction and it’s only just beginning. The Justice system is only in it’s first phase of roll out. The second phase will introduce an enforcer vs. bandit type PvP in the areas that were previously PvE only.

    Although it’s unclear exactly when the PvP element will be added to the Justice System, it is obvious that Zenimax is doing what it can to give players what they want. Hopefully they can continue to improve ESO: Tamriel Unlimited in ways that make it a more living, breathing game.

    Thursday - March 19, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Crown Store Impressions

    by Couchpotato, 03:09

    MMORPG posted a video preview of the new Crown Store of Elder Scrolls Online.

    loading...

    Elder Scrolls Online just became "Tamriel Unlimited" and that means no more necessary subscriptions. Buy the game once, play it forever. But of course, that also means the "Crown Store" is added, to monetize the game and keep it funded. What can you get for your dollars there? Bill Murphy takes a quick look.

    Tuesday - March 17, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Tamriel Unlimited Trailer

    by Couchpotato, 03:20

    Zenimax Online released a new launch trailer this week  for Tamriel Unlimited.

    loading...

    They also released a new one hour ESO live video about the F2B conversion.

    In this Friday, the 13th episode of ESO Live, we discuss the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, answer your questions, hear about life at ZOS with Systems Designer Mandi Parker, and learn about quest creation with Zone Lead Greg Roth.

    Wednesday - March 04, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Patch 1.6.5 Released

    by Couchpotato, 03:08

    A new post on the Elder Scrolls Online forums has infomation about a new patch.

    Welcome to The Elder Scrolls Online v1.6.5, our sixth and largest major content update thus far! We have many significant new features in store for you.

    In this update, we’ve added the first phase of the Justice System. This will allow you to commit criminal actions throughout Tamriel such as theft, burglary, pickpocketing and murdering NPCs. We’ve also implemented the third phase of the Champion System, which introduces Champion Points and an entirely new UI where you can use these points to unlock passive abilities. We encourage you to check out the details below to learn how both these systems will work.

    Accompanying the Champion System are gameplay improvements, fixes, and rebalancing. This will alter the way you’ve previously played as every ability has been amended in some fashion, differences in armor are more pronounced, critical attack and defense are handled differently, and the scale of numbers across the board has changed. Due to these changes, we will be resetting all skill and attribute points.

    You will also notice that there is a new notification when you first log on asking which country you’re playing the game in. If you’re in a non-PEGI country, you will go straight to the game. If you’re in a PEGI country, there will be new legal text explaining that the rating for the game has changed, and you will need to either accept or decline this change to continue.

    Additional new features include the highly-anticipated Provisioning revamp, plus the new Collections UI, improved combat animations, and changes to the Trials Leaderboards. In addition, we have tons of fixes and improvements to all other aspects of the game. Please note that while there is UI for the upcoming Crown Store, it will be disabled until March 17th when we release Tamriel Unlimited.

    This patch will be approximately 20-25GB, depending on your language selection. We hope you enjoy this latest update!

    Saturday - February 21, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Loyalty Rewards Ending

    by Couchpotato, 05:09

    A new update about the next free gift for paid subscribers has been announced, and with the final gift comes the announcement the Loyalty Rewards are ending.

    loading...

    If you've been exploring Tamriel for nine months, you have another special gift coming soon! We're adding the Mask of Cheerful Slaughter to our loyalty program. Inspired by none other than the dread lord of madness himself, no enemy will escape your unnerving countenances when you wear it into battle—or just around the tavern to creep out your friends.

    This reward joins the High Hrothgar Wraith and the Loyal Dwarven Sphere as a token of our appreciation. When you've been a paid subscriber for nine months, you'll receive it in your in-game mail! We plan to start sending this new costume at the end of February, so keep your eyes peeled.

    We'd also like to talk about another special reward, the Striped Senche, which was announced in our recent Road Ahead update. To obtain this regal mount, you need to meet two criteria: 1) you must be an active ESO subscriber on March 16th, the day before we launch Tamriel Unlimited, and 2) you need to have 300 total days of paid subscription time prior to March 16th. This is the only way to get your hands on this feline companion—it won't be sold in the Crown Store.

    We appreciate that you've chosen to spend so much time with us in Tamriel, and you have our most sincere thanks for playing. When Tamriel Unlimited launches, lots of big changes are coming, and among those is the retirement of the loyalty program. We hope that you've enjoyed the unique rewards we've created for you so far and hope you'll continue to adventure alongside us in Tamriel Unlimited!

    Saturday - February 14, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead Update

    by Couchpotato, 05:24

    Its time for the next Road Ahead Update on the Elder Scrolls Online website where Director Matt Firor talks about he future of the game, and where its heading.

    Welcome to February's ESO Road Ahead! As you've probably heard by now, we made some big announcements last month as we introduced The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited and revealed our console release date as June 9th. We've gotten lots of great questions about our thinking behind this transition and what it means for you, whether you're already playing or you're waiting for the console versions. In this update, I'll be answering some of these important questions.

    Wednesday - January 28, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Update 6 Guide

    by Couchpotato, 04:18

    A new post on the Elder Scrolls Online webpage has a guide for the games next update which will add what the developers call the new Justice System.

    Justice is coming to Tamriel. In Update 6, your character can participate in a variety of criminal activities, from thievery to murder. But will the rewards be worth the risk? Can you manage to commit your crimes without being caught, or will you face harsh penalties at the hands of the guards?

     

    Tuesday - January 27, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Hardcore Fans Are Angry

    by Couchpotato, 05:42

    Shane Scarbrough of the Skyrim Fansite is the next person to write about the changes for Elder Scrolls Online this month, and he points out why fans are angry. 

    Final Thoughts

    After the Skyrim Fansite published an earlier article touching on some of this post’s themes (“The Elder Scrolls Online Will Be Free To Play: Fans Are Freaking Out“), I was asked by a few readers what my personal feelings were regarding the change…

    So here you go:

    • Like many others, I was surprised at the announcement. I knew (or thought I knew) ZOS’s position regarding their P2P business model. During the last year in fact, I found myself put in the position of having to defend the reasons for a subscription-based model in this very blog. Early on, our readers wanted ESO to be free to play, and most likely still do today.
    • Personally, I like ESO the way it is now, and don’t mind paying the subscription fee. I feel the P2P model helped fill the Community with mature gamers, and provided an environment for ZOS to stop the bots and spammers that once plagued the game shortly after release.
    • Even though I’d prefer that the business model didn’t change (purely selfish reasons), I appreciate the fact that sub fees are a huge barrier to console gamers and others. I also appreciate that ZOS needs to make money. Lots of money. I don’t begrudge ZOS their profits. B2P may help bring in thousands of new players, and may be just what is needed to keep the game I love going strong now and into the future.
    • Changing from P2P to B2P may not be as dire as a lot of my fellow hardcore gamers think. B2P may actually be a welcome success — bringing in good gamers (both PC and console) who under the old sub model wouldn’t or couldn’t play. Having to actually buy a copy of the game (and DLC) may provide the barrier needed to keep the botters, spammers, and trolls out of the game.
    • As long as ZOS doesn’t transition The Elder Scrolls Online to “play to win,” I truly believe the Community and the game itself will be just fine. I sympathize with the anger of my fellow hardcore players, but I believe we need to keep calm and game on. Change is coming, and change may bring danger. True enough, but change may also bring opportunity, and we should never forget that.

    That’s my two septims, but how do you feel about this issue?

    Saturday - January 24, 2015

    ESO - Was Zenimax Stupid Like a Fox?

    by Couchpotato, 05:18

    So here is another article I found this week about the Elder Scrolls Online dropping the subscription fees from a community member named Isaac Knowles on Gamasutra.

    I offer up this highly stylized analysis in anticipation of the inevitable “I told you so” stories (and comments) that are already starting to appear regarding Zenimax Online’s move. For example, Forbes offer this tidbit: “Sure enough, the subscription model doesn’t seem to have delivered quite the results that Bethesda was hoping for, and they’re transitioning it to a one-time purchase model…”

    But if what I’ve said above about IPD and subscriptions is true, this diagnosis is off-base. In fact, it may be that the subscription has delivered to Zenimax precisely what it wanted, and the move away is a logical step planned well in advance.

    The fact is that game publishers have become incredibly savvy at finding, retaining, and extracting value from customers. We should expect future, “failed” forays into subscription-based models. Not because publishers are stupid, or ignoring history, but because they are trying to make the most money they can over the lifetime of the product that they sell.

    Thursday - January 22, 2015

    ESO - How Subscription-Free Will Work @ Kotaku

    by Couchpotato, 00:16

    If you read the other news-bit I posted a few hours back about the Elder Scrolls Online dropping subscriptions, and still have questions then Kotaku has some answers.

    In a live session streamed via Twitch earlier today, Pete Hines of Bethesda, game director Matt Firor and creative director Paul Sage went over some of the big changes coming to the PC version of The Elder Scrolls Online, along with what's in store for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 releases in June.

    Why make the free-to-play announcement now? According to Firor, with a ton of content in the game and the console versions on the way, the time was just right. There'd really be no point to set up the complicated infrastructure necessary to accept console subscription fees and then take them away a couple of months later. So, responding to player feedback about the game's pay model, they went to a one-time purchase model with an optional subscription and a cash shop.

    Wednesday - January 21, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Dropping Subscriptions

    by Couchpotato, 21:57

    Well it's now official after the various rumors in the last few months it seems The Elder Scrolls Online is finally dropping subscriptions. The new title is called Tamriel Unlimited.

    Here is more information and a new video.

    loading...

    Get ready for our console launch on June 9th, and start exploring Tamriel with no game subscription fees on PC/Mac March 17th.

    For the first time in history, you’ll be able to explore the legendary world of Tamriel with your friends on console. We’re excited to announce that The Elder Scrolls® Online will be coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One worldwide on June 9, 2015 as The Elder Scrolls® Online: Tamriel Unlimited™! In the latest and biggest Elder Scrolls game ever made, you can choose to adventure alone, quest with friends, or join an army of hundreds in epic player vs. player battles as you explore and discover the secrets of a persistent Tamriel. And with Tamriel Unlimited, coming to console on June 9th and PC/Mac on March 17th, 2015, you will no longer be required to pay a monthly game subscription to play ESO.

    The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited includes all the great gameplay from the original PC/Mac game, plus all the updates and content additions, including the exciting new Justice and Champion systems. If you’ve ever played ESO, you’ll be invited to return to the game and experience everything new in the world without game subscription fees. If you’re new to ESO, you’ll make a one-time purchase of the game and then continue playing without restrictions for as long as you like.

    In Tamriel Unlimited, you’ll be able to purchase optional downloadable content, and the new in-game Crown Store will offer convenience and customization items. If you choose, you can pay a single monthly charge for our premium membership, ESO Plus™, to receive monthly in-game benefits and a monthly allotment of crowns to spend in the store. Our team remains committed to providing a great experience to all players, and you can expect continued, regular updates free of charge in addition to our new store offerings.

    You can read the full press release for more details from Bethesda.

    Sunday - January 18, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Justice System @ MMO-Play

    by Couchpotato, 04:10

    Jeff Francis of MMO-play posted a new opinion article about why he is excited about the Justice System in The Elder Scrolls Online. So what about you guys do you agree?

    Overall, I'm looking forward to the Elder Scrolls Online justice system because it adds another layer of depth to the online rpg. I love the mechanics of having a bounty on your head that you can pay off or choose to flee from, even though you'll be living on the lam. The fences where stolen goods are sold or laundered should provide some interesting roleplaying opportunities. Another good aspect of the justice system is that there are several stages to being wanted, ranging from not wanting to get too close to guards all the way up to fleeing for your very life. The new system will be strictly PvE when it launches, but the game plans on eventually adding PvP elements. I can think of a horde of players who are just itching to become bounty hunters when that happens. Just remember to look twice and crouch when you decide to do some mischief to ensure that nobody's watching you.

    Saturday - January 10, 2015

    Elder Scrolls Online - Boxes Pulled From Stores

    by Couchpotato, 03:12

    I found information on Blue's News about physical boxes being pulled form stores for the Elder Scrolls Online, and the six month subscriptions were canceled last month.

    Kotaku Australia reports that a directive has gone out to EB Games to remove all copies of The Elder Scrolls Online from their shelves by January 13, including prepaid cards for Bethesda's MMORPG. This is helping fuel suspicions that the game may be transitioning to a free-to-play business model, a theory that took form when six month subscription option was removed last month. MCV Pacific has a statement from EB Games that this is "part of a normal stock recall" which includes other game, though Kotaku has a follow-up to this, saying that games like Destiny and The Evil Within are having excess stock returned, while the instructions for The Elder Scrolls Online is to remove every single copy.

    Looks like the F2P rumors might be true.

    Wednesday - December 31, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Six Month Subscriptions

    by Couchpotato, 05:15

    Massively has news that ZeniMax has stopped offering six-month subscriptions. According to the site they did so quietly, and didn't warn any of the games players.

    Players are just a little bit leery of the fact that The Elder Scrolls Online has removed the six-month subscription option from the game. Oh, sure, it seems innocent enough; it's just a change in billing options. But it's also one of those changes that's happened in more than a few other games indicating that the game was removing the need for a subscription... or that the game was no longer going to be playable at all, in the case of Warhammer Online.

    The official ZeniMax response on the French forums is simply that players indicated they preferred the shorter billing options, so the six-month option was removed. General sentiment in the thread is that this answer is not entirely credible. If it really is a harbinger of something more to come... well, we'll find out about it in about six months. Maybe five.

    So whats your opinion everyone? Is this good or bad news?

    Sunday - December 28, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Happy Holidays from ZOS

    by Couchpotato, 05:09

    ZeniMax Online posted a new update this week wishing everyone a Happy Holiday.

    Is it already time for the holidays again? This year has flown by, and it’s been a huge one for us at ZOS. We launched ESO on PC and Mac in April, and since then we’ve released five major updates and tons of improvements and fixes. Great fans like you have made it all possible, and we’ve appreciated all your support, feedback, and the awesome community you’ve formed. Seeing you enjoy the world we’ve built and show your enthusiasm with fan creations has inspired us all year.

    Next year promises to be just as exciting as we introduce the Champion and Justice Systems, launch on the PS4 and Xbox One, and continue to release new adventures for you to experience. We can’t wait for you to see what we have in store for 2015!

    Happy holidays to all of you from all of us. We hope they’re filled with adventure, feasting, and the best loot of all: time spent with your favorite party members. We’re taking a short break to have our own feasting and festivities, so pass the roast guar and break out the mead! We’ll return to charge into the new year on January 5th.

    Thursday - December 18, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Travelled

    by Couchpotato, 04:17

    In a new post on the Elder Scrolls Online webpage from two weeks ago that was never posted Game Director Matt Firor looks back at the development of the MMO.

    The Road Travelled

    As you all know, 2014 has been a very busy year for us at ZOS. We launched ESO on PC and Mac and immediately started addressing any issues that cropped up, going on to release five huge updates that introduced new content, new systems, tweaks and fixes to existing systems, and tons more. We’ve done so much since launch, in fact, that we’ve sometimes run the risk of doing too much and disrupting your play routines or character builds with the frequent changes.

    With everything we’ve done, we firmly believe that ESO is a much better, more stable, and more fun game than it was six months ago. This is the way online games like this work: the game you launch is a starting point that inevitably evolves over time—and of course, community feedback is one of the most important parts of that process. I am very happy with the evolution of ESO up to this point, and I hope you all agree.

    Here’s just a small list of some of the work we’ve done to improve ESO since launch:

    • Made in-game chat much more peaceful by implementing many different lines of defense against black market gold farmers, spammers, and botters
    • Fixed a far-reaching quest bug that prevented quests from advancing properly—a bug that plagued us through the first few weeks of launch
    • Released Craglorn, our first major update, with new Veteran Ranks, a new zone for veteran players to explore, and 12-player Trials
    • Released many Veteran Dungeons, giving veteran-ranked players the ability to experience new adventures that add to the dungeon storylines introduced in earlier levels
    • Re-designed many of the delves throughout Tamriel to be larger and more challenging
    • Introduced the Dragonstar Arena, which presents four-player groups with a progression of challenging PvE encounters
    • Introduced new quality-of-life systems like the ability to dye your armor, new upgraded conversation and face animations, guild tabards, chat bubbles, and much more
    • Smoothed combat animations and timing, which is an ongoing process
    • Reconfigured Campaigns in Cyrodiil to make them shorter and more interesting
    • Made repeatable dungeon and crafting quests, and implemented scaling dungeon difficulty
    • We’ve found (and are still finding!) solutions and are always applying changes to rectify our mistakes– we aren’t perfect, and this process will be ongoing, but we’re committed to continually improving the ESO experience
    • Worked to increase our overall transparency and communication with you, our community, which is also a continuing effort

    We couldn’t be more excited about everything there is to look forward to in 2015. We’ll be introducing some of the new systems that we’ve talked about publicly over the last couple of months, and of course, we will be bringing ESO to the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

    For the team at ZOS, the remainder of 2014 will be spent working on one of our largest updates yet (more on that below) and continuing our work on the console versions. For you, this means that we will continue to listen to your feedback and make changes where needed with our regular smaller patch cadence of bug fixing and polishing, but we won’t be adding any new systems until Update 6 hits PTS in January.

    Friday - December 05, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Console Version in January

    by Aubrielle, 08:27

    Anyone breathlessly awaiting ESO's console debut won't have long to wait.  According to ESO's latest "Road Ahead" post, it'll happen in January, along with some new changes.

    As I’ve mentioned, we have been (and will continue to be) steadily working on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of ESO. They are playable and fun right now, but there's still some work to do before we can set an official launch date. First and foremost, we want to make sure that two of our most important systems still in development—the Justice and Champion Systems—are included in the console release. Those two systems will introduce a huge amount of content to the game, and we know everyone is looking forward to the new types of gameplay they provide.

    It’s also important to note that the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions of ESO are not just ports of the PC/Mac game. We have completely replaced the PC user interface with a console-specific UI designed from the ground-up with a controller and a living room play experience in mind. We’ve also added voice chat and full integration with XBL and PSN. Expect to see lots of news about our console versions in early 2015.

    More information.

    Source: GameBanshee

    Wednesday - November 05, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Update 5 Now Live

    by Couchpotato, 05:54

    ZeniMax Online has released the next patch for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Update 5 is here, so log in now to find out what new adventures it brings to ESO. There’s a lot to love in this update—let’s dive in!

    The Veteran version of City of Ash has opened, continuing the dungeon’s story and presenting challenging new bosses for you and your allies to defeat. As you play through the new story, you’ll notice that we’ve also implemented an improved facial animation system that gives the NPCs you’ll meet a much more natural and realistic look.

    Did you miss one of the dungeons while you were leveling? With the new dungeon scaling system, you can play through any of them at an appropriate challenge level. Dungeons and their loot now scale to your group leader’s level. The same system applies to solo instances, as well.

    If you love crafting, running dungeons, or both, we have another exciting addition for you: Writs and Pledges! Every day, you’ll be able to undertake new Writs and Pledges, which will have you crafting to fulfill orders and delving into dungeons to defeat bosses. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts, so give these new quests a try.

    That’s not all you’ll find in Update 5: we’ve implemented chat bubbles, continued our improvements to Veteran Ranks, added the Dwemer crafting style, a new crafted item set, and many bug fixes and other changes. Read the full patch notes here to get every bit of Update 5 goodness!

    Update 5 is available right now—log in and check out all the new excitement. We can’t wait to see you in Tamriel!

    Thursday - October 23, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Tales of Tamriel Books

    by Couchpotato, 05:14

    ZeniMax Online announces the release of two new Lore Books for Elder Scrolls.

    Not since Encyclopedia Britannica's heyday have volumes of books looked this cool and demanded to be on your bookshelf. With The Elder Scrolls Online, two volumes covering "The Land" and "The Lore" feature never-before-seen art and extensive lore surrounding the game. Meanwhile, by popular demand, the Skyrim series offers the first opportunity to get all of the game's in-game text across three volumes.

    Thank you Thrasher for the infomatiion and link.

    Saturday - October 18, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead #6

    by Couchpotato, 02:53

    The Elder Scrolls Online has another The Road Ahead update on the games website with more information on future fixes, and other updates from Game Director Matt Firor.

    he Road Ahead - October 16

    Greetings, everyone, and welcome to another Road Ahead update. This month I’ll talk about where the game is right now with Update 4 out in the wild, what you’ll see soon in Update 5, and remind you all that we’d love to have you log into the PTS to test upcoming content—especially now that we’ve been able to provide character copies from the North American megaserver. In the future, we hope to make characters from the EU megaserver available on the PTS, so stay tuned for updates. We’re also still hard at work on the console versions of the game—we look forward to sharing more info about them soon.

    Update 4

    Update 4, which brought the Upper Craglorn region, a new Trial, and the Dragonstar Arena (and plenty of other fixes and improvements), has been available to everyone on the live servers for about four weeks now, and we appreciate everyone who helped us troubleshoot some issues that cropped up when the update went out. We deployed a series of hotfixes over the first week Update 4 was live to address those problems, and your feedback helped us find and correct them quickly.

    What’s Coming in Update 5

    Update 5 is on the PTS and ready for testing right now! It’s a big update that contains a Veteran Dungeon, a new system of repeatable Pledges and Writs for dungeons and crafting, our new facial animation system and fixes for player separation when questing in a group. Here are some more details:

    • A new Veteran Dungeon: City of Ash continues the dungeon’s story and introduces dangerous new challenges for your group.
    • The new facial animation system makes NPCs far more lifelike during conversations.
    • Repeatable Pledges: The Undaunted now reward players once a day for specific dungeon runs with special loot and trophies.
    • Repeatable Writs: You’ll be able to obtain certification in your crafting skills and then complete Writs for inspiration, materials, and special Survey Reports that will lead you to high-yield harvesting nodes.
    • Dungeon level scaling: Dungeons’ enemies and rewards will scale to the level of the group leader, giving you more chances to group up, experience a challenge, and get appropriate rewards.
    • More player separation fixes: More quests will be streamlined so you aren’t separated from your group members as often while adventuring.

    Those are the main highlights of Update 5, but much more is coming, including the new Dwemer crafting style, a new item set to craft, chat bubbles, and our continued effort to expand delves throughout the game. And, of course, the update will bring plenty of bug fixes and other improvements. Check out the full patch notes here to see all the changes.

    Thursday - October 02, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Loyalty Program Begins

    by Couchpotato, 02:04

    The Skyrim Fansite has news the ESO subscriber Loyalty Program has started.

    ESO Subscriber Loyalty Program Begins Today

    This afternoon, The Elder Scrolls Online declared that the ESO subscriber loyalty program officially begins. Emails were sent to all active subscribers. The loyalty program, first revealed last month, basically rewards members with special in-game items. The first reward is an Ice Wraith vanity pet known as the “High Hrothgar Wraith.” Pets are being sent out today via in-game mail, but the ESO devs caution that it may take a few days to receive the reward.

    ESO Subscriber Loyalty Program

    To become a member of the ESO subscriber loyalty program, players must:

    1. Have an active ESO subscription,
    2. Have been subscribed for three months (excluding game time included with the initial purchase of The Elder Scrolls Online and any additional complimentary game time).

    The program will be expanding over time, and future rewards will be sent to members subscribed for six months. At this time, specific rewards haven’t been revealed. Stay tuned for future announcements.

    Wednesday - September 17, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Update 4 Released

    by Couchpotato, 04:05

    ZeniMax Online has released Update #4 for Elder Scrolls Online. I also have a new video of the Dragonstar Arena introduced in the new patch.

    Update 4 is now available on both the North American and European megaserver, and there’s a ton to see in it! The roads to Upper Craglorn are open, and new quests, delves, and the conclusion of the Celestial storyline are all waiting for your group to explore. Visit Dragonstar and prepare to take on the Scaled Court and their new monstrosities.

    A new Trial, Sanctum Ophidia, is open. In it, you’ll take the fight right to the heart of the Scaled Court, battling the deadliest among their ranks, including the Celestial Serpent itself. Vanquish it, and you and your allies will enjoy great renown—and great loot.

    Let’s not forget the Dragonstar Arena! This entirely new type of challenge is designed for four Veteran players, and will put your skills to the test. Can you survive waves of dangerous enemies and hazardous conditions to prove yourself a champion? With ten arenas in both Normal and Veteran Mode, there’s plenty of blood sport just waiting for the brave.

    Of course, there’s much more in Update 4: a new crafting trait, expanded delves, improvements to grouping during quests, and tons of fixes. Make sure to read the full patch notes, and enjoy the update!

    Thursday - September 04, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Post-Launch Layoffs

    by Couchpotato, 05:12

    Gamasutra has news that Zenimax Online has fired an unknown amount of staff   responsible for Elder Scrolls Online. Here are the details straight from the website.

    Elder Scrolls Online developer Zenimax Online Studios has suffered an unknown number of layoffs today as the studio restructures to support the game in the wake of its April launch.

    Parent company Zenimax Media has not disclosed exactly how many people lost their jobs, but a company representative confirmed the layoffs and gave the following statement to Gamasutra by way of explanation:

    "As is the norm for games of this type, we had ramped up a large workforce to develop a game of vast scale, and ramped up our customer service to handle the expected questions and community needs of The Elder Scrolls Online at launch. Now that we are nearly 6 months post launch, we have a thriving online community in a game that runs smoothly. We have adjusted staffing to meet the ongoing needs of the studio, which continues to operate with a large work force."

    "We remain strongly committed to The Elder Scrolls Online, and continue to invest heavily to develop new content for PC and Mac players, prepare the game for its console launch, and handle our planned expansion into important international territories. As for customer service, we continue to operate large support centers in Hunt Valley, MD and Galway, Ireland."

    Tuesday - August 26, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Test Update 4

    by Couchpotato, 05:06

    The website of The Elder Scrolls Online has another post with information that you can now test out update #4, and give ZeniMax Online feedback.

    Update 4 just made it to PTS, and we want you to check it out. The new Upper Craglorn region, Serpent Trial, the Dragonstar Arena, and lots of tweaks and fixes are coming in the patch, and you can help us put on the finishing touches and get it ready for launch.

    We need heroes like you to log onto the PTS and give the new features a try. In the interest of making it easy to participate in the testing, Character Templates are available so you can create a ready-to-go VR 14 character and see the new content right away. We are also working on the ability to copy your live server characters over to the PTS. We’ll let you know as soon as that option is available.

    For those of you who like a challenge, we want your help testing the Dragonstar Arena. If you can complete it on Veteran Mode on the PTS, you’ll be invited to a special Q&A session with the devs. Find out more here!

    If you’re planning on livestreaming any content from Update 4, such as the Serpent Trial or Dragonstar Arena, we’d love to see it! Just send us a tweet @TESOnline with the information.

    Grab your guild and spend an evening with all the new fun this week, and let us know what you think and if you run into any issues.

    If you've never tested on the PTS before, it's easy to set up. Just open the ESO launcher, go to the options menu, and click on "Show Public Test Environment." Once you do that, you'll be able to download the client and play on the PTS by selecting it under "Games" on the left-hand side of the launcher.

    Monday - August 25, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Loyalty Program

    by Couchpotato, 05:25

    The website of The Elder Scrolls Online has a new post with information about a Subscriber Loyalty Program from ZeniMax Online. Here are the details.

    Since launch, we’ve loved sharing the adventure of ESO with you as you explore ever-growing Tamriel. There’s so much more on the horizon, but we think it’s important to give some special recognition to those of you who have already been there every step of the way.

    Starting in September, we’ll begin emailing all eligible paid subscribers about the first of our loyalty rewards. Every paid account that has been subscribed for three months (excluding game time included with your purchase of ESO and any additional complimentary game time) will receive a High Hrothgar Wraith vanity pet that will let you show your dedication to saving Tamriel wherever you adventure in-game. The loyalty program will keep expanding over time, so keep an eye out for more tokens of our gratitude if you’re a longtime player. Our next reward will be granted for those who have subscribed for six months—we’ll reveal it to you soon.

    If you haven’t kept your subscription active, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to get the pets and other upcoming rewards once you meet the requirements. Stick with us, and you’ll have quite the collection to show off before long.

    Sunday - August 24, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead #5

    by Couchpotato, 05:09

    The Elder Scrolls Online has another The Road Ahead update with more information on future fixes, and other updates from Game Director Matt Firor.

    Greetings, everyone, and welcome to the latest Road Ahead update. It’s been a busy month for ESO: Update 3 has been released, we’re already looking ahead to Update 4 (check out the trailer), and we presented the in-depth Future of ESO panel at QuakeCon. If you missed the panel, where a team of our developers gave everyone a detailed look at upcoming features and answered questions from fans, you can watch the entire thing here.

    As always, thank you so much for being part of the ESO community. The players that populate an online game can add so much to the experience, and more than once I’ve seen players remark that ESO has one of the best, most helpful, and most fun groups in gaming. Thank you for making the game environment so welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

    Tuesday - August 19, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Update 4 Preview Video

    by Couchpotato, 05:21

    ZeniMax Online has released a preview video of the next update for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Update 4 is on its way to ESO with tough new challenges. The mysterious tale of Craglorn continues as you and your friends explore a new region of the Adventure Zone and take on the new Trial that awaits you there. You’ll also find a new kind of challenge for your group: the Dragonstar Arena is ready to put the toughest heroes to the test. Watch the video now and prepare for new quests, delves, Trials, and much more in Update 4, slated to launch in September.

    Wednesday - August 06, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Update 3 Released

    by Couchpotato, 06:55

    ZeniMax Online has released the next update for Elder Scrolls Online, and posted information on the games website with the changes.

    Update 3 is Live!

    Update 3 has arrived on the live servers today, bringing more customization, mercantile opportunities, and fixes to ESO. Let’s take a look at the highlights.

    The dye system is here, giving you the chance to add a personal touch to your armor. New dyes are earned by completing achievements, and dyes for those you’ve already finished will already be unlocked for you. Dyeing your armor is as simple as approaching a dye station and selecting your favorite color scheme. We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

    Guilds have good reasons to be excited about the update, too. Guild leaders can now create custom guild ranks and design their own guild tabard. There are tons of icons, colors, and tabard shapes available, so pick your favorites and put your guild’s identity on display. There’s more: guild stores can now be found throughout Tamriel. On a weekly basis, your guild can bid on one of these locations. If you win, your guild’s store will be available to the public, and you’ll make some gold from the sales!

    As always, plenty of fixes and improvements are packed in along with the new features. To get all the details, read the full patch notes. We hope you enjoy the update, and we can’t wait to see what you think. See you in Tamriel!

    Sunday - August 03, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - A Balancing Act

    by Aries100, 21:39

    Sean Engemann from Cheat Code Central has penned an editorial about this game.
    In it, he discusses the Nightblade class, Bethesdas recent updates to the and much more.A quote about the Nightblade class:

    I felt sorry for anyone who rolled a Nightblade class, as there longwinded adventure up to Craglorn was met with dismissal from nearly every group invite, with their class being underpowered for the Adventure zone. Some updates to the class have been implemented, though the stigma remains, and the class is still behind in the damage stats. I had a hard enough time with my Templar trying to join runs through the Aetherian Archive and Hel Ra Citadel.

    Tuesday - July 29, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Megaserver Migration

    by Couchpotato, 16:37

    ZeniMax Online posted information about this weeks European megaserver migration.

    We’re preparing to make the move to our new datacenter! Get the details and answers to your questions here.

    We know many of you have been looking forward to the migration, and we’re ready to share the specifics. The European megaserver migration will begin at 8:00AM EDT (1:00PM BST) on July 30th, and we anticipate that the process will be complete by 5:00PM EDT (10:00PM BST). During the migration, the European megaserver will be unavailable, but the North American megaserver, account site, and forums will not be affected.

    If you have questions about the process, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few common ones. If you don’t see your question here, make sure to check out our knowledge base.

    Thursday - July 24, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - QuakeCon 2014 Wrap-Up

    by Couchpotato, 15:27

    ZeniMax Online has posted a few videos and images from QuakeCon 2014.

    We’re back from braving the Texas heat at QuakeCon, and we had a great time. A big thanks to everyone who came out to our booth, joined us for our panel, and participated in the weekend’s tournaments. If you couldn’t make it to the show or missed the panel livestream, we’ve got you covered. Check out the news, tournament winners, and more.

    Saturday - July 19, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Should It Go Free-to-Play?

    by Couchpotato, 05:51

    IGN wonders if The Elder Scrolls Online should go Free-to-Play, and debates the pros & cons of doing so. So what do you all think are they right about the MMO game?

    From the moment it was announced the next entry in The Elder Scrolls series would be an MMO, the prospect of the game demanding a subscription fee has been an intensely debated topic. Huge swathes of people proclaimed ESO was dead in the water if it launched requiring a monthly fee, while a smaller subset quietly countered that such a move was needed for the title to succeed. When it eventually was confirmed that, yes, the game would require a monthly subscription, the debate seemed to intensify rather than lessen, and has continued to do so ever since launch in the face of console delays and a mixed reaction to endgame design.

    The truth is, I don’t know if ESO will ditch its sub fee. No-one does. Steering toward the issue in a recent interview with creative director Paul Sage I was told “no comment”, so unfortunately I’ve no more official insight than you guys. But as Star Wars: The Old Republic’s first crack at its free-to-play conversion shows us, such a change is far from straightforward. To that end I spoke to Trion Worlds CEO Scott Hartsman and Gameforge CEO Carsten Van Husen - two gentlemen with a wealth of experience in both MMOs and F2P conversions - to find out whether ditching the sub fee really is the right path for The Elder Scrolls Online to take, or if it’s a fallacy that such a move can change the game’s fortunes.

    Friday - July 18, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Available on Steam

    by Couchpotato, 05:23

    Steam is now selling The Elder Scrolls Online, and you can buy it for 50% off.

    Now Available on Steam - The Elder Scrolls Online, 50% off!

    The Elder Scrolls Online is Now Available on Steam and is 50% off!*

    The Elder Scrolls Online is the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise – and will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Whether you play with your friends or adventure alone, the game’s innovative combat system allows you to focus on action and tactics, not the UI. Use any weapon or armor at any time and customize your abilities to play the way you want as you uncover the mysteries of Tamriel and seek heroic quests on your own terms. Explore the far reaches of Skyrim, the mysterious lands of Morrowind, the sprawling metropolis of Daggerfall and beyond. The choices you make, from the alliance you join to the battles you fight, will shape your destiny and the world of Tamriel.

    Wednesday - July 16, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Pixelgate

    by Couchpotato, 04:34

    Pixelgate has posted a new article about the console version of The Elder Scrolls Online, and writes we shouldn't want one anyway.

    The Elder Scrolls Online has been one of the oddest MMO’s to release in quite some time. From announcement to release, the development window was rather short, even more so given the apparent scope of the game. Given the promise of both a PC and PS4/Xbox One release, the short development cycle comes off as rather suspect. After a PC release, and a console delay, Elder Scrolls Online turned out to be a bit off a mess, a MMO failing on core mechanics. Elder Scrolls Online is limping along, failing to live up to the hype, or even stand side by side competition, is a console version even a viable option any more?

    Friday - July 11, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Update 3 Preview Video

    by Couchpotato, 03:55

    Zenimax Online Studios released a new video preview of the next Elder Scrolls Online patch. According to the video the patch will released in early August.

    Update 3 for The Elder Scrolls Online is coming in early August 2014! The patch introduces armor dyes, guild tabards, public guild stores, a new difficulty for Trials, and more. This preview video gives you a first look at all the new features that are on their way to Tamriel.

    Thursday - July 10, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead #4

    by Couchpotato, 04:24

    The Elder Scrolls Online has another The Road Ahead update with more information on future fixes, and other updates from some of the games developers.

    The Road Ahead

    It’s time for another update on what we’re up to at ZOS, how things are going for ESO, and what to expect in the near future.

    ZOS and ESO at QuakeCon

    As part of the pan-Bethesda fan event, we’ll be out in force at QuakeCon in Dallas from July 17th through the 20th. Most events related to The Elder Scrolls Online will be held on Friday, July 17th. We’ll have our own panel, there will be hands-on stations at our booth, and we’ll host a Q&A session. Everyone is welcome—we’d love to see you there. If you can’t make it to the show, you can still join us to watch the panel and Q&A on our twitch channel! Here’s a breakdown of what we’re planning:

    • “The Future of ESO” panel, where senior developers will talk about their different responsibilities and what they’re working on. Creative Director Paul Sage will present an update on changes coming to the Veteran System (which we cover further down) and lots more.
    • A Community Meet and Greet after the panel.
    • PvP Tournament and livestreams—join in with your guild or friends and have your PvP session livestreamed on our Twitch channel.
    • A Trials tournament and livestream.

    To get all the details about our presence at the show, including how to enter the tournaments, check out our QuakeCon article.

    EU Megaserver Update

    We’re getting closer and closer to being able to announce a specific date for the migration of the EU Megaserver to our Frankfurt data center. As I type this, it looks like the move will happen during either the last week of July or the first week of August. This is obviously a delicate operation, and we have to make sure that everything is up and running and that all character data is transferred successfully. We are taking the time to do it right.

    Tuesday - July 08, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Patch 1.2.5 Update

    by Aries100, 18:05

    Zenimax Media has updated Elderscrolls Online to version 1.2.5 via a new patch for the game.  The patch fixes several problems eith gameplay, quests and UI. Other fixes for the game deal with performance problems:

    The update also includes some minor performance improvements that may result in improved FPS for some. ZeniMax says this is part of "an ongoing effort to resolve client performance issues", which remains the studio's "number one priority".

    Changes will also be for the Veteran Rank system:

    Veteran Rank Changes: Phase 1 of our Veteran gameplay changes begins with this patch, the first in a series of changes we'll be making to improve the post-50 experience overall. We've lowered the difficulty of the second and third alliance zones to bring them more in lines with zones from 1-50. You'll be able to continue soloing through them more easily than before, though they'll still be challenging. We have much more information about Veteran System changes on the way, so make sure to watch our site for updates.

     

    Saturday - July 05, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Three Months After Launch

    by Couchpotato, 05:36

    PC Gamers Leif Johnson has posted a new article where he summarizes the pros, and cons after playing The Elder Scrolls Online for three months.

    ESO remains overly focused on the big picture: big zones, big questlines, and lately, big dungeons. But contemporary MMOs thrive on the little things as well, such as the PvE scenarios in a game like World of Warcraft or Lord of the Rings Online or the focused, structured PvP content you find in WildStar or Guild Wars 2. Content, in other words, that you could log into and complete in the span of a lunch break or in the few free minutes before dinner. It's the kind of stuff that keeps players logging back in even when they don't have the time to bother with larger projects but still want to feel as though they've accomplished something for the day.

    Elder Scrolls Online already has a devoted and friendly playerbase that's remained true to the game in the face of enticing competition. Some of us actually prefer its brand of combat where you click your mouse and your mace thunks down on your enemy; still more enjoy its muted color palettes that evoke the cold realities of medieval life over Pixar-inspired rainbowscapes. Thus far, ZeniMax has done a good job of eradicating the bugs and bots that scarred the first few weeks of release, and they've done a good enough job to warrant forgiveness for missing their ambitious update schedule.

    But now the work begins. An MMORPG is a living thing, and Elder Scrolls Online needs to grow. It may be too late to do something about the drudgery and awkwardness of the veteran leveling experience beyond 50, but ZeniMax can lessen some of the damage by introducing new bite-sized activities while still finding time to remedy massive issues with balance. The latter issue’s so bad that I’ve even started leveling a Dragonknight to continue enjoying my time with the game. At the same time, this frustrated endeavor gives me an odd sensation of hope—if I thought ESO wasn’t capable of staying the course, I wouldn’t have bothered at all.

    Tuesday - July 01, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ Gamingbolt

    by Couchpotato, 03:48

    Gamingbolt talks to Creative Director Paul D. Sage about the monthly subscription model for ESO, the console versions, and other topics in a new interview.

    Leonid Melikhov: Ever since the game’s launch, Elder Scrolls Online has received a fair bit of criticism for monthly-subscription. Do you guys have plans to change that sometime in the future?

    Paul D. Sage: No, we don’t have any plans that I am aware of to change it in the future. You know the business model is what the business model is and it allows us to deliver high level content on regular basis right now. So there are no plans that I am aware of.

    Leonid Melikhov: The Elder Scrolls Online will be one of the few titles that will have subscription based service. Considering that games like Star Wars the Old Republic started out the same way but went free-to-play since subscription based model didn’t work, why not lean towards more of a free-to-play concept?

    Paul D. Sage:  You know again, we have no plans to change subscription plans.

    Leonid Melikhov: Okay. When the game launched it had a lot of bugs and kinks here and there. What steps have you taken to fix those?

    Paul D. Sage
    : So we’ve actually really taken a huge step on making sure that the player experience is as good as it can be for reducing bugs. The developer team is fully committed since the very beginning of launch and even before to make sure all of the bugs were taken care of.

    You know, when you have a large number of players like that, you see more bugs that kind of occur naturally. We’ve actually reduced our bug count significantly and even our call count went down on bugs. The team has made great strides, you can’t always guarantee everything will be bug free of course, but we’ve made a huge amount of bug fixes over the course of just one and a half months.

    Thursday - June 19, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything #15

    by Couchpotato, 05:02

    ZeniMax Online has posted the latest Ask Us Anything update where they answered a few questions from the recent AMA with the gaming community.

    Get answers to even more questions about ESO in today's Q&A.

    We're always on the lookout for your questions, whether they're on social media, popular discussion sites like reddit, or in our community inbox. There's no shortage of great questions out there, so we've gathered some new ones up and answered them for you right here. Have a question we haven't answered?

    Wednesday - June 11, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 03:56

    The Bethesda Blog has a recap of all the new updates this week for Elder Scrolls Online.

    ESO Roundup – Veteran Crypt of Hearts & more

    With Craglorn now playable in ESO, ZeniMax Online has moved their focus to the game’s second major update — featuring the Veteran version of Crypt of Hearts. Like our other Veteran Dungeons, it continues the story and cranks up the challenge with deadly new enemies and bosses. Crypt of Hearts has some of our toughest fights yet, and we can’t wait to see you and your group go up against them. To get a taste of what you’re in for, check out our new playthrough video.

    More information about Update 2 is coming soon. In the meantime, here are other ESO highlights worth checking out…

    Tuesday - June 10, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Video & New Article

    by Couchpotato, 01:26

    Zenimax Online Studios released a new trailer for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Tamriel is yours to explore in The Elder Scrolls Online. Choose your alliance, bring your friends, and adventure through a huge world that is already growing.

    I also found a new article on ausgamers that explores the endgame content.

    We’re now two months into the life of The Elder Scrolls Online, publisher Bethesda’s first foray into the MMO genre, that leveraged the vast lore of the flagship fantasy franchise previously only told in a well-honed single-player format.

    So now that developer Zenimax Online Studios should have had enough time to work through any launch teething issues, the game’s first major content update has been rolled out, and a large portion of players have reached the level cap, how is the game’s health, and is there much value in a subscription beyond the initial 30 days included in the purchase price.

    Having now reached the current level cap of veteran rank 12, and sampled a good amount of everything on offer, my answer to that question is honestly a bit of a mixed bag.

    Friday - June 06, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead #3

    by Couchpotato, 03:46

    Elder Scrolls Online Director Matt Firor has once again posted another one of his
    The Road Ahead updates
    for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Greetings everyone—it’s time for another update from the ESO development team.

    Since our last Road Ahead post, we've launched Update 1, which featured Craglorn and a whole bunch of bug fixes, tweaks, and smaller systems changes like Death Recap. Along the way, we’ve continued to fix problems by releasing weekly maintenance patches, and we’ll keep doing so in between our larger Updates.

    Off the top, I want to start by stating the obvious: ESO is a living, evolving game, and it will continue to be one as long as you, our community, continue to support it. Thanks so much for being involved with the game—for your enthusiasm and for posting your thoughts and ideas on the forums, Reddit, and social media. I know sometimes there is as much criticism as there is praise out there in internet-land for the game, but that shows a passionate fan base that cares about the game, which is very important to acknowledge.

    Let’s take a look at where we are and where we’re going.

    Saturday - May 24, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Craglorn Is Now Live

    by Couchpotato, 06:33

    ZeniMax Online is proud to announce that Craglorn is now available for Elder Scrolls Online. They have a new post on the games website with more information.

    Put on your best gear, pack your provisions, and turn your eyes to the stars—Craglorn is here! The first Adventure Zone is sure to challenge even the toughest Veteran Rank players. You’ll also see tons of fixes and improvements, so read the full patch notes to get every detail.

    In Craglorn, you and your allies will take on new quests as you discover the Celestial threat to Tamriel, explore delves where your skills will be put to the test, and even participate in 12-player Trials—a completely new kind of adventure with the deadliest enemies yet (and fantastic rewards). The patch also introduces class and skill updates, fixes throughout the game, and more.

    We can’t wait to hear your stories from Craglorn. Make sure to share them with us on the forums or on YouTube, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter!

    Friday - May 23, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ Ausgamers

    by Couchpotato, 05:38

    Creative Director Paul Sage was interviewed on Ausgamers to talk about future game updates, and the upcoming Craglorn content update.

    AusGamers: Craglorn content is already accessible on the public test server, so why the hesitation to announce a release date?

    Paul Sage: We want to put it out when we feel it is done. We are getting the balance tweaked on it and getting the known bugs fixed. It is looking like, at the time of this interview, it will be released this week.


    AusGamers: More than just new content, Craglorn is being rolled out as part of a patch that will also implement a swathe of balance changes across the classes. Is there a technical reason such changes have been coupled to the content release?

    Paul: Not so much technical as logical. After going live and even in the last days of Beta, we were still getting a lot of data about classes and how each performs. So we want to make sure to tie all of these together. Obviously, pushing any changes with a major update is a good thing. Having fewer updates is better for keeping the service up and people playing.

    Saturday - May 17, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 00:17

    Well it seems ZeniMax Online has posted a few more updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update is about game add-on called Wykkyd’s Framework.

    ESO already has a wonderful (and growing) group of add-on authors, and we love to see the great things they’re doing. To put their efforts into the spotlight, we’ll be showcasing a new add-on periodically, starting today with our very first feature: Wykkyd’s Framework.

    This add-on comes bundled with tons of functionality for players and developers both. One of the best things about Wykkyd’s Framework is how configurable it is—you can choose to use only the options you want and turn off anything you don’t like.

    For players, the Framework includes keybindable chat command macros (for emotes, add-on commands, and similar instructions), new display options for health and other resources, an auto-sheathe feature, a chat background and associated options, Bazgrim’s NPC subtitles, and the ability to display looted items in the chat window. It also comes packed with Bazgrim’s Toolbar, which allows you to display tons of character-related info—like the XP bar, bag space, research timers, and much more—in a tidy UI element. There are even more options packed into this add-on, so check it out.

    The next update is a new series of articles they call the Adventurer’s Handbook.

    This is our first issue of the Adventurer’s Handbook, where we’ll dive into some of the excellent guides and other online resources created by ESO players. Today, we’re taking a look at armor and weapon appearances, CE treasure map locations, and a few Veteran Dungeons

    Tuesday - May 13, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything #14

    by Couchpotato, 01:13

    ZeniMax Online has posted the next Ask Us Anything update where they answered a few questions from the recent AMA with the gaming community.

    Find out more about tanking in ESO, loot in dungeons, and more in our new Q&A.

    Still have questions after our recent reddit AMA? Don’t worry—you don’t have to wait for a special event to ask them. We have some answers to new questions in today’s article, and we’re looking forward to responding to even more in upcoming features.

    Sunday - May 11, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Undead in Tamriel

    by Couchpotato, 09:22

    ZeniMax Online has posted the first article in their new Loremaster Archive for Elder Scrolls Online. The topic of discussion this time the undead of Tamriel.

    Welcome to the first Loremaster’s Archive, where we examine the menace posed by Tamriel’s undead and those who create them. We’ve uncovered an all-new book by Phrastus of Elinhir to share along with additional books on the topic. Our next article will focus on Mundus Stones and the discovery of Apex Stones in Craglorn.

    Friday - May 09, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Console Release Delayed

    by Couchpotato, 05:14

    Many of you probably don't care about the following news, but it seems ZeniMax Online has delayed the release of the console version of Elder Scrolls Online.

    We know from the frequent questions we get that many of you are excited about playing ESO on the PS4 and Xbox One, and today we’d like to share an official update on the status of these releases. Read on for the latest information:

    We've been grateful to our fans for the wonderful response to our recent launch of The Elder Scrolls Online for PC/Mac, but we know many of you are eagerly waiting to play the game on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

    We continue to work on the console versions of ESO, and game development has been progressing steadily, but we are still working to solve a series of unique problems specific to those platforms. Integrating our systems with each console manufacturer’s networks—which are both different from the PC/Mac system as well as different from each other—has been a challenging process. It has become clear that our planned June release of the console versions isn’t going to be possible. Though we have made great progress, we have concluded that we’ll need about six months to ensure we deliver the experience our fans expect and deserve.

    Saturday - May 03, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead #2

    by Couchpotato, 00:40

    Elder Scrolls Online Director Matt Firor has posted his next update on the games website with information on what to except for the recently launched MMO.

    As we reach the four-week mark of ESO and are about to embark on our first major update, now is a good time to talk about what we’ve been doing for the game in the past month, what we’re working on currently, and what exciting new content and systems we plan to add over the next few months.

    First and foremost, as I posted in my mini-update last week, we’re working every day to reduce gold farming and botting, which detract from the gameplay experience for everyone. You may have seen Customer Support GMs in the game over the last week actively banning bots in dungeons. We’re also doing a lot of work behind the scenes to keep the game honest and will continue to do so. Please keep helping us by reporting botting and spamming activity in-game.

    We’re also continuing to fix bugs as we find them and as players report them to us. In a world as large as ESO’s, with endless variations of gameplay by players, it is impossible for QA to identify all bugs before launch, but we’re working hard to find and close them quickly. We’ve fixed many quest blockers, especially in zone, NPC guild, and main story quests, but we know there are still others. These affect far fewer players, but they’re annoying when encountered and we will address them. Fixes are getting patched in during our regular weekly updates, and of course Update 1 (see below) will contain many more.

    We recognize that some of the launch issues—especially black market botting and spam, de-synced quests, and the disappearing bank slot bug—affected the early gameplay experience of a number of players. Fixing these problems required us to take the megaservers offline, costing players time in the game. In recognition of this experience and to show our gratitude to everyone who supported the launch, we are giving an additional five days of included game time to every ESO player who set up an active account prior to 8pm EDT Thursday May 1st and who are currently enjoying their 30 days of included game time. If you’re eligible to receive the five additional days, a confirmation will be sent to your account’s registered email address. For further details, please visit help.elderscrollsonline.com. This is a small gesture to show our thanks for being part of the ESO community while we work to make this extraordinary game and service even better.

    As we end this first month of our journey together, we want to express sincere appreciation to our loyal fans. Be assured that we are working diligently to keep ESO balanced, stable, and fresh for veteran players. We’ve gotten through our launch month well and are heading towards our first update soon. After that, expect many more good things in ESO.  Thank you so much for your support and continued enthusiasm about the game.

    Thursday - May 01, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Patch 1,0.6 Released

    by Couchpotato, 01:47

    ZeniMax Online released another patch for Elder Scrolls Online. The games website has the list of updates, and the changes made to the MMO.

    The Elder Scrolls Online v1.0.6 features fixes to more quest issues and blockers, in addition to game stability and performance. We are continuing to improve our fight against bots and gold spammers, and appreciate your patience and understanding

    Monday - April 28, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 05:01

    ZeniMax Online has posted a few more updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update is about the upcoming 12 player trials in the Craglorn expansion.

    The gates of Hel Ra Citadel loom ahead of your band of 12 battle-hardened allies. Ancient Yokudan warriors, air atronachs, and even deadlier foes are prepared to repel your assault. All your careful planning, strategizing, and mastery of combat skills will be put to the test, and once the attack starts, you’ll have limited resurrections to use in an attempt to reach and defeat the Warrior. How will your group measure up in Trials?

    The second post shares a few images to go along with the previous post.

    Craglorn is going to need heroes like you to fight back against the threats facing the region and unravel the mystery of the fallen guardian constellations. You'll take on dangerous enemies as you travel the zone's rocky expanse with your allies, and opportunities for adventure will meet you on every path you explore. We hope you're looking forward to the new Adventure Zone--while you wait, you can decorate your desktop with these new wallpapers that feature places you'll be able to visit when Craglorn opens up!

    And for last they announce a new limited edition Molag Bal lithograph.

    Are the walls of your home or office looking a little bare? Now you can turn them into a portal straight to Coldharbour! Hurry and snap up one of these prints, and you’ll be able to gaze upon the visage of Molag Bal as he crushes a mortal hero whenever you like. Get your pre-order in now at the Bethesda Store—only 300 prints of this lithograph will be available!

    Tuesday - April 22, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Recent Account Bans

    by Couchpotato, 05:28

    ZeniMax Online has issued a new statement about the recent account ban due to a bug that allows players to cheat in the games last update.

    Here is the statement.

    As part of our continuing effort to combat gold spammers, botters and exploiters, we recently banned a number of accounts. After several players appealed, we were able to investigate the matter further and discovered some legitimate accounts got caught up in the sweep. We unbanned accounts last night, and have email responses going out for those affected from our support group. It is never our intention for legitimate players to be harmed as we work to keep your game free of cheaters, and we sincerely apologize for the mistake.

    Unfortunately they banned a few players that had nothing to with the the error. I have have another link from Reddit that has more infomation.

    I am sure everyone on the subreddit is aware of the recent controversy over item duplication, which has enabled some players to duplicate hundreds of items for millions of gold.

    ZOS has now patched this bug and has banned accounts that have taken advantage of the exploit.

    During the suspension process some legitimate accounts have also been banned, if this has happen to you please submit a ticket to Zenimax Support

    To stop the numerous new posts, please use this thread if you wish to discuss the action taken by ZOS. We will be moderating the thread to remove any insulting posts / accusations / call outs etc.

    Please do not post your support requests / ticket IDs here as the subreddit will not be able to help.

    Monday - April 21, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - New Craglorn Site

    by Couchpotato, 05:12

    ZeniMax Online has posted a new update for Elder Scrolls Online about a new website they opened for Craglorn the games first adventure zone.

    Visit the Craglorn site to learn more about what you’ll find in ESO’s first Adventure Zone.

    You and your strongest allies will need to be prepared if you hope to stand a chance in Craglorn, so check out our new site to learn more about what we have in store for you! Find out more about the story, four-player quests, and 12-player Trials you’ll see in the first Adventure Zone, and watch the trailer if you haven’t seen it yet. Make sure to check back, because we’ll be adding new media and articles as we approach Craglorn’s debut.

    Friday - April 18, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 01:20

    ZeniMax Online has a few more updates updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update is about upcoming community programs.

    Now that ESO is live, you’ll be seeing some new recurring articles on the site. We’ll be digging into the community to feature guilds, create stories focused on Cyrodiil, share your favorite builds, uncover fascinating lore, and more. To get these programs rolling, we’ll need your input.

    The second update is about a new video with Harry Partridge.

    We’ve got some lighthearted fun to share with you today—Harry Partridge has a new video featuring ESO. Elder Scrolls fans have probably seen his work before in “The Elder Scrolls Adventures with the Dovahkids” or “Song of Skyrim,” so get ready to laugh again in “Back to Tamriel.” Enjoy!

    The final update is the answers to their next Ask Us Anything about Craglorn.

    Craglorn is coming, and since we released our recent trailer, everyone’s been talking. We’re thrilled to see all the discussions, and we want to weigh in with some answers to questions we’ve gathered from around the web. We hope you’ll enjoy this closer look at how Craglorn’s new features work.

     

    Tuesday - April 15, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Review @ PC Gamer

    by Couchpotato, 05:08

    PC Gamer has a new review for Elder Scrolls Online, and awards the game with a score of 68/100. So you can see they find the game average at best.

    My enthusiasm for The Elder Scrolls Online's competitive side doesn't stack up against the time I have spent feeling drained by drab questing or restricted by a world ensconced in fog. This is an MMORPG of moderate scope with a few good ideas and the resources invested in it seem sufficient to expect new dungeons, daily quests and armour sets to collect at a decent clip for the next couple of months. If you're tired of your current fantasy haunt and looking for somewhere to transfer your guild, this game may suit you for a time. For everyone else, though, I'd advise caution. There's no game that I'd be happy recommending on the basis that it's at best 'okay' for thirty-plus hours. 'Okay' isn't good enough when you're facing down this much of a premium, and I can't imagine paying a monthly fee to visit somewhere I've been many times before.

    Sunday - April 13, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ PC Games Hardware

    by Couchpotato, 04:49

    PC Games Hardware took the time to interview Game Director Matt Firor to as a few questions about his recently launched MMO Elder Scrolls Online.

    PCGH: You've developed a completely new engine for TESO but started the development process with the HERO engine. Why did you chose to start working on a completely new engine? 

    Matt Firor: ESO is a hugely complex technical feat, so we needed literally years to build a stable game client and server infrastructure that was tuned to the needs of the game: tons of players on screen, very tolerant of network latency, etc. We wanted to get started on game basics while this was happening, so we licensed the Hero Engine, because it was perfect for what we needed at that time: easy to get up and running, easy to get art assets into the game and prototype how our content system would work. We then slowly swapped out Hero components with our own custom-tailored engine, starting with the server and network communications, then content creation tools, the client renderer, and the rest of the engine.

    PCGH: Our first tests of the ESO Beta show that the engine does a very good job in regards to scaling up and down on high-end as well as more dated hardware. Can you describe the efforts you took to configure the engine so well that it now seems to work with many different hardware components?

    Matt Firor: If you start with scalability in mind, it makes it much easier to develop a tolerant graphics engine. We do have a min spec, and the game looks very different on it than it does on a top-of-the-line rig. I love this, as I can play the game on my home or work PC at high-res, but can play when I'm on the road on my Macbook Air as well - it's a slightly different graphical game experience, but the basics are all there.

    PCGH: Gamers like to compare ESO's graphics-wise with Skyrim a lot. Do you think that's fair given the fact that ESO is an MMORPG and Skyrim is a singleplayer-RPG?

    Matt Firor: There's art style comparisons and there's engine comparisons. Our art style was created to be reminiscent of all the (modern) Elder Scrolls games, so players of Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim felt at home. That is mostly independent of engine requirements. But yes, you can tell that Skyrim was developed for the purpose of giving one player a really awesome graphical experience. With ESO, we have to be mindful that hundreds of players will have to be on screen at some point and the engine had to be built with that as a foundation, which led to the highly optimized engine we have today.

    Tuesday - April 08, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Craglorn Adventure Zone

    by Couchpotato, 04:48

    ZeniMax Online has a new post on the Elder Scrolls Online webpage with a new video that previews the first Adventure Zone expansion called Craglorn.

    Craglorn is the first  coming to The Elder Scrolls Online. In this video, we give you a closer look at the zone and the adventures you and your allies will have there. Don't miss the information about our new 12-player Trials!

    Monday - April 07, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - 30 Days Free Subscription

    by Couchpotato, 05:14

    Thanks to froum member Domein we have news that ZeniMaxOnline won't honor the free 30 Days Free Subscription unless you pay for 30 more days in advance.

    Why am I being asked to pay for a subscription? I thought I got 30 days free.

    All players are required to set up and choose a subscription plan starting on Sunday, April 6th.

    The 30 days of free game time are granted to all players who fill out their billing information and select a subscription plan.

    For credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal, there is no charge made until after the included 30 days of game time has expired. For these payment methods, there is an authorization check performed to ensure the payment method is valid. Players may see a temporary account authorization hold put on funds in their account while the verification completes. Usually, this authorization hold lasts a short period of time before being removed. The duration of this hold can vary from bank to bank.

    Apparently some gamers are not happy, and made their feelings clear on the forum. I don't play many MMO's so what do guys think about this?

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Leviathyn

    by Couchpotato, 04:40

    Leviathyn has a new article for the recently released MMO Elder Scrolls Online that calls the game a Single Player’s MMO. So read the link, and share your opinions below.

    I know this is not going to please everyone, and cries of disappointment are already formulating across the internet from MMO purists. The Elder Scrolls Online does not feel like an MMO. So if that’s what you are looking for, there are much better options to whet your appetite. The game feels more like Skyrim with other people running around, than it does World of Warcraft. But for me, this is okay. The Elder Scrolls Online provides you with a gorgeous world full of interesting characters and strange beasts, and allows you to do this with friends if you would like. The MMO part really does seem secondary in The Elder Scrolls online. In my first 15 hours of play I have not interacted with anyone, rather than help a passerby fight a nearby mudcrab as I initially scrambled onto the beach. I have done no fetch quests, have not escorted any players, or killed enemies for hours on end to grind for experience points.

    Instead I have approached the game like I would any other title in The Elder Scrolls Series. I have explored, done quests, and crafted items. The option is there for me to interact and team up with my fellow players, and it is always nice to know I am a click away from asking someone to help me with a problem rather than loading up a FAQ. But The Elder Scrolls Online will not force its online components onto you. Maybe things will be a bit different as I approach the dungeons of the end game, but for now I am perfectly content to explore Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online solo. To me, Zenimax has crafted the absolute perfect game for Elder Scrolls/Single Player game enthusiasts, and I am loving my time so far in the world of The Elder Scrolls Online.

     

    Saturday - April 05, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Now Available

    by Couchpotato, 05:10

    Bethesda Softworks announces that Elder Scrolls Online is now available, and released a new infographic to show various game statistics.

    BETHESDA SOFTWORKS LAUNCHES THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE

    Latest Game in Award-Winning Franchise Hits Stores and Digital Retailers Across the Globe 

    April 4, 2014 (Rockville, MD) – Bethesda Softworks, a ZeniMax Media company, today announced that The Elder Scrolls Online is now available for PC and Mac at retailers worldwide and on the official online store. Developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, The Elder Scrolls Online is the latest chapter in the award-winning franchise and brings the legendary experience online for the first time.

    The Elder Scrolls Online allows gamers to choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel. Players can adventure alone on heroic quests as in previous Elder Scrolls games, explore the huge, rich world with a few friends, or join with hundreds of others in massive Player vs. Player (PvP) battles to save the Empire.

    “We are grateful for the overwhelming response to The Elder Scrolls Online,” said Matt Firor, Game Director of The Elder Scrolls Online. “With 5 million people registered for beta, it’s clear that a large number of fans are eager to jump online and experience everything the game has to offer. We couldn’t be more excited to get it into everyone’s hands.”

    The Elder Scrolls Online was named Best Role Playing Game at E3 2013 by the Game Critics, a panel of leading North American media outlets, and is considered one of the industry’s most anticipated titles for 2014. The previous chapter in this franchise was The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim® which was released in November 2011 and enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success. As the sequel to the 2002 Role-Playing Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®, and the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, Skyrim earned hundreds of ‘Game of the Year’ awards and sold over 20 million copies.

    In addition to today’s PC and Mac release, The Elder Scrolls Online is in development for the PlayStation®4 system, and Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The Elder Scrolls Online has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB For more information on The Elder Scrolls Online visit http://elderscrollsonline.com.

    Thursday - April 03, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Reviews In Progress

    by Myrthos, 10:12

    Here are a few reviews in progress for The Elder Scrolls Online. They are in progress as it apparently takes a bit more time to review an online game and I guess they need to write something every now and then. Anyway, if you need some impressions before deciding to enter, perhaps these will help.

    Destructoid

    At this time, I can safely recommend The Elder Scrolls Online to people who are both fans of traditional MMOs and Elder Scrolls in general -- everyone else should probably pick it up on a sale or wait and see how the subscription fee system fares. Stay tuned as we cover The Elder Scrolls Online throughout the launch -- next on Friday evening after testing out roughly a week of the live environment and the launch-day festivities (or wait queues).

    IGN

    This sense of exploration extends to smaller things as well, such as the skyshards scattered throughout the world that grant you an extra skill point if you gather three of them (and thus smartly downplaying the importance of leveling so players don't rush through). Treasure chests dot the world plentifully, and since many of them hold meaningful rewards, making it worth it to stop and see what goodies emerge. It's such a nice change of pace from the frantic rushes you find in other MMOs these days, where people just want to speed through the content with little care about their surroundings.

    Just Press Start

    So far, The Elder Scrolls Online surpassed my expectations. If you are a fan of The Elder Scrolls series and love everything about it, The Elder Scrolls Online will please you as it has everything that you love in an ES game. It may not be your traditional MMO that you are accustomed to, but what Zenimax did in this game makes it stand out from the rest of the competition. Let’s wait until I hit the end-game for the final verdict but as it stands right now, the game is enjoyable and I can see myself playing this game for a long time coming.

    Sunday - March 30, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Cyrodiil Campaign Names

    by Couchpotato, 05:27

    ZeniMax Online has a new post on the Elder Scrolls Online webpage with details about the Cyrodiil campaign names the game will use for PvP.

    Cyrodiil Campaign Names

    Early Access begins this weekend! Are you looking forward to your first steps in Cyrodiil? We’re preparing the battlefield right now, and before you know it you’ll be on the front lines, driving the enemy forces from their keeps in massive conflicts. PvP is even more fun when you can organize ahead of time, so we’re releasing the names of the North American and European campaigns that will be open when Early Access starts. Each name represents two campaigns, one on the NA megaserver and one on the EU megasever:

    • Bloodthorn 
    • Scourge 
    • Chrysamere 
    • Auriel's Bow 
    • Wabbajack 
    • Volendrung 
    • Skull Crusher 
    • Dawnbreaker 
    • Goldbrand 
    • Hopesfire 

    Choose yours and get ready to charge into the fray during Early Access! You can start participating in the Alliance War at level 10, and at that time you’ll be able to select your home campaign. Find out where your guild and friends will be fighting and join up with them! You can become a guest in other campaigns, and you can change your home campaign later for Alliance Points if you wish.

    Don’t forget that you can still pre-order to get your Explorer’s Pack and Early Access—it’s not too late yet. We can’t wait to see you in Cyrodiil.

    Friday - March 28, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 04:06

    ZeniMax Online has three new updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update is a recap of the recent Reddit AMA with more infomation on the game.

    Last Thursday, the ESO subreddit hosted our first official AMA (Ask me Anything). Game Director Matt Firor, Creative Director Paul Sage, Lead Gameplay Designer Nick Konkle, and Lead PvP Designer Brian Wheeler all sat down to field live questions from the community, sharing lots of great information about the game and our upcoming launch. Today, we’ve gathered up some of the most interesting answers here, just in case you missed anything. If you want to read the AMA in its entirety, you can find it right here.

    The second update is about more information about Early Access, and a Launch FAQ.

    We’re ready! Are you? Early Access and launch for The Elder Scrolls Online on PC and Mac are approaching fast, so we’ve gathered up the answers to some questions you might have about them. Give this Q&A a read for some important information. If you want to know something we haven’t covered here, check out our customer support center—we’ll be happy to help you out.

    The third and final update talks about content for veteran players.

    When your character in ESO reaches level 50, the journey isn’t over. You’ll continue your exploration of Tamriel, earning Veteran Ranks and taking on even greater challenges. To explain more, we present Creative Director Paul Sage’s description of veteran content, including a bit about Craglorn, our upcoming Adventure Zone. Read on and find out what’s in store for you.

    Thursday - March 27, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ EDGE

    by Couchpotato, 05:17

    Edge posted a new article for Elder Scrolls Online were they talk about the biggest problem of the MMO. They think it's because the MMO invites comparisons to Skyrim. 

    The Elder Scrolls Online isn’t Skyrim. It looks older, sounds older, and plays like it’s older than 2011’s award-winning RPG. It’s a different game from a different team, a team that would probably prefer its game to be judged as a separate entity. Zenimax Online’s Matt Firor has said on multiple occasions that TESO is its own game, with its own aims and ambitions. That’s fair enough from the perspective of the MMOG veteran for whom the famous licence is of passing interest. But it would be wrong to think that comparisons with Skyrim won’t be rife or won’t matter, and this is no Skyrim.

    Monday - March 24, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Launch Details

    by Couchpotato, 04:22

    Gamer Headlines has information from a recent AMA on Reddit with the game’s director Matt Firor,  Creative Director Paul Sage, Lead Gameplay Designer Nick Konkle and Lead PvP Designer Brian Wheeler. Part of the AMA talked about trh games launch.

    Those who pre-ordered the Imperial Edition or the Digital Standard Edition from the ESO store will be able to access the game on March 30 at these times:

    • North America: 7 a.m. EDT
    • UK: Noon WEST
    • Central Europe: 1 p.m CEST
    • Sydney: 10 p.m. AEDT
    • Singapore: 7 p.m. SGT

    All other pre-order customers will get access on April 1 at these times:

    • North America: 7 a.m. EDT
    • UK: Noon WEST
    • Central Europe: 1 p.m. CEST
    • Sydney: 10 p.m. AEDT
    • Singapore: 7 p.m. SGT

    Finally, everyone else will get in on the official release date of April 4 at these times:

    • North America: 7 p.m. EDT (the night before)
    • UK: Midnight WEST
    • Central Europe: 1 a.m. CEST
    • Sydney: 10 a.m. AEDT
    • Singapore: 7 a.m. SGT

    The developers also touched on a few more key points:

    • Beta players do not need to create a new account, but all beta characters have been deleted.
    • The faster-moving opening quests from the later versions of the beta will be used in the official game, so re-rolling shouldn’t be too rough (players can still skip “The Island.”
    • The client used in the beta can be used for the official game. Just update it and go.
    • There are several fixes coming for in-game issues regarding Guilds, Traits, PvP, and quest bugs. No exact timetable was given, but the developers said “at launch or soon after.”
    • Players will have the option of joining overflow servers if a login queue forms. These overflow servers don’t have the social features enabled.

    The Elder Scrolls Online will release on April 4 for PC and Mac users. A slightly altered version is set to release for Xbox One and PS4 in June.

    Saturday - March 22, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 04:52

    ZeniMaxOnline has two more updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update is a new article in their Creating ESO posts this time about crafting.

    The Elder Scrolls Online offers you choices at every turn, and the crafting system is no exception. Whether you want to focus on becoming a master crafter or you just want to have a few helpful buffs as you adventure, we have just the right fit for you. Because the system is so diverse, we wanted to share some things you might not know to help get you excited to create your own items, food, potions, and more in ESO.

    The final and second update is a new issue of the The Tamriel Chronicle.

    We’re back with your weekly dose of fan art, fiction, podcasts, and more. ESO fans like you constantly impress us with their creations, and we just have to share! If you like something you see, why not leave a comment for the creator or fansite? We know they’d love to find out what you think.

    Tuesday - March 18, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ ZAM

    by Couchpotato, 05:09

    Matt Firor was intrviewed on ZAM to answer a few questions about Elder Scrolls Online. 

    With the launch date approaching, what are the anticipated subscription plans and payment methods? Will there be a discount for paying for several months upfront (multi-month plans)?

    Yes, you can expect to get a discount for buying multiple-month subscriptions and we accept a variety of payment methods including PayPal, WebMoney, etc in addition to the ones you’d expect.

    What types of items or services can we expect to find in the Zenimax store?

    The purpose of the store is to offer interested players a variety of additional services. At launch we’re going to have two items: the ability to upgrade to the Imperial Edition, and an entry level horse (Palomino colored). The horse you get in both purchases is functionally the same, but the Imperial Edition is the only way to ever get the White horse. We have the Palomino horse available to allow players to purchase a basic mount without purchasing the entire Imperial Edition.

    Is there any information you can share about the Adventure Zones?

    For those that don’t know, Adventure Zones are ESO zones that offer end-game PvE group-based content. We’re going to make some announcements shortly about what else Adventure Zones will offer and when you can expect to see the first one roll out.

    We noticed that it’s quite difficult to tell PCs apart from NPCs, especially early on, which makes the game feel somewhat lonely near the beginning. Is there anything being worked on that will make player characters stand out better?

    This is one of those things that fades over time as you play the game and become more familiar with the differences in the ways NPCs and players act. Very quickly, you’ll be able to pick out PCs fairly easily when it is necessary to do so, and of course when you are grouped, you see a chevron over your groupmate’s heads.

    Sunday - March 16, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 05:09

    ZeniMaxOnline has three new updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update shares infomation on a new Limited Edition Hero’s Guide.

    Anyone who has played an Elder Scrolls game is familiar with the multitude of lore books on diverse topics found in the world. You might be a player who loves collecting and reading these books in-game to discover more about Tamriel. If you are, you won’t want to pass up these real-life lore books full of new fiction and art, the Hero’s Guides!

    These three lovingly-crafted books are straight from the Second Era, full of knowledge and tales any scholar would treasure that can’t be found anywhere else. They come packed in a beautiful clamshell box perfect for display along with a miniature lithograph in a numbered portfolio.

    The second update is about the next Tamriel Chronicle.

    A new week means a new look at what you’ve been creating! In addition to some awesome new art, fiction, and other ESO-inspired creative endeavors, we’ve rounded up some great articles, podcasts, and discussions from our fansites. Enjoy the art, discover new voices in the community, and get involved in the discussions yourself.

    And for last we get the next Ask Us Anything were the topic is about crafting.

    In ESO, you’ll have the opportunity to spend as much time creating useful items as you like. Become a provisioner, alchemist, enchanter, or smith—or all four! With so much crafting to do (there are three types of smiths), we knew you’d have plenty of questions for us, so we’ve collected some of them to answer right here. Read on to find out more details about ESO’s in-depth crafting system.

    Saturday - March 15, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Road Ahead

    by Couchpotato, 04:25

    Matt Firor has a new post on the Bethesda Blog about the road ahead for Elder Scrolls Online. He talks about the new weekend beta, game bugs, and new game content.

    In just a few short weeks, we’ll be launching The Elder Scrolls Online for PC and Mac. While it’s been quite a journey to get to this point, ESO’s launch on April 4 is really just the beginning. I want to take a moment to let everyone know what we’ve been doing since my last update and talk about what we’re planning in preparation for launch and beyond.

    Wednesday - March 12, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - More Beta Invites

    by Couchpotato, 04:07

    ZeniMax Online announced on the games website they released another batch of beta invitations for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Join us in our final scale test event this weekend—more invites are on their way!

    We’re sending out invites for our final ESO scale test. We need your help to push our systems, so check your email and join us. If you’ve been invited to previous beta events, you’ll be able to participate this weekend, too. This may be your last chance to help us test!

    For this beta, there’s no need to follow a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). We invite you to post your screenshots, videos, and impressions, and to livestream your adventures for everyone to see.  Be sure to use the #esobeta tag to share your favorite moments with the world.

    Participants this weekend will also unlock an exclusive monkey vanity pet for PC/Mac that will be available at launch.

    Monday - March 10, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Beta Impression @ Leviathyn

    by Couchpotato, 04:33

    Leviathyn has posted a new beta impression for Elder Scrolls Online. They even included a new video to watch if you have the time to spare.

    While the tutorial was an annoying reminder of gameplay mechanics we’ve been revisiting for well over a decade and the forced extended tutorial in the form of a segregated island further delays the jump into the proper game, I actually came away from my weekend in Tamriel quite impressed. The more action-oriented combat was fun and fluid – reminding me more of Kingdoms of Amalur than World of Warcraft, and the world building of even just the initial zones was varied and interesting.

    Make no mistake though, this is not multiplayer Skyrim. The Elder Scrolls Online is very much a MMORPG in all the traditional ways, and the evolution from “you’re the hero, the entire world reacts to you” in a solo experience to “you’re the hero, the entire world reacts to you….but also there’s hundreds of others doing the exact same thing” is incredibly awkward. It’s a problem for most MMORPGs but as the main Elder Scrolls series is particularly known of its wonderful freedom and Choose Your Own Adventure playstyle it makes it all the more painfully obvious here.

    It’s a bit like that South Park episode where Cartman is given a theme park all to himself – he can ride and do whatever he wants all the time, but adding more people suddenly takes everything away as he’s forced to wait in lines and put up with everyone’s crap. That’s a pessimistic look at what MMORPGs can offer, and I hope that TESO’s public quests and PVP can help sustain the social interaction, or at least create one. I never once had to so much as talk to another real player during my play time, and often felt like these other people were simply in the way of my exciting return to Tamriel.

    A $60 box plus monthly subscription fee is a very hard sell these days, and many of the last struggling modern wave of MMORPGs that have tried have quickly had to abandon the model for a more sustaining free-to-play model with microtransactions. It’ll be interesting to see if The Elder Scrolls license is enough to convince gamers to pony up the cash, but I fear most folks will simply see a derivative, albeit high quality and well-made MMORPG and wait for the next true Elder Scrolls title.

    Friday - March 07, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Beta Streams & Equipment

    by Couchpotato, 05:24

    ZeniMaxOnline has two updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update shares links for anyone willing to watch more beta gameplay footage.

    Now that the NDA is lifted, we’re encouraging everyone to stream and share their adventures in the ESO beta. That means there will be a flood of new impressions and media all over the web during our test this weekend. If you want to see the game from someone else’s perspective and join in the fun chatting and enjoying the entertainment, we recommend you check out these streamers and videocasters.

    The second update talks about weapons, and shields crafted in the game.

    Smiths in Tamriel add their own personal touches to every weapon, shield, and piece of armor they forge, from choosing a racial style to imparting special bonuses they’ve learned called traits. Master blacksmiths, clothiers, and woodworkers can take ordinary arms and armor and, with the right materials, transform them into equipment worthy of a true hero. In this image, you can see a small sample of the kinds of weapons and armor you’ll be able to craft in ESO if you choose to pursue the fine art of smithing. Represented here are items crafted in each of the nine racial styles, but these are just a few of the items you can create—there are already fifteen different styles for crafters to learn!

    Thursday - March 06, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ RPG Slayer

    by Couchpotato, 05:01

    RPG Slayer has posted a new article for Elder Scrolls Online, and calls the game a Bethesda fan’s greatest fear. It's not as bad as it sounds so read on.

    I’ve been a fan of the Elder Scrolls franchise since way, way back. I’m talking Morrowind here, with its chunky, square characters, its rigid, stiff voice acting and its curiously loveable charm. And Oblivion – don’t get me started on Oblivion – that game took countless hours of my life, completing every guild, every mission, I even quested  to find every location – I easily spent a year’s worth of gaming in Cyrodil. Not that I would have spent it anywhere else, I mean, what else would I do, socialise?

    As of Skyrim, my loyalty to the Elder Scrolls only grows stronger, and I trust Bethesda to keep strong their brilliance in their range of RPG gaming. But, as of 2014 my fidelity to the franchise is wavering, as I remain uncertain and wary of the upcoming hit, The Elder Scrolls Online.

     

    Sunday - March 02, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - New Gameplay Footage

    by Couchpotato, 05:09

    ESOHut released a new video for Elder Scrolls Online which they claim is some new gameplay footage from the March 2014 Beta.

    ESOHut has been given the privilege of exploring the world of Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition. This footage is of game play as an Imperial and as a Breton, exploring a mix of areas and Cyrodiil the PVP area.

    Thursday - February 27, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 04:42

    ZeniMaxOnline has three new updates on the website for Elder Scrolls Online. The first update has news of more Beta invites being sent out.

    Today, we’re sending out more beta invites for an ESO scale test. If you receive an invite, there will be an extra beta code included that you can give to a friend to join you in Tamriel!  

    For this beta, you are no longer required to follow a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA). We invite you to post your best screenshots, videos, and impressions this weekend, and livestream your adventures for everyone to see.  Be sure to use #esobeta to share your favorite moments with the world! Participants this weekend will also unlock an exclusive monkey vanity pet for PC/Mac that you can have at launch.

    The second update is a roundup of all the Hand-On Beta PvP Impressions.

    More hands-on impressions are headed your way! Two weeks ago, you saw tons of new articles, videos, and screenshots from the early PvE experience in ESO's beta, and last week, press and fansites took a closer look at PvP. Check out the links we've gathered here to find out about battling other players and sieging keeps in Cyrodiil, and enjoy some more new videos and screens.

    And finally the third update takes a look at how the games music was created.

    When we first started thinking about the soundtrack for The Elder Scrolls Online, there were a number of goals we knew we wanted to achieve. The first and most obvious: it had to be true to the spirit and style of previous Elder Scrolls games. We want you to feel musically right at home in ESO, so you’ll hear familiar themes alongside entirely new ones—an extension of the series’ musical landscape. We hope that as you play and listen, you’ll feel the same sense of intimacy and emotional connection to the world that you’ve felt before in Elder Scrolls games.

    Thursday - February 20, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Blacksmithing In Tamriel

    by Couchpotato, 04:47

    Zenimax Online has posted a video of how blacksmithing works in Elder Scrolls Online.

    Crafting in The Elder Scrolls Online enhances your adventures. We follow the journey of a blacksmith, from exploring and gathering materials to creating a special piece of armor. Blacksmithing is just one of the many crafting skills available in ESO.

    Wednesday - February 19, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Analog Addiction

    by Couchpotato, 04:40

    Analog Addiction has a new article for Elder Scrolls Online about how we all should give the game a chance. I agree with them as I see way to many negative  previews.

    One quote, as over-used as it has become pretty much sums up how I see The Elder Scrolls Online, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. If there is one thing that really grinds my gears after playing through the closed beta for The Elder Scrolls Online, are people saying it is a “sub-par Skyrim”.

    It is that kind of tunnel vision thinking which can really affect how well a game is received. The only thing ZeniMax have done to get a negative response is their persistence with pushing for a subscription based model. Other than that, they have done nothing wrong to get silly comparisons.

    Sure, it has the title ‘Elder Scrolls’, but it is a completely different experience than what most gamers associate the title with. It has its own style and that is because of two things: it is an MMORPG and it is being developed by a different developer. Having an MMORPG of Skyrim would never work, if anything it might work as a multiplayer game but not more than that.

    Monday - February 17, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Tutorial & Beta Gameplay

    by Couchpotato, 04:29

    Noobfeed has two new videos from the Elder Scrolls Online Beta.

    Tutorial

    Ok, we’ll break this down into two categories. First up, we’ll dive into the dark tutorial, set in the underworld of Tamriel. Here, players get rushed through a mostly linear plane of semi-existence, to learn the ropes, take on their first quests and get cracking in the first dungeon. It won’t nearly get the variety of the main experience, but it’s a start. Watch the tutorial gameplay.

    The Grand Adventure

    Once completed, the real journey will begin through fragments of the universe. These are further divided into select regions, where many people are awaiting tasks, tons of items can be looted and turned into other useful things. From wolves to giant scarabs, there are fierce monsters to fight, traps to overcome and choices to be made. Sit back and enjoy some Beta gameplay.

    Sunday - February 16, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 04:55

    I managed to roundup a few more previews based on the beta of Elder Scrolls Online.

    IncGamers

    What I’ve played indicates that The Elder Scrolls Online is a competent MMO in all the usual ways, taking few risks with design and instead just offering a few twists on the standard MMO template. But I’ve seen no indications that it’s a particularly good MMO, nor is it – lore aside – particularly Elder Scrolls-y. I’m bored with it already, and that’s not a good sign.

    Venturebeat

    The Elder Scrolls Online is homage, not a proper entry in the franchise. It is not another world in which we can live another life. It is another MMO. Set your expectations accordingly.

    VG 24/7

    Many of my complaints regarding The Elder Scrolls Online’s PvE questing stand firm here, and I still feel that the visuals leave much to be desired, the wonky animation, clumsy UI decisions and odd quirks would have felt ‘quaint’ in a boxed Bethesda release. But here; in a game that must be bought for a fee then subscribed to per month, you, the paying customer deserve a better class of MMO.

    MMOGames

    I see a lot of changes taking place in Cyrodiil in the coming months as Zenimax tries to adjust the system to be easier and more attractive. For now though, even though I’ll have a mount for all my characters I’ll be staying clear of Cyrodiil. It doesn’t live up to any expectations I had and all the concerns I had about it before I ever even looked at it came true. But I know my view won’t be one agreed on By everyone.

    MMOCast

    I can say that if you are an RPG fan and you are looking for a new MMO you need to give it a chance. I read a lot of first impressions lately and I came to the conclusion that all the “bad” opinions came from the people that expected a Co-op Skyrim. This game wasn’t created to be a multiplayer version of a single player RPG, it was created to be an MMO.

    Friday - February 14, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Gamasutra

    by Couchpotato, 03:01

    Gamasutra is hosting a blog article about Elder Scrolls Online, and  F2P tutorials.

    The Elder Scrolls Online assumes we are in a previous age

    Bethesda have form for making dull, worthy intros. I often give talks based on the Design Rules for F2P Games. Rule 11 is “Kill the tutorial.” My primary example that gets it wrong is Fallout 3 (yes, I know it’s not a F2P game). I borrowed the game from a friend to see if I would enjoy it. I spent the first 45 minutes cursing the game for taking me through a dull, worthy backstory that showed me little about what I was going to get from the game, except that the designers were happy to play fast and loose with my time without showing me what the heart of the game was going to be like. That goes down as one of the least enjoyable First Time User Experiences I have had.

    The criticisms of TESO suggest that its initial experience is not trying to show you why this game is worth sticking with: it assumes that you are going to stick with it. It doesn’t try to earn your love and respect. It assumes it. In the era of Free-To-Play, with boundless choice and designers setting out to demonstrate to their players why their game is awesome in the first few minutes, this approach is going to be very challenging for Zenimax.

    Thursday - February 13, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 04:01

    If your curious about the beta of Elder Scrolls Online I have three new previews that give thier opinion. Thank you Thrasher for sending in one of the links.

    Capsule Computers

    Overall, The Elder Scrolls Online has had a solid first showing. Fans of the franchise looking to play in Tamriel with friends should definitely keep their eyes peeled for this game. If it stays the course, it will deliver excellent narrative, compelling voice work, and a beautiful, intriguing world to explore. Hard-line fans of the single-player games may not be happy with all of the changes, but it’s ultimately poised to deliver what fans have been asking for – an Elder Scrolls experience with an online framework.

    Strategy Informer

    Instead of the huge rolling landscapes, random dungeons, and incidental details, there is a definite theme park built somewhere within the provinces of Tamriel. Where Oblivion gave you access to all areas of Cyrodil, ESO instead dolls out in meagre portions. Maps are chunks of the game world rather than the actual entirety. And while it would be too much of an ask for the new studio to completely recreate, and in some cases just create, all of the provinces in the Elder Scrolls lore, it only feels like a vague disappointment to be given a blinkered version of the world.

    Rock, Paper, Shotgun

    I’m not going to pretend that the above doesn’t look like a kicking. But I want to reiterate that in delivering a bland, ordinary MMO, Bethesda appear to be succeeding. It’s pretty, detailed, packed with wildlife you can senselessly murder. But the issue is, we’ve got an awful lot of bland, ordinary MMOs, and we don’t have a nice shiny new The Elder Scrolls RPG.

    Try as I might, I can’t help but see this as all the worst bits of TES games – the dreadful dialogue, the crummy acting, the god-awful inventories (WHY! Why would they deliberately bring that aspect of TES into the MMO world, so you’ve got endless vertical scrolling lists of items, rather than a nice, useful tiled window?), put into an old-fashioned MMO space.

    Monday - February 10, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Forbes

    by Couchpotato, 00:30

     Forbes has another article about the monthly subscription for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Bethesda/Zenimax would be smart to at least try and adapt to the times. Yes, they should focus on fixing fan complaints with the game itself, and that should be priority one, but they also need to realize they’re going to have to get players playing in the first place, and the costs they have in place are just too prohibitive right now. Yes, there will be a select contingent of players who will buy and subscribe to the game no matter what, but at this rate, I think that’s going to be a much smaller enclave than they’d like.

    I do believe at this rate, The Elder Scrolls Online is destined to have an incredibly rough launch, and they’ll be quickly forced into the sorts of changes I’m suggesting here, rather than having the chance to make those decisions willingly. I do not want TESO to fail, but I think it’s been a hard road from concept to execution to marketing to pricing, and all those elements are conspiring to throw up enormous barriers to success for the game

    Sunday - February 09, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Gameplay Videos

    by Couchpotato, 02:02

    Therer has benn a flood of Elder Scrolls Online news in the last few days. Included in the pile is a few new gameplay videos I thought might interest a few of you.

     The first video is from PC Gamers's Evan Lahti and Cory Banks.

    The Elder Scrolls Online is a gorgeous game, so much so that we had to see how it looks on the Large Pixel Collider. We cranked every setting to maximum, but it was no match for the world's most dangerous gaming rig. Here are the results, along with gameplay impressions from Editor-in-chief Evan Lahti and Managing Editor Cory Banks.

    The second video is from IncGamers with Tim McDonald.

    In this video, our intrepid adventurer Tim McDonald is halfway through a spooky quest. Someone has inherited a demon-filled ruin containing a ghostly presence that won’t let him get any closer. By the time the video starts we’ve already discovered that the ghost is seeking revenge against the family because of past slights, and we’ve been sent off to find a way to banish it, which takes us to the Mage’s Guild.

    Saturday - February 08, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Making of Molag Bal

    by Couchpotato, 00:30

    ZeniMax Online has a post with details on The Making of Molag Bal.

    Find out how we captured the horrific visage of a Daedric Prince for our in-game statue and Imperial Edition collectible.

    If you’ve spent much time in Tamriel, you’ve certainly seen the statue or shrine of a Daedric Prince or two. Their presence and influence on the world is undeniable; they often seek mortal champions and cultists to further their interests, whatever they may be. In The Elder Scrolls Online, the Daedric Prince Molag Bal poses a major threat, scheming to merge Tamriel with his Oblivion realm, Coldharbour. Considering how prominent he is in the game, we wanted to make sure his statue was sufficiently impressive, especially because we wanted to include a physical version in our Imperial Edition!

    Sunday - February 02, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything

    by Couchpotato, 01:37

    Zenimax Online has a new Ask Us Anything on the Elder Scrolls Online webpage.

    Do people who order the Imperial Edition gain a big gameplay advantage over those who don’t?Sven Denteu

    No. With the Imperial Edition you get the opportunity to play as a rogue Imperial who has broken from their Daedra worshipping ways, and you get a unique racial skill line of equal gameplay impact to other races’ unique racial skill lines. As an Imperial you also get a mount and the automatic ability to craft items into the Imperial style. All non-Imperial races can also learn this ability after locating the corresponding racial motif. Imperials do not begin the game in a unique starting location or via a separate quest, but they can start in any alliance as befits their status as un-aligned outcasts of their own Province. Being an Imperial includes a racial skill line that offers unique gameplay opportunities, but there is not an overall gameplay advantage. It is an opportunity to set yourself visually apart in the lands of Tamriel.

    Gameplay benefits within this edition have been designed to avoid bestowing unfair advantages over players who do not purchase this special edition. This is cool content designed for some of our biggest fans who wish to have something different from other collector’s editions in the market. The only other alternative would have been to offer a collector’s edition that offers no in-game items whatsoever. That simply didn’t seem fair to fans who are excited about the game and want some special digital items

    Saturday - February 01, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Unboxing Imperial Edition

    by Couchpotato, 04:13

    ZeniMax Online unboxes the the Imperial Edition of Elder Scrolls Online.

    Lead Loremaster Lawrence Schick unpacks the Imperial Edition and describes its contents in detail. No Elder Scrolls fan should pass up the chance to get their hands on the full-color Improved Emperor’s Guide to Tamriel, the 12” Molag Bal Statue, and all the other great collectibles. Watch the video and get a closer look at this ultimate edition of ESO.

    Friday - January 31, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Arrival Cinematic Trailer

    by Couchpotato, 00:35

    ZeniMax Online released a new cinematic trailer for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Coinciding with our announcement of The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition, watch our newest cinematic trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Wednesday - January 29, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Imperial Edition Announced

    by Couchpotato, 22:44

    Bethesda sent out a new press release about the Imperial Edition of Elder Scrolls Online, and their new online store. Here are the details.

    Pre-Order and Pre-Purchase Bonuses Are Detailed for Latest Game in Award-Winning Franchise


    January 29, 2014 (London, UK) – Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced that it will release The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition - a premium collector’s edition for the highly-anticipated The Elder Scrolls Online. The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition will be made available in digital and limited physical formats. Both standard and collector’s editions are now available for pre-order through participating retailers and pre-purchase from the newly launched online store (store.elderscrollsonline.com).

    In addition to the highly-anticipated game, The Elder Scrolls Online Physical Imperial Edition includes:

    -  Molag Bal Statue. A 30.5 cm statue featuring Molag Bal, Daedric Prince of domination and enslavement.
    - The Improved Emperor’s Guide to Tamriel. A 224-page illustrated guide annotated by the Imperial scholar, Flaccus Terentius.
    -  Physical Map of Tamriel. A 53.3 cm x 66 cm printed map detailing Alliance-controlled zones and the ultimate conquest: Cyrodiil. 
    -  Steelbook™ Packaging. A limited edition steel case decorated in the color of the Imperials.

    Exclusive Collection of Digital Content.

    - Play as an Imperial: Become an Imperial and play in any Alliance. Gain unique bonuses, crafting styles, gear, and more.
    - White Imperial Horse: Summon this Imperial mount and journey through Tamriel with speed.
    - Mudcrab Vanity Pet: Explore Tamriel with a mudcrab pet
    - Rings of Mara: Complete the Ritual of Mara with a friend and receive an experience bonus when you play together.

    The Physical Imperial Edition is extremely limited in quantity and available for pre-order through participating retailers for $99.99/€99.99/£89.99/AU$139.95.

    The Elder Scrolls Online Digital Imperial Edition includes the base game and all digital content outlined for the Physical Imperial Edition above and retails for $79.99/€79.99/£69.99/AU$119.95.

    All those who pre-order or pre-purchase either the Imperial Edition or the Standard Edition in physical or digital formats will also receive The Explorer’s Pack bonus at launch, which includes: Scuttler vanity pet, four bonus treasure maps, and the ability to play as any of the nine races in any Alliance.

    Early Access bonuses will also be offered to those pre-ordering or pre-purchasing a PC/Mac version. A five (5) day early access bonus will be offered to those who pre-purchase the Digital Imperial Edition or the Digital Standard Edition through The Elder Scrolls Online Store. Additional early access programs are also available through participating retailers.

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ ESOHUT

    by Couchpotato, 02:35

    ESO HUT has another article this week for The Elder Scrolls Online. The topic of course is about the games subscription plan.

    Probably one of the most talked about subjects regarding the Elder Scrolls Online on the web right now is all about the paid subscription method which Bethesda has decided to implement for this creation. Obviously, us fans want to play the game for as little as possible, we all have other bills to pay or other stuff we could do with the money instead, but then again you can’t really say that $15 per month is a lot to loose each month when you realize that you can be playing the newest and biggest MMORPG game to date for as many hours per day as you can cram in around your current lifestyle.

    Tuesday - January 28, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - O&A @ Tamriel Foundry

    by Couchpotato, 01:57

    The Tamriel Foundry has a new O&A with Paul Sage.

    Hey everyone, feel free to use this thread to discuss or react to the questions and answers provided in our upcoming forum Q&A with ESO’s Creative Director, Paul Sage.

    Monday - January 27, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - PvP Guide @ ESO Hut

    by Couchpotato, 04:12

     ESO Hut is back with another article this time with a guide to PvP in Elder Scrolls Online.

    With the launch of ESO only months away, I want to look into the make or break part of an MMORPG – PvP. All of the top MMO’s out there have special events, battlegrounds or instances for where players can get together and fight against those from the opposing faction. When you reach maximum level on your character, your going to be mainly doing 2 things… PvE (dungeons, instances etc) or PvP (Player vs Player). So if a gaming company wants to keep a good chunk of their subscribers, then this part of the game has to be absolutely  spectacular and repeatable without getting boring.

    Although, it’s probably not as big as it used to be, PvP still is big business and very popular among online gamers, I have to admit though, in any MMO that I’ve played in, I always try to keep away from others until I’m at a respectable level – otherwise it’s just not worth wasting my time getting killed over.

    Take WoW (World of Warcraft) for example, there was a time when every Joe and his uncle was talking about who they fought and beat the previous night, everywhere you looked there was a tournament of some sort going on and with this there were viral videos of players filming themselves in the midst of epic battles on onslaught. You would get the feeling WoW was pushing PvP on everyone and it was a big deal. Nowadays it’s still there in the background and people accept it as being a regular part of the game rather than something that is special and needs promotion.

    Sunday - January 26, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Activities for Adventurers

    by Couchpotato, 01:04

    ESO Hut has posted a list of activities for adventurers for Elder Scrolls Online.

    I’m sure that all enthusiastic adventurers just can’t wait to get into the new virtual world in the Elder Scrolls Online.But once we step inside the boots of our characters, what is there for us to actually do?

    We’ve compiled a list of the main events which we can all look forward to doing, or maybe even deciding what to do first!

    Friday - January 24, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Voices of Tamriel & ESRB

    by Couchpotato, 00:41

    ZeniMax Online has a new video about the voice cast for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Get all the details on the star-studded voice cast -- and the characters they play -- in our latest video for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    A renowned group of actors will be lending their voices to The Elder Scrolls Online. John Cleese, Michael Gambon, Kate Beckinsale, Malcolm McDowell, Lynda Carter, Bill Nighy, and Alfred Molina -- and many more -- take on the roles of just some of the interesting characters you'll meet while exploring Tamriel.

    The next article of interest is from Forbes about the M-rating from the ESRB.

    Bethesda’s first MMO is hitting consoles soon, but maybe only for older gamers. The ESRB has given it a “Mature” rating. It’s unclear what, exactly, precipitated the rating, but given some of the darker elements and frequent beheadings of a game like Skyrim, one can sort of guess.  Bethesda’s Pete Hines said that this wasn’t the rating the team was hoping for, but they’re planning on staying the course.

    “The ESRB advised us that it has give The  Elder Scrolls Online a Mature rating,” the company said in a tweet. “While we may disagree with the ESRB’s determination, we do not plan to challenge the rating, and we are unwilling to change the game’s content to achieve a different rating. The game was have created is the one we want our fans to be able to play.”

    Thursday - January 23, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Group Content Video

    by Couchpotato, 03:10

    ZeniMax Online has a new video showing off group content for Elder Scrolls Online.

    The Elder Scrolls Online offers players the opportunity to explore Tamriel together for the first time. In this video, our developers take on some of the challenges designed for groups of allies in the game

    Wednesday - January 22, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ IM PLAYIN

    by Couchpotato, 03:56

    IM PLAYIN is the next site to wonder if Elder Scrolls Online will live up to it's hype.

    If you’ve been following the Elder Scrolls series for as long as I have, or longer depending on when you started playing it, then you’ll probably be feeling the same mix of emotions as I am over the upcoming Elder Scrolls Online. That cocktail of excitement and anxiety, you know the one. It has all of the makings of a fantastic game, the Elder Scrolls universe, MMORPG, amazing storytelling and fun side quests – perhaps the sort of game that could even challenge World of Warcraft? The closed beta has been up for on the PC for the past few days and, after reading a good few opinions about ESO, it sounds as though they have a lot of work to do if they’re going to be challenging WoW for the supreme title of ‘most awesome MMORPG’.

    Tuesday - January 21, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Gameranx

    by Couchpotato, 01:19

    Gameranx has a new article for Elder Scrolls Online that list four things they think fans don't want to see in the game.

    Dragons

    ESO fans are obsessed with dragons. They don’t want dragons in the game, and they have two very good reasons for saying so – one, the setting of the game doesn’t have a lot of room for dragons in its lore. Two, and more practical, is they don’t’ want the game to be bogged down by dragon quests.

    Cash Shop/Monetization Concerns

    ESO fans are worried about how it will be monetized. The game is retailing at full price, but they know that these are in the works. And so, many fans want to do away with there being a cash shop altogether. Some have related concerns, such as the use of microtransactions, or time limited market items. I’m sure the last time an in-game economy ruined a beloved franchise is still fresh in people’s minds.

    Game Mechanics

    There aren’t any particular predominant complaints on this end, but there are a few things players do not want around. For example, they do not want leveling to be expedited. They also do not want the crafting system to be too easy / simple. Other niggles that would ruin the game for players would be having seasonal quests, allowing free alliance hopping, quests with 10 things to find or 10 things to kill, add-on damage meters, and so forth. Essentially , the impression I get is they want fighting to be straightforward, but sophisticated, to strike the happy balance that will keep them engaged and coming back

    Ridiculous Things

    Finally, and I personally think this may be somewhat hypocritical of them to say so, but ESO fans want ridiculous things, that would make the game look funny or unbelievable, such as dragon mounts, pets, dailies, flying mounts, etc. Like I said, I don’t think this is worth complaining about. While it would be great to retain a particular atmosphere on a game, that line of thinking makes more sense on a single player adventure than the unpredictable MMO playspace.

    Monday - January 20, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Camelot Post

    by Couchpotato, 03:40

    Camelot Post posted a new article talking about the Beta of Elder Scrolls Online, and how far some people are going to get an invite. I will summarize the article below.

    Would you pay a few hundred bucks to gain access to your favorite MMO before launch? What are you willing to do to gain access to The Elder Scrolls Online beta?

    What Would You Do To Get Into The Elder Scrolls Online Beta?
    Read more at http://camelotpost.com/2014/01/18/get-elder-scrolls-online-beta/#itezXWLeZqUXwkiL.99
    What Would You Do To Get Into The Elder Scrolls Online Beta?
    Read more at http://camelotpost.com/2014/01/18/get-elder-scrolls-online-beta/#itezXWLeZqUXwkiL.99

    Sunday - January 19, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Impression @ GamerTechTV

    by Couchpotato, 04:20

    GamerTechTV has a new article with some beta impressions for Elder Scrolls Online.

    Conclusion

    Im really shocked how much of a miss-fire ESO is, its almost like none of the game designers have ever played a massively multi player game before, Im not saying they should copy WoW, but what made WoW successful was that it took what worked from other MMOs at the time and refined them, taking the best from other games, and mixing them into their own lore, then added that Blizzard polish.

    ESO seems to have taken the worst from Skyrim (the combat) and somehow made it even worse, if someone ever asked you what was the best part of Skyrim you would not say the combat, its the immersive living breathing world, which is lost in ESO.

    ESO is plain boring to play, painfully immediately boring, with no feeling that there are other players there working together to achieve quests or goals, if I wanted to solo play I would play Skyrim, not ESO, and I would absolutely not pay a monthly fee in its current state.

    Saturday - January 18, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Limited-Edition Lithographs

    by Couchpotato, 01:25

    If your interested in lithographs for games then Bethesda has some avaiable for The Elder Scrolls Online. Here are the details from a new post on the games webpage.

    The Bethesda Merchandise Store is getting ready to put three brand-new ESO lithographs up for sale. Pick your favorite alliance leader—Jorunn the Skald-King, Queen Ayrenn, or High King Emeric—or get all three at a discounted price. Don’t wait too long to order; these lithographs will only be available in very limited quantities. You can start purchasing them this Friday, January 17th.

    Friday - January 17, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Prima Games

    by Couchpotato, 01:44

    If your interested in learning more about the PvP part of The Elder Scrolls Online Prima Games has a new article for you to read.

    It seems that with almost any newly released MMORPG, there has to be a player vs. player element for the game to survive. The only games in recent memory that have downplayed the PvP element are Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. Both games have PvP, but the main draw is the PvE content. When The Elder Scrolls: Online ships later this year, PvP will not only be available, it will be a big part of the game. Because of this, the developers are putting a lot of time into the PvP elements to make sure they're not only balanced, but fun.

    The PvP area in ESO is called Cyrodiil, and will feature three alliances battling it out. The large number of players is complimented by a large area to battle within. Cyrodiil takes approximately 30 minutes to traverse from one side to the other. With such a large area, it should make for some elaborate strategies.

    In addition, the system is balanced by featuring a comeback mechanic of sorts. The alliance in the lead earns fewer Alliance Points, while the two trailing alliances earn bonuses. How this balances out once the game is out of beta will be interesting. There needs to be a reason to continue playing if one alliance has a significant lead, but at the same time you don't want to make it too easy for the trailing alliances to make a comeback.

    Thursday - January 16, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Pixelgate

    by Couchpotato, 01:35

    Pixelgate is the next site to compare Elder Scrolls Online with another MMO. They wonder if the game will follow the same way as The Old Republic.

    Given the alleged development costs of Elder Scrolls Online, a fate similar to The Old Republic would be disastrous. The one major advantage Elder Scrolls Online has is the fact it will be the first major MMO to hit consoles. Sure, the likes of DC Universe made their way to consoles as well, but that is not on the same scale as Elder Scrolls, as the lack of marketing for DC Universe on consoles reflected. Perhaps the key to potential success for Elder Scrolls would be its console market rather than the PC. Nevertheless, there’s a huge risk being taken with Elder Scrolls Online in the same way Old Republic was a huge risk.

    Wednesday - January 15, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ GamesPresso

    by Couchpotato, 02:00

    GamesPresso has a new article that ponders is The Elder Scrolls Online a WoW killer?

    The most recent stage in the beta testing of The Elder Scrolls Online (TESO) has now finished, and has left players with a sense of what is to come closer to the release date in April, but what does the latest title in the Elder Scrolls franchise have to offer in comparison to other MMORPG’s(Massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) this year? In this article, we will take a look at what the competition from Blizzard’s popular MMO will be producing for players this year.

    Tuesday - January 14, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Feature List @ Prima Games

    by Couchpotato, 05:35

    Prima Games has a list with the 10 most exciting features of The Elder Scrolls Online.

    We've got a few months to go before Bethesda releases The Elder Scrolls Online for PC and next-gen consoles. That said, the information we've seen on this latest chapter from the series has certainly gotten us excited. There's a lot of territory to cover here, especially when you team up with allies online for an epic-scale battle. 

    Here are ten features we're enthusiastic about with the upcoming release.

    A Massive World 

    The Elder Scrolls Online will be one of the biggest games in the series to date. Almost all of Tamriel will be open to exploration, with new areas opening up as you level up your character. Cyrodill will be yours to explore once you reach level 10, and you'll also be able to traverse the Black Marsh and Elsweyr to some effect. You'll have plenty to do here, putting your monthly subscription to good use. It just depends how much you want to explore. 

    Read the link for the other nine features.Smile

    Monday - January 13, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Beta Update

    by Couchpotato, 04:28

    ZeniMax Online has a new post about the recent Beta test of Elder Scrolls Online .

    We’re getting closer to 4.4.14, when The Elder Scrolls Online officially launches for PC and Mac, and we’re working hard to ensure that the first steps of your adventure in Tamriel are as smooth as possible. This weekend’s test is a key part of those preparations—we’ve invited a massive number of players worldwide to this session to help us get ready and test all of our systems at high volume.

    If you were invited, you’ll be actively helping us make launch better with your participation. We need you to get in there, be persistent even when you encounter issues, and push all of our systems hard. We’ll be doing a number of our own tests during the session, like bringing the server down and back up, to gauge how our systems respond to these situations. With your help, we can uncover problems and solve them before launch.

    If you didn’t get invited to this test, don’t worry! We have more sessions planned, so make sure you’ve signed up for your chance to test.

    Saturday - January 11, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Forbes

    by Couchpotato, 06:06

    The same writer of article that called Elder Scrolls Online a potential disaster of 2014 is back with a new article. This time he answers criticism of his article.

    When the new year started, I wrote an article detailing why it seemed like The Elder Scrolls Online was shaping up to be a potential disaster for ZeniMax and Bethesda with a bloated budget, average gameplay and a seemingly outdated subscription model.

    The piece unleashed a flood of gamers who either agreed or disagreed with the premise. Some wrote entire response pieces to the article, and one in particular recently caught my eye. It’s on MMORPG.com, and published by an unnamed developer, formerly of CCP and now working on their own subscription based MMO.

    Friday - January 10, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - New Beta Invites

    by Couchpotato, 04:21

    Zenimax Online announces that a new wave of Beta invites have been sent out.

    We’re greeting the new year with a round of beta invites. Check your registered email address to find out if you received one, and don’t forget to look in your spam folder just in case. Remember, if you use Gmail, our invites will be automatically filtered to the “promotions” tab.

    The beta is getting bigger as launch approaches, and we can’t wait to see everyone’s feedback. If you don’t receive your invite today, don’t worry—you’ll have more chances to explore Tamriel before launch. When we send out invites, we post here and on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, so follow us on your favorite site to make sure you don’t miss an announcement.

    Wednesday - January 08, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Forbes

    by Couchpotato, 00:52

    Forbes has another article in their predicting the biggest video game disasters Of 2014 series. This time they take a look at The Elder Scrolls Online.

    MMOs as a genre may not be dead yet, but the monthly subscription model certainly is for new entries, and Bethesday/ZeniMax were foolish not to have the foresight to realize this. While it’s entirely possible TESO is released and it blows everyone’s expectations away, that’s seeming increasingly unlikely as players have already spent a lot of time with the game and many are coming away less than impressed. It was a strange decision to jump genres from a famed single player series to an MMO, and even stranger to expect fans to pay $15 a month for the privilege.

    Whether the budget is $200M or not, I can’t say. If it isn’t, the game seems like a relatively risky idea at its core nonetheless. If it is, the game seems like a truly insane endeavor that could easily turn into the biggest bomb of the year.

    We’ll find out in April, I suppose. I’ve reached out to ZeniMax to see if they have any comment before then.

    ZeniMax even sent them a response.

    Update: ZeniMax responded and pointed me toward this satirical explanation from game director Matt Firor about the $200M budget.

    Officially, ZeniMax told me to “keep looking in the upcoming days for an official statement about that, if it will ever come out.” Between these two items, I suspect my leg may be being pulled a bit, but good on them for having a sense of humor.

    As for the subscription fee, I was sent to this actual interview with Matt Firor:

    “And it’s important to state that our decision to go with subscriptions is not a referendum on online game revenue models. F2P, B2P, etc. are valid, proven business models – but subscription is the one that fits ESO the best, given our commitment to freedom of gameplay, quality and long-term content delivery. Plus, players will appreciate not having to worry about being “monetized” in the middle of playing the game, which is definitely a problem that is cropping up more and more in online gaming these days. The fact that the word “monetized” exists points to the heart of the issue for us: We don’t want the player to worry about which parts of the game to pay for – with our system, they get it all.”

    Tuesday - January 07, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ OXM

    by Couchpotato, 03:11

    OXM has posted a small part of their interview with Game Director Paul Sage. The topic is about how to become Emperor.

    Speaking to OXM in a new interview, parts of which you'll find in our current issue, Elder Scrolls Online game director Paul Sage discussed how players will become Emperor. Long story short, you'll need to head to Cyrodiil, the game's PvP environment, and pick lots of fights.

    Killing other players, healing allies and taking control of a keep grants you Alliance Points as well as experience and loot. Conquering keeps also expands your territory and unlocks alliance-wide bonuses - the more keeps you control, the better the bonuses will be. When the Alliance with the most points takes charge of all the keeps around the Imperial City, the Alliance member with the most points is crowned Emperor, unlocking a further set of bonuses for his or her peers.

    "Players who become Emperor will get a full skill line that they keep throughout the rest of their lives in The Elder Scrolls Online," Sage observed. "It won't be easy to become Emperor, but we think people will be glad they worked for it." Lose the title of Emperor, and your hard-rocking Imperial skillz won't be quite as effective, but you'll still be a force on the battlefield.

    Alas, there doesn't appear to be a way to become Emperor without engaging in Player vs Player, so if you're hoping to climb the ranks by making scientific discoveries (read: finding cool swords in dungeons) or by impersonating Patrick Stewart, the political life may not be for you.

    Thursday - January 02, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Development Cost?

    by Couchpotato, 04:57

    iGame Responsibly writes that The Elder Scrolls Online Development cost is insane. According to the site the MMO cost Bethesda more than $200 million.

    Now I must warn you the following story hasn't been proven true so it is still a rumor at this piont. I wouldn't be surprised though as one other MMO almost cost that much.

    We know that The Elder Scrolls Online is one hell of an undertaking for Bethesda. ZeniMax Online Studios have been working on the title for quite some time, and apparently the development cost is in the multiple hundred million dollar neighborhood. Reports from a reliable industry source cite a $200M price tag for development thus far.

    Many have questioned the monthly subscription model that The Elder Scrolls Online will employ, but when you consider that enormous development budget, things become a bit more clear. Hopefully the studio has planned ahead with tons of end game content to keep players coming back for years to come, or The Elder Scrolls Online may be headed for disaster.

    Wednesday - January 01, 2014

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ OXM

    by Couchpotato, 04:14

    OXM interviews Lead Gameplay Designer Nick Konkle to talk about Elder Scrolls Online.

    On the choice of a subscription model

    What's cool about having a subscription model for us, is that firstly we don't have any gates on the content - Elder Scrolls is very much a game about going wherever you want to, and if you're randomly running into artificial [obstacles] where you have to pay, it just doesn't feel right. The other thing is to do with maintaining a team, that can offer super service and put out content at a very high clip. If you want to do that, you really need to plan for it in advance and also maintain a really large team of people.

    And I think when we say content, we mean substantial, meaningful content. There are lots of different ways to support a game that you can look at. When we say content, we mean meaningful stuff, like new areas of the world, new factions, bigger meatier stuff. Not a couple of new weapons, or some new outfits, though we can do that too! We can do all of that stuff plus a lot more, stuff that's more Elder Scrollsy, and not trivial.

    We could do it daily if we just wanted to throw a dagger out the door, we could just say "here's today's update", but that's not what Elder Scrolls is about. It's more meaningful stuff that adds to your experience.

    What to expect from Elder Scrolls Online expansions

    We're doing the kinds of things that with other games you'd associate with DLC - for us it would be, if you're subscribing to the game you'll get it [as part of the package]. Here's another high-end zone, here's another guild, adding significant story elements as well as new weapon types.

    We recently planned out one of the first ten updates we're going to be doing, and honestly these are subject to change as the game comes out and evolves, but each of them is kind of a story package, like the key thing we're adding is this, and here's all the stuff that we're going to do to support that. Like, we're adding a Thieves' Guild but we're also adding a justice system, or whatever, you know, that sort of thing.

    I would think of it as hours of gameplay. When we think about our additional content, we think about, how many hours of gameplay is it going to add to the experience?

    How frequent will DLC be?

    We don't have any official plans but the plan is fast. In order to do that we basically, you need to have multiple things queued up and ready to go even as the game is coming out, which is why we're starting now. We've moved some of the teams off of that and onto the next thing to ensure we're hitting it at a very regular clip.

    But in a general sense I think monthly is a pretty good goal. It might be four weeks, it might be five weeks, it might be six, but in a perfect world, monthly - every four weeks you're getting a new significant bit of content. Not just for the first month or first two months; we want just non-stop, all the time, new stuff to go and play and do.

    Sunday - December 29, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Feature List @ MMO Games

    by Couchpotato, 06:40

    MMO Games has a new article that lists all the features in The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Zenimax has in place one of the most heavily policed Non-Disclosure Agreements that this reporter has ever seen.

    According to their NDA, if you are lucky enough to get a key for the Beta, you may not disclose anything relating to “software, software code, designs, graphics, rules, playing strategies, artwork, visual depictions, plot, theme, settings, characters, characterizations, skills, emails, screenshots, marketing emails, marketing and promotional plans, current, future or proposed products or services of ZeniMax, written or printed documents, announcements or pre-releases, product samples, artwork, graphics, promotional and/or marketing items), the Beta Trial forums and other private ZeniMax forums, business and/or trade secrets, testing protocols, processes, and standards relating to the Game and/or associated products or services of ZeniMax.”

    Beta testers have been warned that even mentioning they are IN the beta may lead to litigation of some kind. So be careful who you talk to….they have lawyer spies everywhere! (Or so I have heard) As it stands at the minute, there are a few things that I can confirm.

    Friday - December 27, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything: Cyrodiil

    by Couchpotato, 09:21

    ZeniMax Online answers questions about the PVP side of The Elder Scrolls Online.

    We tackle your questions about PvP in ESO. Learn more about the Alliance War and what awaits you in Cyrodiil.

    Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking more about Cyrodiil and PvP in The Elder Scrolls Online. As usual, we’re on the lookout for your questions, and received a big amount from our German fan site ESO-Schatzsucher and the French site JeuxOnline. Read on to find out more about what you can expect when you step onto the battlefield.

    Wednesday - December 25, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Camelot Post

    by Couchpotato, 02:38

    The Camelot Post has a new article listing the top five features of Elder Scrolls Online.

    I began my journey with Camelot Post as a big Elder Scrolls Online skeptic but the regular release of information has totally changed my opinion. As I grow more excited for the April 4th release of The Elder Scrolls Online I decided to highlight some of the features I feel will appeal most to the MMO players of today and get you excited about The Elder Scrolls Online..

    Sunday - December 22, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Cyrodiil’s Keeps

    by Couchpotato, 03:37

    ZeniMax Online has a new post for The Elder Scrolls Online about the keeps of Cyrodiil.

    Three alliances clash in Cyrodiil. Fierce battles erupt around fortified keeps throughout the region as the Ebonheart Pact, Daggerfall Covenant, and Aldmeri Dominion struggle to conquer and control more territory. These keeps are critical to each side’s war efforts, and when you venture into Cyrodiil, chances are you’ll find yourself embroiled in the efforts to assault or defend them. In this Creating ESO, we’re taking a closer look at these fortifications.

    We couldn’t jump right into building out keeps and creating art straight away. Though we had plans for how we wanted them to function, we needed to ensure we could meet the technical requirements for those ideas. Our designers worked with engineers to build a framework that could support the design goals—features like destructible keep walls, siege weapons, and large numbers of player characters on-screen had to be considered from both a technology and design standpoint.

    Friday - December 20, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Dev Q&A @ ElitistJerks

    by Couchpotato, 01:06

    The ElitistJerks forum hosted a new Q&A session with the Lead PvP Designer for The Elder Scrolls Online. Topics include PvP, Map Size, Factions, and Guilds.

    Cyrodiil Geography

    Cyrodiil in our timeline will look very familiar to Oblivion, however much more spread out.  To the question of Jungles in Cyrodiil and the question of Tiber Septim changing the climate, we have a book in the game for you to find for more details about that hiding in Cyrodiil itself ;)

    PvP Campaigns

    During Beta we have been using a 48 hour Campaign ruleset but standard Campaigns will last 3 months.  We have the ability to make scoring changes and duration changes depending on player needs and we'll analyze how scoring goes to determine if we need alternate rulesets with different duration, scoring, but also if we need to add player level restricted Campaigns or not.  There really is a great deal of flexibility with the Campaign system, and we will be paying close attention to what players ask for to determine which Campaign rules we add.

    Guild Ownership

    Guilds can claim 1 keep, farm, lumbermill, or mine at a time (only 1...not 1 of each).  Claiming is simply done by talking with the Quartermaster at those locations

    Framerate and Accessible Areas

    Framerate is always a top concern and we are always (that includes as I write this) optimizing the game not only on your local installation but also on the servers you connect to.  Besides that, there are many graphical options which can be adjusted to help get faster graphical performance.  

    Wednesday - December 18, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Camelot Post

    by Couchpotato, 20:50

    Camelot Post takes a look at the emperor concept for The Elder Scrolls Online, and calls it wasted potential. So do you agree?

    The Elder Scrolls Online Emperor – Wasted Potential

    Very few MMO games today release a feature that only 1-2% of the player base can experience. Even the very toughest end-game challenges are enjoyed by thousands and thousands of players. Of course it’s still early days and there could well be more to The Elder Scrolls Online Emperor mechanics but with the currently released information, it seems like they’ve wasted a lot of potential to really tackle the political aspect of the MMO world.

    Tuesday - December 17, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Fit for the Emperor

    by Couchpotato, 21:33

    ZeniMax Online has a new post on the games web page with information about the suit of armor that you can only wear if you become emperor.

    Discover one of the rewards only the most powerful in Tamriel can claim--the emperor's armor!

    The one who sits on the Ruby Throne cuts an imposing figure, driving enemies to flee in fear and inspiring allies to even greater deeds of conquest. When the emperor strides onto the battlefield, everyone takes notice--and few foes will survive to warn their allies. Below, you'll see concept art for armor that only the emperor can wear, intricately worked from the strongest materials and valuable beyond measure.

    Wednesday - December 11, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Release Date Announced

    by Couchpotato, 17:13

    Zenimax Online has a new post on The Elder Scrolls Online webpage announcing the game will release on the PC 4/4/2014, and on consoles June 2014. They even included a new video about how war works.

    Greetings everyone. As we are approaching the end of 2013 and heading into our launch year, I thought I’d take a moment to thank you, our community, for your continued support. I’d also like to give you an update on the game’s development and our launch plans for 2014.

    First, thanks to everyone involved in the ESO community: those we met at trade shows, those of you on social media, and those that have had a chance to play the game and provided invaluable feedback through beta testing. I personally am humbled by the intense feelings of excitement expressed to us by the community at large. At shows like PAX East, PAX Prime, Gamescom, Eurogamer Expo, Paris Games Week, etc. – we always had three to four hour lines to play ESO. We know those wait times weren’t easy, and the great patience and enthusiastic reception you showed was remarkable. Everyone here at ZeniMax Online appreciates each and every one of you and your fantastic support of the game.

    Game development is coming along very well. We completed major systems development, and are focusing on making this the Elder Scrolls game you expect: polishing the hundreds and hundreds of hours of content, making combat even more fun and responsive, fixing quest issues, and much, much more. In fact, we plan on spending the next few months before launch reacting to the latest feedback from internal and external testers and gameplay data we have collected.

    As some of you know, we’ve been in beta testing for about a year now, leading up to our most recent test in late November where we had over 300,000 people in the game over a 48 hour period. We’ve had approximately 4 million people sign up for beta and that number continues to grow. We hope that just about every one of you who have signed up for beta will get an invitation to play sometime between now and the weeks before launch. These tests are very important, not only for gameplay feedback, but also to test our infrastructure. Beta tests can sometimes be a little rough when we are testing some systems for the first time with large numbers of players. So thank you to all who have participated for your understanding and support. It is very much appreciated.

    Worldwide demand for The Elder Scrolls Online is extraordinarily high. This means we need to do a staggered rollout of the different versions of the game to spread out the initial service load and ensure an enjoyable, smooth gameplay experience. It is not only a game we are launching – it is a large online service as well, and our number one priority is to ensure a trouble-free, stable rollout for everyone.

    We long ago promised that as soon as a version of the game is ready, we will launch it. So we’re happy to announce that the game will launch worldwide for PC and Mac players on Friday, April 4, 2014, while PlayStation 4 and Xbox One fans will see the game arriving on consoles in June 2014.

    Again, thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm over the past year. We are very proud of this game and excited to share it with you. We can’t wait to see you in the game in 2014!  —Matt

    Thursday - December 05, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 03:56

    It's been a busy week for The Elder Scrolls Online, and I managed to round up a few articles for everyone today. To begin the news-bit I have a new video from Zenimax Online.

    We explore the systems you'll use to build exactly the character you want to play as you explore Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online

    Next ZenimaxOnline has posted a new Creating ESO article about skills.

    Is your character a Sorcerer in the Mages Guild who wades into the melee wearing heavy armor and tossing fireballs? A Dragonknight who has mastered the bow and keeps allies alive from range with a restoration staff? A master provisioner? No matter what you have envisioned for your character, you’ll use skill lines to define many of his or her capabilities.

    If you saw our recent video about character progression, you have an idea about how skill lines work, but we’d like to take you a little deeper and explore how we designed this system, the choices we had to make, and what factors we’ve considered throughout development.

    And for last Gamereactor has a new interview.

    You have stated before that you are targeting both the fans of the series, as well as the fans of the MMO genre. Has it been difficult finding a way to meet the expectations of both audiences?

    I think we have such high demands for ourselves as a development team, and we represent both those audiences internally, so there was a series of steps we took to, to say: "What are the things we as developers want to do, to make a great Elder Scrolls RPG, and what are the expectations that will be common amongst the MMO crowd?"

    So we had this big exercise, where we wrote down what we wanted from the game as MMO players, and what we wanted as Elder Scrolls players, and it was amazing where those things synced up. That's where we started to lay the base of the game down. So I don't know if it's been difficult, as much as it has been an interesting exercise in trying to find the "good game", and from there, making the baselines meet.

    Have you been forced to make any concessions, in order to make certain mechanics fit within the gameplay?

    There are definitely things that won't work in a multiplayer setting, as they will in a singleplayer setting. For instance, you can't just kill every NPC in the world, because then there'd be no NPCs for anybody to meet, so I don't think it's necessarily concessions, so much as it's one of those things that is different from a normal Elder Scrolls singleplayer experience to the MMO.

    We also have to be a lot more strict with the game's economy, as in how we introduce items into the world, how we introduce gold, and those types of things. Also, realtime physics are much harder to model, when you have litterally thousands of players online at one time. Those are the kind of things you have to take into account, when building any kind of massively multiplayer game like this.

    Saturday - November 30, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ PC Gamer

    by Couchpotato, 04:08

    PC Gamer posted a new preview of The Elder Scrolls Online that gives us a tour of massively multiplayer world of Tamriel.

    In the previous games, it was always my first few steps into those richly-detailed worlds that stuck with me. Whether I was setting out into the marshes around Seyda Neen or exploring pastoral woodland on the outskirts of the Imperial City, so much of the wonder of a new RPG is owed to the way those initial experiences suggest innumerable new experiences just out of sight. As I left Khenarthi’s Roost for the mainland, that feeling returned. I found myself looking forward to continuing my life as a wood elf archer in a strange land, just as I had in Morrowind a decade ago.

    “The way we’ve built our content, it’s meant to be completely nonlinear,” Paul Sage tells me. “I can go over to this point of interest and say, ‘That place looks cool. What’s happening over there?’ Then I can get introduced to the story, if it’s a quest area, or maybe it’s something else. The entire idea is that you can ignore us entirely, and go off on your own, and do whatever you want.”

    Right now, what I want to do is to play more TESO. I want to push beyond the next grove of trees, walk around the next bend in the road, and see what awaits on the other side. For all of its rough edges, The Elder Scrolls Online feels full of promise in a way that no other MMO has since my first experiences with the genre over ten years ago. That sense of discovery is a powerful thing.

     

    Friday - November 29, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - More Heavy Armor Styles

    by Couchpotato, 02:11

    ZeniMax Online has a new post for The Elder Scrolls Online showing off more heavy armor sets. Head over to the games webpage if your interested.

    Finding a shiny new piece of armor that offers more protection or a magical benefit is something every adventurer looks forward to. In ESO, not only will you find stronger and better armors as you explore, but you’ll find them in different racial styles, as well. Crafters can learn to create weapons and armor in the various racial styles, so you’ll be able to create or find a set of your favorite kind. Check out this new art, where we show off the Orcish, Khajiit, and Argonian heavy armors.

    Sunday - November 24, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ Hardcore Gamer

    by Couchpotato, 05:00

    Hardcore Gamer has a new article for The Elder Scrolls Online asking if the game can capture the essence of the series.

    The very idea of this being a game and game world that has to be balanced for thousands of players at a time means the traditional style of exploration we’re used to in Elder Scrolls games simply won’t be possible. Setting aside the idea of faction locking specific areas, there is also the issue of level zoning. In typical Elder Scrolls games there is level scaling to allow you go anywhere at any time and not be totally rocked by the enemies. I am not a huge fan of level scaling in RPGs, but at least in the case of open world games it allows you to explore without the fear of stumbling into an area where you aren’t supposed to be. MMO areas are typically zoned for specific level ranges, meaning you won’t be able to explore without the risk of going somewhere you aren’t equipped to deal with yet. It’s possible the developers have some solution for this issue, but I have no idea how they would do it. 

    Those are some concerns about The Elder Scrolls Online coming from a huge fan of the series. I think the bit about not being the center of the story could actually be a good thing if it’s done well, but my concerns about exploration are another matter. When it comes right down to it, an Elder Scrolls game without that sense of wonder and discovery is simply not an Elder Scrolls game in my mind. So much of my enjoyment of the series is tied into the freedom to explore and experience the content in whatever order I want, and I just don’t see how The Elder Scrolls Online can capture that same Elder Scrolls magic. It’s entirely possible the developers have found some way to make an MMO with that sense of exploration and discovery the series is known for, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

    Friday - November 22, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interactive Map of Tamriel

    by Couchpotato, 04:03

    ZeniMax Online has posted a new interactive map of Tamriel. They promise to add more content in the following weeks so remember to check the map for updates.

    Tamriel is a diverse landscape where you’ll find everything from scorching deserts to woodlands, plains, and treacherous swamps, all inhabited by cultures just as disparate as the terrain. If you want to learn more about the setting of ESO and get some new glimpses into the various regions you’ll traverse in-game, we think you’ll love our new site feature, the interactive map of Tamriel.

    You can view the map right now to see new screenshots and concept art and to read journals, excerpts from books, conversations overheard at taverns, and more from the world of ESO. We’ll be expanding the map in the future, so keep checking back for more. Don’t forget to tell us which ones are your favorites on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter; we can’t wait to see what you think.

    Friday - November 01, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Werewolf

    by Couchpotato, 03:15

    Zenimax Online has a post on the games website giving us a look at the Werewolf this time as part of it's Creating ESO articles.

    Feared throughout Tamriel, werewolves surrender to their primal nature, roaming the wilds in pursuit of prey. Confrontations with these lycanthropes are dangerous; they can spread the disease Sanies Lupinus, which turns the infected into one of the bloodthirsty pack if left untreated. Werewolves are strongly associated with the Daedric Prince Hircine. It is said that he lays claim to their souls, eternally leading them on wild courses through the Hunting Grounds, his Oblivion realm.

    You’ll encounter werewolves in your adventures through ESO, and you might even find yourself afflicted with their transformational disease. Don’t worry—we won’t give away any of the surprises we have in store for you here, but we do want to give you a peek at the creation of the player version of the werewolf and a few tidbits about what you’ll see in-game. The werewolf is still under development, so we’re excited to share this first look with you.

    Saturday - October 26, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ StrategyInformer

    by Couchpotato, 00:32

    Strategy Informer posted a new preview of The Elder Scrolls Online based on the beta version of the MMO.

    Right now it’s fun, it feels like Elder Scrolls, and I know there’s going to be loads to explore and an Empire to actually properly conquer. However in terms of graphics the game does not look next-gen so far (despite some nice screenshots) and Blackrock was a little sparse when it came to things to do. Those things could probably be written off though as it was only the starting area and I’m sure Zenimax Online will tighten the game up before release, then we’ll see if this is the Elder Scrolls game to rule them all. And yes, I know that’s a different fantasy franchise. 

    Friday - October 18, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Character Creation Video

    by Couchpotato, 00:56

    Zenimax Online has posted a new video for Elder Scrolls Online showing off the character creation system.

    Creating your character is an important part of The Elder Scrolls Online, and we want to provide you with the tools you need to create the hero you want to play.

    Thursday - October 17, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ ShoddyCast

    by Couchpotato, 00:28

    ShoddyCast interviews the Lead Gameplay Designer for Elder Scrolls Online in this new fifty minute video.

    The ShoddyCast was lucky enough to sit down with the Lead Gameplay Designer for Elder Scrolls Online, Zenimax Online Studios' very own Nick Konkle. He was kind enough to elaborate on several topics, including: the Justice System, AvA, the Guild Store and Bounty System. There's plenty of new information for those following ESO so don't miss a minute of it!

    Wednesday - October 09, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ Gamerzines

    by Couchpotato, 00:32

    Gamerzines is the next site to post a hands-on preview of Elder Scrolls Online.

    Overall, our time with TESO was enjoyable and proved to us once and for all that ZeniMax can combine the hallmarks of the titular series with common MMO staples successfully. Our time on Bleakrock was hand-holdy, but that’s to be expected from a tutorial zone.

    Unfortunately we didn’t get to sample TESO’s ambitious PvP component, which features hundreds of players fighting to retain possession of individual regions, castles and towns in the name of their clan in a persistent realm, but no doubt that’s being held back for future reveals. Wrap up your time with Skyrim boys and girls, soon they’ll be a new Elder Scrolls in town!

    Tuesday - October 08, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ Gamerspective

    by Couchpotato, 00:26

    Gamerspective has a new preview of Elder Scrolls Online from Eurogamer Expo 2013.

    I’ve only recently gotten into the MMORPG craze with a little game known as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Up until this point Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games weren’t something I was particularly interested in. A Realm Reborn changed that, however I think if A Realm Reborn didn’t bring me into the world of MMORPGs then Elder Scrolls online would have.

    Like most other games I got to play at this years Eurogamer Expo, I was treated to roughly 10 minutes of game time. Within those ten minutes I was given the choice to create my own character.

    A total of 9 characters will be available when Elder Scrolls is released at the beginning of next year however, you are only given a choice of 3 depending on which faction you would like to be a part of. We were part of the Dragonfall Covenant faction therefore the three choices for races we had were Bretons, Orcs and Redguards. The other two factions included are Ebonheart Pact Faction with Nord, Argonaian and Dunmer and the Aldmeri Dominion Faction with the Altmer, Bosmer and Khajiit.

    Overall character creation in ESO was pretty basic, to be frank it was very similar to Skyrim infact, almost exactly the same, it means those familiar with the other games in the franchise will have no problems adjusting to life in an MMO.

     

    Monday - October 07, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ The Geek Link

    by Couchpotato, 00:27

    The Geek Link has a new interview with Zenimax Online Studios about The Elder Scrolls Online.

    TGL: What influenced you to release the Elder Scrolls Online on PC and consoles?

    BW: Just the fact that we want everybody out there to experience the Elder Scrolls Online, not just one portion of the community. Because people have been playing Elder Scrolls games for a long time on consoles too, and we didn’t want to deny them the opportunity to play online with their buddies. Because consoles are sort of where you first see it. You log-in and you are playing Skyrim and you see your buddy log-in, and you are like “I can’t play with them”. We want to make sure that you can in Elder Scrolls Online.

    TGL: With that said, will players be able to play cross-platform?

    BW: It is not going to be cross-platform. PC and Mac will be able to play together, Xbox will play together, and PlayStation will play together, but it isn’t going to cross over.

    TGL: How do you think veteran fans of the series will feel about being in an MMO?

    BW: I think they are going to be happy about it. It is the same world they have grown to love in Skyrim, in Morrowind, in Oblivion, all the way back to Arena and Daggerfall. It’s the same lore, the same world they have grown up in. [These are] places they will be familiar with, like Windhelm, Riften, Cheydinhal, and Chorrol. These are all towns that people have been in and seen, and they will be able to see it again, this time with their friends.

    TGL: Why did you choose to do an MMO that predates Skyrim?

    BW: When you look at the time line of everything, it fits perfectly. The timeline is in a state of civil war. If you look at this timeline, it says there is no emperor. Cyrodiil is in a civil war. All three sides are trying to fight each other. That’s the big call out of what the timeline says, because if it’s PvP or the concept of the three sides trying to claim an emperor, it fits great in terms of the story line, across all of Elder Scrolls lore.

    Wednesday - October 02, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Creating the Clannfear

    by Couchpotato, 00:36

    ZeniMax Online has posted another video for their next Creating ESO article showcasing the Clannfear. Watch the video then click the link to see how it was created.

    The clannfear is back, joining the increasingly lethal ranks of creatures you'll face in combat as you adventure across Tamriel.

    Monday - September 30, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview & Maps

    by Couchpotato, 00:33

    MMO-Play has posted a short preview of The Elder Scrolls Online.

    The Elder Scrolls team have done a great job of giving the fans what they want, but with a solid professional boundary. It would have been easy to simply make a "Multi-player Skyrim" but the team have adjusted the combat and created an interaction foundation that makes the multi-player fair and less overbearing to play. It just feels great to run around Tamriel with others running alongside you, interacting with you, and battling people off in the distance.

    Also I recommend taking a look at Gameranx who takes a look at the user interface, and the games maps.

    Check out these albums of Elder Scrolls Online images, including a preview of the entire user interface, screenshots of Cyrodiil, maps for the Daggerfall, Aldmeri Dominion, and Ebonheart territories. There’s more than enough visual spoilers here to ruin any sense of discovery here, but if you’re looking around to decide if you want to play, check this out! Elder Scrolls Online is an impressively large world

    Sunday - September 29, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ Camelot Post

    by Couchpotato, 00:32

    Camelot Post has a new preview for The Elder Scrolls Online about player housing.

    Although we’ve known for some time that The Elder Scrolls Online player housing will not feature at launch, it hasn’t stopped some of us discussing the importance of this iconic feature from throughout The Elder Scrolls franchise.

    It’s clear from the currently announced features that Bethesda and Zenimax Online are aiming mainly towards the multiplayer experience, which is to be expected of an MMO game. Afterall, the entire foundations of the MMO game have been constructed based on the experience of multiple players.

    Sadly however, the core appealing aspects of The Elder Scrolls Online player housing system is quite the opposite, being mainly a feature to compliment the experience of the solo player. Although many MMO games of today implement group, guild and alliance housing, the most popular player housing systems offer extensive variety and customization for the single player. Some of my most memorable experiences in The Elder Scrolls franchise have involved stamping my own mark of history on the world of Tamriel. The freedom of choice, the depth of customization and the touch of personality are all elements that make the housing in Elder Scrolls one of its most defining features.

    Thursday - September 26, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup #8

    by Couchpotato, 00:38

    ZeniMax Online has a few updates for us today for The Elder Scrolls Online. So lets get started.

    The first update deals with another Ask us Anything this time focusing on the games Lore.

    Today’s group of questions, all chosen from your submissions, focuses primarily on lore. Many of you care deeply about The Elder Scrolls setting, and you always have lots of great questions for us about what you’ll get to see in ESO. .

    Next they have posted Issue #26 of The Tamriel Chronicle.

    We have a new collection of links to inspiring ESO fan creations, including art, podcasts, fiction, and more for you in today's issue.

    And for last MMO-Play has a new article about the games lore to go along with the above Ask us Anything.

    The questions poured in thick and fast, and here are some of the things that the community managed to draw out of its lore-makers:

    1. The Lainlyn family will make an appearance, as will Tava’s Blessing; a precursor to the city of Lainlyn.

    2. The mythic Harpies will feature in some adventures.

    3. Orsinium is still divided and in disrepair, with the Orcs of Wrothgar in the North, and what remains of Kurog’s kingdom in the south.

    4. Reachmen will feature in the game, but will be unplayable, due to them being an anti-social archetype. They are the forerunners to the Forsworn.

    5. Adamantine Tower will feature, but no news on whether it’s explorable other than “time will tell”…sounds like a possible future update in the making?

    6. The Orcs of Wrothgar are once again attempting to build themselves a recognizable kingdom

    7. The process of electing a Mane will be revealed, and will in-fact be a “key event” in the game, meaning you may have some influence in the decision yourself.

     

    Wednesday - September 25, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ EuroGamer

    by Couchpotato, 00:40

    EuroGamer interviews Maria Aliprando from Bethesda to talk about The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Maria Aliprando from Bethesda talks The Elder Scrolls online in this exclusive interview which covers the addition of first person view, how much gameplay you'll get from the game and how to become an Emperor!

    Monday - September 23, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview & Interview

    by Couchpotato, 00:14

    Unigamesity has a new preview about the games crafting system.

    Overall, the Elder Scrolls Online seems like a very promising title, nevertheless I don’t think that the crafting system will be revolutionary at all. In the worst case it will be a copy of Skyrim’s crafting system, however if it’s decently done it may distinct itself through the experimentation feature, which revealed great potential towards the creation of a somewhat original system. A more confident opinion would require further details about the matter and as they don’t exist yet, only predictions can be made.

    VideoGamer interviews the Lead Gameplay Designer Nick Konkle.

    VG: It’s arguably a difficult time to be getting into the Fantasy MMO market. What do you think makes The Elder Scrolls Online different? What makes you think there’s room for it?

    NK: Well I think there’s a large number of reasons. I think it all starts with the first one, which is it’s The Elder Scrolls and you can play it with your friends. So many people have been asking for that - it’s a common anecdote. I’ve played the game, I’m telling my friend about it, I really wish we could just be in the same place and this is the realisation of that game. It really provides that opportunity. Things that are the hallmarks of The Elder Scrolls series are available, like exploration, walking around and finding things that are interesting - not ping pong quests or anything like that. Immersive UI and the kind of action combat, the sorts of things that you expect from an Elder Scrolls game, but now with friends.

    VG: So would you say your main audience is going to be The Elder Scrolls fans or people that already play MMORPGs?

    NK: We absolutely want both. All the way along the development process we’ve been very aware of the fact that there are these two groups. And of course there are also people that play both, but there are a set of people that have only played single-player Elder Scrolls games and this might be their first MMO experience.

    Wednesday - September 18, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Heavy Armor Styles

    by Couchpotato, 00:03

    ZeniMax Online has a new post talking about The Elder Scrolls Online heavy armor styles.

        

    We present three new armor concepts for Redguard, Wood Elven, and Dark Elven heavy armor.

    Heavy armor offers adventurers excellent protection in battle, allowing them to deflect deadly blows and act as bulwarks for more lightly-clad allies. Every race has its own approach to creating these impressive armors, and each has its own style. In this image, we reveal three concepts for heavy armor in The Elder Scrolls Online. Which is your favorite?

    Tuesday - September 17, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Editorial @ MMO-Play

    by Couchpotato, 00:40

    MMO-Play is the next site to write an article asking,"Can Elder Scrolls Online Succeed as a Subscription MMO?"

    The eager anticipation that was building for Elder Scrolls Online has recently taken a hit. At gamescom, Zenimax Online and Bethesda announced that the upcoming mmorpg would be charging a fifteen dollar a month subscription fee for its players. This announcement took many players by surprise as the trend in online games has been increasingly free-to-play with many subscription-based games ditching the subscription fee and going the f2p route. It appears that Bethesda has decided to buck that trend, which beggars the question - can Elder Scrolls Online succeed as a subscription mmo?

    The answer to such a question is nebulous. The announcement that Elder Scrolls Online was going to be a subscription mmo has caused an ongoing battle of words amongst gamers. On one side are those who have become comfortable with the f2p model, and on the other side, you have gamers who only play subscription-based games and view f2p games as money pits or pay-to-win. As for Elder Scrolls Online, it is possible for it to succeed with a subscription model, but the odds are stacked against it.

    Saturday - September 14, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Is The Game Set Up to Fail?

    by Couchpotato, 00:07

    Press2Reset has a new editorial asking the question is The Elder Scrolls Online set up to fail when it's released.

    If history is any sort of indication, this is how things will play out for The Elder Scrolls Online: The game’s open beta will be promising and it will have a large number of participants. When it launches it will sell a lot of copies, experience the normal issues such as overloaded servers, bugs, and glitches. However, after the free 30-day trial is over there will be a huge drop off of players rather than a gradual decline that will continue. Within four-to-six months ZeniMax will be forced to adapt a F2P model because the numbers are so low that they aren’t making a profit or that the profit margin is negligible.

    Until MMOs can evolve, and the genre gets a shake-up, the subscription model is not a viable solution anymore. Developers need to stop looking at their games as a 100-meter race. It is a marathon. If you discourage players right out of the gate then you are setting yourself up for failure.

    And ZeniMax Online is setting up The Elder Scrolls Online to fail. If the company wants its game to be successful, then they need to drop the subscription and go entirely F2P. It will help them attract large numbers of players and help them retain a significant number of them rather than watch as their player-base dwindle exponentially over a short period of time.

    Friday - September 13, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup #7

    by Couchpotato, 01:04

    ZeniMax Online has a few updates for The Elder Scrolls Online. First they announce the game will be playable at the Eurogamer Expo.

    The Elder Scrolls Online is on the road once again. This time, we’re headed for Eurogamer Expo, the UK’s largest gaming show. We’ll have gaming stations at our booth (open to everyone age 12 and up), so stop by, say hello, and play ESO! If you’re going to stop by, let us know on Twitter—we’d love to hear from you.

    The Expo runs from September 26th until the 29th. We’ll be sharing some of the fun on Facebook and Twitter, so make sure to follow us to get in on the excitement if you can’t attend the show.

    Next they have another Ask us Anything.

    Want more answers to your questions about The Elder Scrolls Online? Look no further!

    In today’s Ask Us Anything, we’ve got another collection of answers to your questions on several ESO topics, including quite a few focusing on Cyrodiil and PvP. Give them a read—we think you’ll enjoy the information and clarifications.

    And for last they posted issue #24 of The Tamriel Chronicle.

    It’s always a pleasure for us to see all the incredible ESO-inspired creative works that fans like you are making, and we have some fantastic links to share this week. Check out the great art and fiction and get caught up on the latest fansite discussions with today’s collection of links.

    Wednesday - September 11, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Previews

    by Couchpotato, 00:25

    Here are two more previews for The Elder Scrolls Online I managed to roundup today.

    Gamingbolt

    There is going to be plenty to do in the this busily populated title with gamer’s who can’t wait to have a chance to get into this game. The game is still a little ways off, and plenty of people are waiting patiently for a beta invite and for a chance to get a bit of a hands-on preview with the game instead of just watching videos.

    Even with all these great features though, making a great MMO title is a difficult nut to crack and there will be no shortages of critical eyes looking at this title under a microscope. As long as the Elder Scrolls online can stay true to the series that plenty of gamers have grown to love than we should get a great MMO experience, and finally one that we can also share with our friends, instead of just trading stories.

    El33t Online

    Based on my time with the game I think Elder Scrolls fans are going to relish the opportunity to explore Skyrim and other familiar locales with their friends, and the game’s intriguing and unique quests are going to provide hours of entertainment whether playing alone or teamed up with buddies.

     

    Saturday - September 07, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Pax Prime News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 00:36

    ZeniMax Online has a roundup of previews, podcast, and videos from Pax Prime. I'm thankful  for it saves me time so I don't have to post them all. Enjoy everyone.

    Couldn’t make it out to PAX Prime this year? Read on for our recap of all the ESO news and fun.

    With Gamescom only just behind us, we hit the road for Seattle and PAX Prime this past weekend. At the show, thousands of fans got to play The Elder Scrolls Online for the first time. It’s been humbling to see your support, and we enjoyed meeting all of you and sharing a bite to eat at the ESO Food Truck. If you couldn’t join us, check out these links to some great photos and hands-on previews straight from the show.

    Thursday - September 05, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Emote Creation Contest

    by Couchpotato, 00:51

    ZeniMax Online is hosting a new emote creation contest. All you have to do is create and send in your video to win a few prizes.

    Think you can come up with a great emote for ESO? Submit your video idea to us for a chance to win some excellent prizes.

    If you’ve played MMO games before, chances are you’ve done a /dance or two. For those not in the know, emotes are a line of text describing an action your character takes or short animations you can order your character to perform by entering a text command. Emotes, like /laugh, /wave, and more add tons of flavor to your in-game interactions. The Elder Scrolls Online already has a long list of emotes, but we want to give you the chance to get your very own emote into the game!

    If you have an idea for an awesome emote, we want to see it. To participate, you’ll need to create a video that shows you explaining and performing your emote animation. Submissions must be under 60 seconds in length and need to be uploaded to YouTube for us to view. Once you create your video and upload it, send a link to community@elderscrollsonline.com with “Emote Creation Contest” in the subject line to enter.

    Tuesday - September 03, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Pax Prime Previews

    by Couchpotato, 01:09

    Here are two more previews for The Elder Scrolls Online from Pax Prime.

    Thunderbolt 

    Co-op Elder Scrolls has been something of a rallying cry for fans of the series for a while now, even if the games have all been carefully crafted, immersive single-player experiences. The idea of exploring a world as richly detailed as Skyrim, but with friends, is incredibly appealing – and for the first ten minutes, that’s what The Elder Scrolls Online was starting to feel like. As I ran around the starting area looking at all the mugs and candles and scraps of paper on tables in first-person, I started to get the Elder Scroll bug. I had to see everything.

    Gamezone

    It’s been a long time since I’ve seen been excited for an MMO, but The Elder Scrolls Online definitely has a lot of positives going for it right now. My hands-on playthrough lasted for about one hour which is not nearly enough time to fully take-in an MMO, especially one as massive as TESO, but it has given me renewed faith in the MMORPG genre. The Elder Scrolls Online is due out on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4, although the build I played was on PC.

    Monday - September 02, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ OXM

    by Couchpotato, 00:21

    OXM spent two hours playing The Elder Scrolls Online, and wrote an article giving us their impression.

    It's impossible to tell whether The Elder Scrolls Online will tickle the Skyrim itch. We've only played two hours - no time at all for a genre that'll chew years out of your life, if you let it. Fans of Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim, should be prepared for a very different experience. But then again, MMOs are only ever as fun as the community that populates them - and judging from the community-made videos in response to Oblivion and Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online should get some of the most interesting, inventive, quirky and hilarious players around. For that reason alone, this is going to be a hell of a ride.

    Sunday - September 01, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ AusGamers

    by Couchpotato, 01:12

    AusGamers interviewed The Elder Scrolls Online Game Director Matt Firor in a new video. If you prefer a text version they have provided one also here.

    AusGamers: Gamers, welcome back to AusGamers. You are here once again with Stephen Farrelly, out at Gamescom in Germany. I’ve got Matt Freeor... Firor… it sounds like a name that should be in Skyrim really. So we’re talking about The Elder Scrolls Online, and you guys are ramping it up a little bit; you’ve got the public beta out there now... well, some public are playing the beta.

    I played the game pre-E3 for quite a while, and I played it again this morning, and holy shit, you guys have jumped in leaps and bounds since then. So can we just talk about, I guess early on, the iteration that you guys are doing on a weekly basis. Where are you at with that?

    Matt Firor: Yeah, with games of this type, you get a base laid down, and then it’s easier to make changes after that, and that’s the phase we’re in now, where we have the combat system, we have the art style, we have the animations. So now, it’s “get feedback”. We have thousands of people in beta right now, and of course we take the game to shows like we are here. We get feedback from them, we make changes, and so things just get better very quickly from this point on.

    Saturday - August 31, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ VG 24/7

    by Couchpotato, 00:37

    VG 24/7 has a new interview with Zenimax Online Studios General Manger Matt Firor. The focus of the interview is to discuss if the game is just Skyrim with co-op.

    There seems to be a bubbling concern that The Elder Scrolls Online knifes its parent series in the back and abandons the key elements that made it such a runaway success. I’ve seen a wide range of complaints from gamers so far that cover everything from ‘the palette is too bright’ to ‘I just want Skyrim with co-op’.

    It’ll never please everyone, but after spending an hour with the MMO at gamescom last week I came away feeling that The Elder Scrolls Online is a true extension of Skyrim’s template, and in turn it feels more like a core entry to the series with embedded multiplayer, rather than a complete rework from the ground up.

    So if you feared that this game might have become World of Warcraft in Nord’s clothing then worry not, it’s very much an Elder Scrolls experience and a vast one at that. My concern then, is that the game isn’t different enough to warrant the recently-confirmed monthly subscription fee, but that’s for the paying individual to decide. I’ll return to that issue later on in this piece.

    Regardless, this is a big undertaking for both all concerned, as Zenimax Online Studios general manager Matt Firor explained, “Zenimax Media hired me to start Zenimax Online, make the studio, work with Bethesda Game Studios and it was all centred around the idea of making an Elder Scrolls MMO

    Friday - August 30, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Video Interview @ PlayStationAccess

    by Couchpotato, 00:55

    PlayStationAccess has another video interview about The Elder Scrolls Online this time with Developer Maria Aliprando.

    Rob speaks to developer Maria Aliprando about all things Elder Scrolls Online: the dungeons, the quests, PvP and Tamriel at large.

     

    Thursday - August 29, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Video Interview @ DualShockers

    by Couchpotato, 00:13

    DualShockers has a new video interview with The Elder Scrolls Online Lead PVP Designer Brian Wheeler.

    The Elder Scrolls Online Lead PVP Designer Brian Wheeler shares more details about the factional warfare of the title and outlines similarities and difference with Dark Age of Camelot during our interview filmed at Gamescom 2013.

    Wednesday - August 28, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup #6

    by Couchpotato, 00:19

    ZeniMax Online has a few updates for The Elder Scrolls Online. First they announce you will be able to play the game at PAX Prime.

    We’re looking forward to PAX this weekend, and we hope to see you there. ESO will be playable at booth #2014 in the exhibit hall, where you’ll also be able to purchase shirts, lithographs, and more ESO goodies.

    Exploring all the exciting PAX exhibits and activities is hungry work, so our ESO food truck will be bringing you free food at 802 Pine Street from 11:30AM until 3:00PM on Saturday (August 31st). Don’t miss out on your free Pressed Eidarmelt, ESO swag, and a chance to meet up with other fans.

    Next they have a new Ask Us Anything with a variety of questions this time.

    Where’s my beta key? – The Internet

    I was going to deliver it to you in person, but I ran out of magicka! My mount went lame! I didn’t have enough gold for the Wayshrine. My robes didn’t come back from the alchemist’s! An old friend stopped by from Akavir. Someone stole my horse! There was an earthquake! A terrible flood! Fleshflies! IT WASN’T MY FAULT, I SWEAR TO THE DIVINES!

    Excuses aside, we’ve sent out tens of thousands of beta keys already. Keep in mind, though, that three million fans have signed up so far. The beta is growing fast, and we’re going to keep sending invites, so don’t lose hope! Any time we send new invites, you’ll see a post here and on social media.

    And they released The Tamriel Chronicle, Issue #21.

    The Elder Scrolls Online fans like you are creating tons of great content, from art to music and podcasts. Take a look!

    To end the newsbit DualShockers has a new video interview.

    Tuesday - August 27, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ Polygon

    by Couchpotato, 00:44

    Polygon has a new preview about The Elder Scrolls Online's first-person mode.

    The recently added, fully supported first-person perspective in The Elder Scrolls Online still needs a bit of work.

    The good news is that the developers know that and continue to put time into tweaking the way the game behaves in that perspective.

    What started as a simple zoomed in perspective was given the addition of character hands and equipment recently. But still missing are some of the warning signs a gamer playing in third-person perspective might receive in combat.

    When fighting in third-person perspective, players can react to ranged attacks. When a bow-wielding enemy, for instance, is firing at a player, the area of effect is marked either with a red cone in the air or a red circle on the ground. Players can use this warning sign to dodge around attacks.

    Monday - August 26, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ Leviathyn

    by Couchpotato, 00:20

    Leviathyn has a new preview for The Elder Scrolls Online. Like the rest of previews this week they ask if the subscription is a good idea.

    At Gamescom 2013, the creative director of the upcoming MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online, Matt Firor, made an announcement regarding the payment model of the game. It is to have a set monthly fee of $15/£9. Almost immediately gamers took to internet to voice their dissatisfaction with the announcement. They were angry that they are going to have to pay over and over to play. But is a monthly subscription really as bad as people are making out?

    Now, it’s absolutely no secret that the pay to play MMO model has not done well for a while now. A prime example of this notion is Star Wars: The Old Republic from Bioware. At launch, the game had 1.7 million subscribers. Not a bad number by anyone’s standards. Then, around three months later, it dipped to 1.3 million. Then, by the time July had rolled around only a couple of months later, it had lost around another 300,000 subscribers. Not so good.

    I also have some screenshots thanks to zahratustra. So give them a look also.

    Sunday - August 25, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Three Million Beta Sign-ups

    by Couchpotato, 00:05

    PCGamesN has a short but interesting piece of information for The Elder Scrolls Online. The game has three million people wanting to play the beta.

    Matt Firor hit us with the numbers today at Gamescom. “We’ve had well over 3 million beta sign-ups, which we haven’t announced before.” said Firor. “You don’t want to let too many people in early, because the game is, frankly, not too good in early beta and you don’t want to expose many people to that, but we’re well into the tens of thousands.”

    Saturday - August 24, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup #5

    by Couchpotato, 00:58

    The folllowing articles for The Elder Scrolls Online all deal with the announcement that the game will require a subscription, and have microtransactions.

    EuroGamer

    The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor has explained to Eurogamer why Zenimax Online Studios has decided to charge a monthly subscription for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game at a time when most observers consider the business model outdated.

    Zenimax raised eyebrows this week when it announced that it will charge £8.99 / $14.99 a month to play TESO when it launches in the spring of 2014 - that's across PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

    Forbes

    Earlier this morning, Paul Tassi reported that upcoming MMO The Elder Scrolls Online will use a subscription-fee model, charging users monthly for access to the game.

    Paul quotes ZeniMax’s Matt Firor, who told Gamestar that “players will appreciate not having to worry about being “monetized” in the middle of playing the game, which is definitely a problem that is cropping up more and more in online gaming these days.”

    Like Paul, I agree that the constant monetization is annoying. Also, like Paul, I think that this doesn’t change some hard facts about the MMO market Elder Scrolls Online is facing. Gone are the days of just a handful of high quality pay-to-play MMOs and a rabble of low-quality free-to-play titles.

    US Gamer

    The problem is others have tried to climb that Mt. Olympus only to get smacked back down to Earth. The list of MMOs that have gone free-to-play stretches on into the void: Everquest, Everquest II, Lord of the Rings Online, DC Universe Online, Rift, Champions Online, Star Trek Online, The Secret World, Star Wars: The Old Republic, and Tera. I've played and enjoyed most of them, I admit. The problem is when it came time for me to start paying monthly, it never happened.

    During the launch of most of these titles, I was subscribed to World of Warcraft, so that's part of the problem. I was once a raider, but those days are long gone. I don't play WoW everyday or even every week, but it's comfort food: I like it there when I need it. When I run my monthly budget - games journalists don't make a ton! - certain fixed monthly charges are just always there: Phone bill, Netflix, Spotify, and World of Warcraft. I've subbed to Rift, Champions Online, The Secret World, and Star Wars: The Old Republic for a month or two, but nothing has particularly captured my complete attention and their $15 charge wasn't completely off my radar like WoW's is.  

    And finally Bluesnews has a post with information, and links that the game will also have microtransactions.

    Thursday - August 22, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Will Require A Subscription

    by Couchpotato, 01:07

    GameStar has a new interview with Matt Firor. The interesting part is were he answers the game will require a subscription. 

    GameStar: A few days ago we had a poll on our website, asking our readers what upcoming MMO they crave the most. The vast majority (over 54 percent) voted for The Elder Scrolls Online. We bet that people are also eager to learn what payment model they can expect. Now would be a perfect time to disclose the details.

    Matt Firor : We're thrilled that gamers are looking forward to diving into The Elder Scrolls Online and we've been working hard to deliver the game that fans want - one that's worthy of the Elder Scrolls name. Choosing the right business model is part of that. We are going with the subscription model for ESO.

    We're building a game with the freedom to play - alone or with your friends - as much as you want. A game with meaningful and consistent content - one packed with hundreds of hours of gameplay that can be experienced right away and one that will be supported with premium customer support. Charging a flat monthly (or subscription) fee means that we will offer players the game we set out to make, and the one that fans want to play. Going with any other model meant that we would have to make sacrifices and changes we weren't willing to make.

    The Elder Scrolls Online offers unlimited play for the first 30 days with the purchase of the game. The choice is yours to play as much as you want; hundreds of hours of content, PvP, etc - is all there for you to experience with the base purchase of the game. If you want to continue playing for hundreds of hours more after that first month you'll pay a flat fee for continued, unlimited access to the game.

    We'll talk about further discounts, etc. later, but for now, we are very happy to finally announce our model. It's very simple - you pay once per month after the first 30 days and the entire game is available to you.

    Wow, that's a brave step. Why do you stick to the traditional model? Aren't you afraid that a subscription model won't be able to compete with free-to-play games, especially considering what happened to Star Wars: The Old Republic?

    The Elder Scrolls games are all about allowing the player to go where they want, be who they want, and do what they want. We feel that putting pay gates between the player and content at any point in game ruins that feeling of freedom, and just having one small monthly fee for 100% access to the game fits the IP and the game much better than a system where you have to pay for features and access as you play. The Elder Scrolls Online was designed and developed to be a premium experience: hundreds of hours of gameplay, tons of depth and features, professional customer support - and a commitment to have ongoing content at regular intervals after launch. This type of experience is best paired with a one-time fee per month, as opposed to many smaller payments that would probably add up to more than $14.99/month any way.

    And it's important to state that our decision to go with subscriptions is not a referendum on online game revenue models. F2P, B2P, etc. are valid, proven business models - but subscription is the one that fits ESO the best, given our commitment to freedom of gameplay, quality and long-term content delivery. Plus, players will appreciate not having to worry about being "monetized" in the middle of playing the game, which is definitely a problem that is cropping up more and more in online gaming these days. The fact that the word "monetized" exists points to the heart of the issue for us: We don't want the player to worry about which parts of the game to pay for - with our system, they get it all.

    Tuesday - August 20, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Flame Atronach

    by Couchpotato, 01:10

    ZeniMax Online introduces the Flame Atronach with some new images, and video on the games website.

    The flame atronach is a powerful Daedra that's deadly even after you've defeated it. Find out more about how we created the flame atronach in our latest Creating ESO.

    Saturday - August 17, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Round-Up #4

    by Couchpotato, 01:32

    MMORPG has a new editorial that focuses entirely on the racial and guild skills of the game.

    Each class also has three distinct skill lines, and these tend to be more robust than the race specific skills. The Templar Nick Konkle was playing had Aedric Spear, Dawn’s Wrath, and Restoring Light. I assume that each of these refers to the different roles the class can tackle, with Restoring Light sounding distinctly “healy”. Paul and Nick also showed how each skill can be leveled up through use and “morphed” down one path or another to change how that skill works. Way back when, Paul talked to us during a press event and said that down the road, if you want to go back and level up a skill down another morph path, you can do that as well. You can only have one version of the skill active at any time, but they won’t limit your choice and progress just because you might hit the level cap before exploring your character’s full potential.

    Next Camelot Post has a new article about the pros and cons of voiced MMOs that includes The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Zenimax Online confirmed the use of full voice support for its NPC’s in Elder Scrolls Online earlier this year, but is that always a good thing? Blaine Smith of Camelot Post takes an in-depth look at the pros and cons of voiced characters in MMO gaming.

    Moving on ZeniMax Online gives us more details on the Fungal Grotto.

    Our team battled their way through the Fungal Grotto dungeon during the live gameplay stream at QuakeCon, and now its verdant tunnels can decorate your desktop. Please enjoy our new wallpaper, featuring concept art from the dungeon.

    If you didn’t catch the gameplay stream, you can watch our team take on the grotto in the full replay. Enjoy!

    And for last ZeniMax Online has the next developer question of the week

    Thursday - August 15, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News RoundUp #3

    by Couchpotato, 00:38

    It's time for another news roundup for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Up first The Elder Scrolls Online will be at Gamescom 2013.

    The Elder Scrolls Online will be playable on the show floor this year, so read on to get all the details and plan your visit to our booth.

    From August 22nd through August 25th, more than 300,000 gaming enthusiasts will travel to Cologne, Germany for Gamescom, and we wouldn’t miss it for the world! We’re bringing dozens of gaming stations to our booth at the show this year, which will be open to all players ages 12 and up.

    Can’t make it out to Gamescom this year? We’ll be sharing the fun on Facebook and Twitter with photos and more from the show floor, and you can expect to see some new interviews and articles from the press. We’ll post a recap on our site after the event, so stay tuned even if you can’t stop by.

    Next another wave of beta invites has been sent out.

    We’re sending more invites to The Elder Scrolls Online beta.

    We’re sending yet another wave of new invitations to the ESO beta today, hot off the heels of our most recent round last Friday. Check your email to see if you’ve been invited, and don’t forget to look in your spam folder just in case.  

    For those of you using Gmail, don’t forget that our beta invitations show up in your “Promotions” tab by default. We’d hate for you to miss yours!

    If you didn’t get an invitation today, don’t worry—the beta is still growing. We’ll let you know whenever we send new invitations, so come back soon or follow us on your favorite social media site for updates. Thank you for your enthusiasm!

    And finally Issue #20 of The Tamriel Chronicle has been released.

    Twenty issues in, and The Elder Scrolls Online fan creations just keep coming. Every week, we love digging in to discover new fan creations, from imaginative fiction to the latest fansite articles. Come along as we take a look at this week’s newest links.

    Wednesday - August 14, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything: QuakeCon Live Gameplay

    by Couchpotato, 00:42

    ZeniMax Online has a new Ask Us Anything topic about the live gameplay from QuakeCon.

    Will there be an option to turn off the glow around enemies?

    Yes, you will be able to turn it off. I will say that the glow is much more apparent when you’re watching than it is when you’re playing. It’s very effective at helping with target selection, and you may find it useful in some situations, but it’s up to you whether to enable it.

    You said that my armor will degrade when I die. Can I repair it, or do I have to pay an NPC?

    We have repair kits for repairs in the field, and you can visit an NPC to have all of your gear repaired.

    I noticed the compass in the stream. Does it replace the mini-map or is it another option? If it does replace it, will it show more than points of interest, like guild and group members or enemies?

    The compass will replace the mini-map. Actually, this is a good example of how we use information from our beta tests. When we had a mini-map, we noticed many testers felt like they should just follow quest markers, and they were less inclined to explore. This ran counter to our intent of being a game that emphasizes exploration. When we introduced the compass, players became much more likely to explore and less likely to just “follow the quests.”

    As for putting group members on the compass, we’re trying to avoid having too much clutter on the compass. We do have in-world indicators for group members, though, which are proving to be very effective.

    Tuesday - August 13, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ Shack News

    by Couchpotato, 01:13

    Shack News has a short preview among the many already avaiable for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    The primary goal right now for The Elder Scrolls Online ready for release early in 2014. But MMOs live and die by their post-launch support, a fact that developer Zenimax Online is certainly aware of. Creative director Paul Sage discussed their plans with Shacknews.

    "We watch everybody in the market, but I'm a big proponent personally of making sure we keep a high frequency of content releases," Sage said. "A big part of our plans is the future of the game. We always want to make sure there is something new right around the corner. Our plan is to have new content coming out on a really frequent basis. We want to make sure that people are really into the game and get to experience a lot of new things. We will have a lot of content at release, but I know that players are amazing in their ability to chew through content quickly, so we want to make sure there is a constant stream of goodies coming to them."

    Sage said his experience as a developer on Ultima Online reinforced this theory. "The more frequently you update, the more the players like it. Players are more engaged. I think it is an issue of trust in a lot of ways. They know there is going to be a lot of new content coming in."

    Sunday - August 11, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - New Beta Invites

    by Couchpotato, 00:28

    ZeniMax Online announces that they are sending out a new wave of Beta invites for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Check your email! We’re sending more invites to The Elder Scrolls Online beta.

    We’re sending another wave of invitations to the ESO beta. Check your email to see if you’ve been invited, and don’t forget to look in your spam folder just in case.  

    If you registered with a Gmail address, you may have been switched over to their new tabbed inbox view. If you have, you’ll see tabs for “Primary,” “Social,” and “Promotions” at the top of your inbox. Our beta invitations will be sorted to the “Promotions” tab by default, so make sure to look there.

    We’re still ramping up our beta test, so don’t worry if you didn’t receive an invitation yet. We’ll let you know whenever we send new invitations, so come back soon or follow us on your favorite social media site for updates. Thank you for your enthusiasm!

    Friday - August 09, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - QuakeCon Coverage Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 00:08

    ZeniMax Online has a roundup of all the coverage from QuakeCon2013.

    Catch up on The Elder Scrolls Online coverage from QuakeCon. Don’t miss the replay of our first live gameplay stream!

    We had a great time meeting everyone who came out to QuakeCon last week and presenting our very first gameplay stream on Twitch. If you missed the stream or any of the interviews and articles from the show, don’t worry—we’ve got a collection of the latest to share with you. Please enjoy the coverage, and don’t miss the uncut replay of the gameplay stream, which includes a dungeon run!

    Wednesday - August 07, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Round-Up #2

    by Couchpotato, 03:23

    CVG has a new preview of The Elder Scrolls Online talking about when worlds collide.

    If Far Cry 3 was Skyrim with guns, then The Elder Scrolls Online is Skyrim with people.

    See, as in Skyrim, you can break into houses and loot unconventionally stashed cheeses from bedside tables, browse lashings of Tamriel lore inked on withered pages, hunt prancing deer with bow and arrow, level-up to a chorus of ancient drum beats, and kill conversations with a curt 'goodbye'.

    But how does a game so inherently singleplayer accommodate the crowd?

    "Your perception is what drives reality," says Paul Sage, creative director on The Elder Scrolls Online. "When you talk to NPCs, your friend may talk to the same NPC and get a completely different response. We have internal layering, allowing players to see completely different worlds around them. In creating a world for one player and for thousands of players, what you've really got to do is get into those personal interactions.

    "But, obviously we can't let players kill every important NPC in a town because if we did that then you wouldn't be able to find the NPC yourself."

    GamerChatter is the next site to post another preview from Quakecon 2013.

    I could go on an on about what I experienced, but I will save you the read.  Just know that ESO is definitely on my radar, and for any MMO fan it should be on yours.  Bethesda is definitely pushing the bar when it comes to open world gaming(although that is not a shock considering the masterpieces they have made with the Elder Scrolls franchise).  

    Once I finished my play through I was asked what I thought.  I only asked him where I can go to donate a blood sample, and provide references to get into the beta.  He laughed, and said that they are adding people daily.

    And finally PRWeb has news about the five classes you can play as.

    Dragon Knight: DKs will be very diverse characters, they have the ability to either be the tank, or deal melee damage, or do ranged damage. Fiery Reach is an ability used by the Dragon Knight Class that pulls enemies towards them and stuns them, dealing damage as well.

    Nightblade: The Nightblade Class is very reliant on Stealth as well as Magic to take down foes, essentially a rogue with some magic up it’s sleeve. Nightblades use their magic to weaken enemies and then go in for some up close and personal finishers.

    Sorcerer: You can expect to see Sorcerer’s sporting a different attire than the usual robe and staff, with the ability for all classes to wear any armor, the options for classes which are typically limited to “cloth” armor will really open up.

    Templar: A damaging healer defines the Templar, similar to “paladin” classes in other MMORPGs, the Templar is about to deal strong weapon damage while keeping their allies alive with an arsenal of restoration spells. The Templar Class is definitely another diverse class in the world of ESO.

    Warden: The Warden Class is going to be a more direct healing class, as opposed to the Templar who is naturally a bit more diverse. Don’t underestimate the Warden’s ability to deal some damage as well though, I can see this being an extremely popular class in PvP.

     

    Tuesday - August 06, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Round-Up

    by Couchpotato, 00:37

    First we have a preview from Polygon about the game becoming a lot more like a Skyrim MMO.

    Elder Scrolls Online's creators at Zenimax Online Studios have taken feedback elicited by the game's early showings to heart; a fact evinced by the MMORPG's current, broad similarities with Bethesda's successful offline RPG Skyrim.

    Next Game Dynamo announces there will be a mac version also.

    Bethesda just confirmed it: The Elder Scrolls Online will be coming to Mac. 

    "We're currently developing #ESO for PC(Windows OS), Mac, PS4, and Xbox One," reads a tweet on the Elder Scrolls Online Twitter feed.

    Next The Koalition has another RPG Podcast this time asking,"Will The Elder Scrolls Online Stand Out From Other MMO’s?".

    This week we put the spotlight on The Elder Scrolls online as host David Jagneaux managed to get some hands-on time with it at Quakecon last Friday. We touched on everything that has us eager to play the game, while also having a full blown discussion on how Bethesda and ZeniMax can make The Elder Scrolls online stand out from other games in the now crowded MMO market.

    And to end the newsbit ZeniMax Online has posted Issue #18 of the The Tamriel Chronicle.

    We’ve read your suggestions and scoured the web to bring you the latest ESO fan creations. Please enjoy the podcasts, articles, and excellent creative works—maybe you’ll be inspired to create your own.

    Saturday - August 03, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - QuakeCon 2013 Gameplay Video

    by Couchpotato, 00:38

    IGN has posted a 20 minute gameplay demo of The Elder Scrolls Online presented at QuakeCon 2013.

    Wednesday - July 31, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything about Roleplaying

    by Couchpotato, 00:48

    ZeniMax Online has their next installment of Ask Us Anything. The topic this time is about Roleplaying.

    How interactive is the world? Can players toggle a 'walk' function instead of running everywhere? Will we be able to interact with objects like chairs, ladders, etc? Will you be able to enter houses, or, for example, an inn? How about setting up a romantic camp fire at night? Will we be able to build our resting places, for example by placing a blanket?

    Walking is already available (along with a whole slew of emotes, which we mentioned above). You can enter lots of the buildings you’ll come across, but there are a few you can’t. There are tons of shops, inns, and temples you can enter, and even many residences. Right now, we don’t have any special camps you can set up, but there are tons of beautiful (and, yes, even romantic) vistas all across Tamriel that you can visit.

    Regarding armour/clothing customization: What's there to set players apart from one another?

    You can definitely expect to have options that will set you apart and allow you to customize your character’s appearance. We can’t go into great detail right now, but you won’t be disappointed (or end up looking like everyone else!).

    What will the weather be like in ESO? Will it always be the same or will it change? Will we see a day/night cycle?

    From snowstorms in Skyrim to rain showers over the moors of Glenumbra, you’ll experience lots of weather as you explore—through the day and night—in ESO.

    Monday - July 29, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - The Scamp

    by Couchpotato, 12:24

    Sorry for the lack of news as I was busy during the weekend. Now on to the first post were ZeniMax Online shows up how they created the scamp.

    Discover more about the creatures of The Elder Scrolls Online in this look at the small but malevolent scamp.

    The creatures that inhabit Tamriel come in all shapes and sizes, from massive beasts like the wamasu to small—but still potentially deadly—enemies like the scamp. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the mischievous little Daedra and how it weaseled its way into ESO.

    Fans of Morrowind and Oblivion will definitely recognize this Daedra. Scamps are small, and they aren’t particularly intelligent, but they’re agile combatants who delight in cruelty just as much as any of the larger Daedra. They’re often summoned to perform simple tasks, and make good (if sometimes unruly) messengers and servants.

    Thursday - July 25, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Tribunal Temple And Tamriel Chronicle

    by Couchpotato, 01:46

    The ofiicial Elder Scrolls Online wenbpage has a few updates. First we have a post showing you the Tribunal Temple.

    Pilgrims travel from all corners of Morrowind to offer their prayers and worship to the Tribunal, the living gods of the Dunmer people. Though their customs may seem strange to outlanders, the Dark Elves bring potent magic and zealous, battle-hardened troops to the Ebonheart Pact. Please enjoy this new wallpaper featuring the graceful spires of the Tribunal Temple in Mournhold.

    Next they released the next issue of the The Tamriel Chronicle. It's full of various infomation you might fing interesting.

    We’re back with a fresh collection of links to all kinds of ESO fan creations. We hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we did! As always, we’re looking for links to add to upcoming issues, so if you have a favorite ESO fansite or ESO-inspired creation, make sure to share it with us at community@elderscrollsonline.com.

    Source: Bethesda Softworks

    Monday - July 22, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - News Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 00:15

    I have mangaed to round up a few more newbits for The Elder Scrolls Online. One of them might even interest you more than the other. So lets get started.

    Up first PCGMedia has a new beta gameplay video that will more than likely be taking down.

    Youtube user ‘Scotty Mcbotley’ has uploaded a gameplay video of The Elder Scrolls Online. We’re not sure Bethesda will be too happy about it, as this breaks their non-disclosure agreement.

    The gameplay briefly shows the character creation process, then showcases ‘Bleakrock Village’. This village looks like it’s one of the starter places, and is very reminiscient of the Skyrim art direction. Graphically, the game is looking great for an MMORPG, with fantastic scenery and moody lighting.

    Just to be safe here are a few mirrors also.

    http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1258fj_what-did-he-say-720p_animals

    http://vimeo.com/70737851

    http://www.break.com/video/ugc/what-did-he-say-720pmp4-2494990

    Next we have the developer question of the week.

    This week, Figure Art Intern Joe Lopatta presents our new question to you. Give the video a watch for the full question, and make sure to share your answer with us at community@elderscrollsonline.com. We’re looking forward to your response. Don’t forget to come back next week for another new question.

    Source: N4G

    Sunday - July 21, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Choose Your Hero

    by Couchpotato, 01:11

    OXM has anew article for the Elder Scrolls Online showing us all the playable races you can choose to play.

    The nine playable races of The Elder Scrolls Online are split into three warring factions - the Daggerfall Covenant, the Aldmeri Dominion and the Ebonheart Pact. Each individual race possesses its own innate skills and abilities, and it's important to choose the right one for your preferred style of play.

    Here's a bit of backstory on each of TESO's playable races, and recommendations as to which of the four character classes they'd be best suited to (if you've played prior Elder Scrolls games, of course, you should have a fair sense of things already).

    Source: N4G

    Saturday - July 20, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - New Footage Video @ VG247

    by Couchpotato, 00:31

    VG247 posted a new video claiming to be new footage for The Elder Scrolls Online. If your interested they also have some details on the console version also.

    Here's the latest info on The Elder Scrolls Online - coming to PC, Mac and next-gen consoles. We've also included some cinematic gameplay. Looking sweet!


    Source: N4G

    Friday - July 19, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Live Q&A Review

    by Couchpotato, 01:16

    MMORPG.com hosted a live Q&A Event with Paul Sage the Elder Scrolls Online’s Creative Director. Thanks to a site called elder scrolls online guide they compiled a review of all the questions answered in the Q&A.

    Q: ESO appears to have “traditional MMO” leveling so how will exploration work out? In Skyrim I can pretty much wander everywhere and find relevant “content” to do. In ESO are we limited to level-bracketed zones where once we out-level an area it becomes irrelevant in terms of both exploration (and/or “immersion”) and character advancement? Also in PvE can we freely help other players cooperatively or if they had already tagged a mob will they take an XP penalty because someone else helped them?

    A: Yep. There are levels. I’ve worked on an MMO where there weren’t levels and that certainly has merits. However, leveling also has merits in being able to really feel progression, in more stumble-upon stranger encounters, and lots more that it would take almost all night to cover. I think what we’ve created gives you a lot of freedom to explore because these aren’t small areas. That said, once you reach the end of your alliance and go into another alliance… you’re top level. (or should be) Go nuts!

    Q: Can you tell us an example of a feedback received during beta-testing? What people liked and what is their standing to the game?

    A: Beta feedback is amazing so far in both ways. The testers have done a very good job of being constructive if they wish something were different. This is huge for us. However, and this will sound self-congratulating, so I apologize, but our feedback through forums and surveys has been very positive and very encouraging.

    Q: I was looking up the combat system (looking for how Stamina will effect that etc.) and I saw something about a “soft lock”, could you clarify just what that means? 

    A: Heh. I’ll try. The most important thing to remember about our combat is you must be facing your target to hit it. Your reticle must almost be on your target… there is some forgiveness. However, we did notice situations where you want to stay on a target and it goes behind another valid target. So we implemented a feature where you could essentially say, there are roughly two things I am aiming at, but I mean to hit *that one*.

    Source: MMORPG.com

    Thursday - July 18, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Ask Us Anything About Dungeons

    by Couchpotato, 02:29

    ZenimaxOnline has a new ask us anything article focusing on dungeons. Some might find the answers interesting.

    Are there dungeons in ESO with multiple entrances and exits which allow you to enter the same dungeon in different ways? In the previous games, the dungeons were fairly linear and it was difficult to get lost. – By Ivan Colnat

    ESO dungeons do offer some branching paths, and they often have convenient exits at the end of the dungeon. Philosophically though, we want the challenge from dungeons to focus on the combat encounters rather than from trying to navigate through them.

    In the previous Elder Scrolls games, we always had the ability to wander into a cave, old fort, or sunken boat to explore, plunder, and pillage. With ESO being an MMO, will we still have the ability to do this in a solo-encounter type situation where we don't run into any other players, or will we be seeing other players and having to wait for enemies/loot to spawn, or will these all only be group encounters? – by Brett S.

    The Elder Scrolls Online is set up to be a fluid experience. As you wander the landscape you’ll encounter caves, forts, tombs, dungeons, and etc. Certain rare locales will just be for solo players, and some dungeons are meant for groups made only of people you choose to go in with. Most locales, however, will be accessible by everyone. Some might be too dangerous for you because of your current level, but you can always come back when you are more powerful if you want to complete them solo. We recommend grabbing a friend or grouping up with a stranger if it seems too tough, though, because that’s all part of the fun.

    I am new to MMOs and am a little nervous about this aspect of the game. However, I am loyal to The Elder Scrolls, and I still hope to be able to play ESO! My question for the dungeons: must I be part of a party to play in each dungeon? Will party dungeons be well-marked for someone like me? – by Fajar

    We’ll let you know if a dungeon needs more than just you to complete it through iconography in the world. Dungeons that require a group have a unique icon. While we want dungeons to make you a bit nervous, they are supposed to be fun affairs. If you’ve never gone through a dungeon with friends, it is definitely one of those things you don’t want to miss.

    Wednesday - July 17, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Live Forum Q&A

    by Couchpotato, 17:54

    MMOPRPG is hosting a live forum Q&A with Creative Director Paul Sage. Remember the time, and date for I'm sure it will vary depending on where you live.

    Join us today at 7PM ET in our Elder Scrolls Online subforum for a live Q&A with The Elder Scrolls Online creative director Paul Sage.

    If you've got questions for Paul on The Elder Scrolls Online this is an event you won't want to miss!

    Please keep in mind that tomorrow's Q&A is NOT a discussion thread. Simply submit your questions in the thread (or follow-up questions to any of Paul's answers) and allow him a chance to answer.

    Wednesday - July 10, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ CGMagazine

    by Couchpotato, 01:39

    CGMagazine interviews Creative Director Paul Sage with a few questions about the development of The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Comics & Gaming Magazine: How did the idea to do an Elder Scrolls MMO come about, and why now?

    Paul Sage: Ever since the release of Morrowind, people have been comparing the Elder Scrolls games to MMOs, largely because of their shared breadth and depth. Likewise, people want to play in the Elder Scrolls universe with their friends. The marriage of the two seems like a natural fit. As for why now? This is when it all came together. Honestly, the timing of the release isn’t as important as the quality of the game we release.

    CGM: Each of the past Elder Scrolls games has had a progressively bigger audience, is The Elder Scrolls Online being made to capture the players of the core series or those that are more inclined to play an MMO?

    PS: We’ve found there is a large crossover in the two audiences, and they aren’t that separate. Lots of Elder Scrolls players are also MMO players, and vice-versa. That said, we feel what makes Elder Scrolls games special combined with great social systems from MMOs is what will make us stand out.

    CGM: What are some of the most important things that needed to be done in order to have this feel like a unique experience and to give it the Elder Scrolls feel in such a different type of game.

    PS: Importance of The World View – this is a fancy way of saying our interface is reduced in favor of showing things in the world. Looking into the world and seeing what is happening there is more important than watching your interface. We concentrate on the audio-visual portion of the game more than text and numbers.

    Active Combat. We’ve concentrated a lot on making sure the combat system is active and engaging. You need to react to what enemies are doing in the world, and it needs to be something that challenges you.

    And a highly interactive world. A hallmark of the Elder Scrolls series is world interactivity. Picking up things scattered throughout the world, having NPCs speak to you, traps, lockpicking, and lots of other things. These are important for the feel of the world and making sure it comes to life.

    Also, choice for the player. Having a very robust progression system, the ability to equip any weapon type or armor type, and making choices in quests and how you do quests really gives the player the ability to stand out in the crowd. Their experience is going to be very unique. A unique experience within the same environment can help spark good conversation with friends.

    There are many other things such as our Alliance War, the way our dungeons work, our social systems, etc. that will also make the game unique. But the core building blocks of the game start with these four things.

    Sunday - July 07, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - New Monsters and First-Person Camera

    by Couchpotato, 01:26

    A short new development video for The Elder Scrolls Online teases us with yet another glimpse at how combat looks from a first-person perspective, and also introduces the Kwama.

    The insectoid kwama are burrowing creatures that appear in ESO in three varieties: the scrib, the worker, and the warrior

     

    Sunday - June 23, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview Roundup #4

    by Couchpotato, 00:24

    Round four of previews for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Gamerzines

    With recent high-profile MMORPG releases like BioWare’s Star Wars: The Old Republic and Funcom’s The Secret World not proving as popular expected, it’s understandable that Matt would want to distance his game from a genre which for all intents and purposes is stagnating. However further questioning suggested that it isn’t the genre Firore has a problem with, it’s the MMO label itself.

    “[The term] MMO is getting kind of tired because it’s ‘Massively Multiplayer Online’, but you know World of Tanks is massively multiplayer online but it is not what you would think of, like Everquest. It’s just an unwieldy term now and it means so many things and it means different things to different people.”

    A developer arguing about which genre their game belongs may seem needlessly fussy, but it speaks volumes about ZeniMax Online’s and Bethesda’s intentions to position The Elders Scrolls Online as more than just a multiplayer offshoot in the legendary single-player RPG series. They want this release to be as relevant and popular as Skyrim, and they’re ensuring that by adopting a familiar dialogue system, long and inventive faction questlines, and combat which boasts all of the Elder Scrolls tropes.

    The recent announcement that The Elder Scrolls Online is coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 also adds more credence to the opinion that ZeniMax are aiming their game at more than just traditional MMORPG players, and they’re making sure they have the gameplay to back up their ‘all things to all people‘ rhetoric.

    GodisaGeek

    The combat feels a little rough and old fashioned, but not at all out of place in the universe. There’s quick and hard attacks, as well as blocking, which will allow some effective Elder Scrolls-style combos. If you time it right and get a good block, you’ll stun your target, giving you time to launch a ‘hard’ attack. Pow!

    Don’t write this one off as just another MMORPG. Give Elder Scrolls Online the benefit of the doubt, especially if you’re a fan of the franchise. ESO, putting the RPG back into MMORPG.

    Escapistmagazine

    One thing I noticed poking around the menus was a menu that said "Mods". Opening it up didn't show any mods installed, but there were buttons that seem to let you enable or disable mods for specific characters. Hopefully this means ESO will have mod support as robust as the single-player franchise. Fingers crossed - I think that kind of functionality would increase the game's popularity with fans sevenfold.

    Back to the quest at hand. Speaking to the townsfolk, I uncovered a plot to assassinate the King and hopefully foiled it. Along the way, I picked up a sidequest to help a farmer get his pig back, and I was pretty sure this was a typical MMO garbage task. I found the pig by a large unnatural root, and after consulting the local Mage's Guild about it, I realized it was actually connected to the assassination plot. It was cool that even the seemingly meaningless sidequests informed the major push of the story being told.

    Throughout the whole quest line, I might have fought only a handful of enemies. I'm impressed the Elder Scrolls team was able to show off a quest series that proved storytelling in MMOs doesn't have to revolve around killing X amount of dudes.

     

     

    Friday - June 21, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - 11 Things You Need to Know

    by Couchpotato, 00:52

    OXM posted a new editorial for The Elder Scrolls Online explaining things that we need to know about the game.

    The game has more in common with a traditional RPG than an MMO

    So said creative director Paul Sage whilst chatting with Gamespot at E3. He remarked that the game is designed more for RPG fans who want to experience the Elder Scrolls universe together than for hardcore MMO players.

    You can wander around, explore and interact with things much as you did in Skyrim, and the game features a minimal HUD rather than reams of the busy-looking cooldown bars and tooltips typical of an MMO title. For the most part, rather than trying to cram the Elder Scrolls universe into an MMO format, developers Zenimax Online Studios has stuck with the winning Skyrim gameplay formula and adapted it up to suit multiple players adventuring together.

    Therefore, there won't be raids. Or Auction Houses. Or end-game gear

    According to an article on Just Push Start, The Elder Scrolls Online won't offer massive raid scenarios. There won't be gigantic bosses that require dozens of players to fell, but there will be instances that allow up to four players to explore together. Public dungeons will allow more than four players, of course, but they'll just be regular dungeons - so you may have to share the space with players outside your party. Which, as anyone with MMO experience will tell you, is a pain when there are large queues waiting to have their turn with enemy respawns.

    The same JPS article also claims there won't be end-game gear grinding, so when you reach level 50, the best gear is obtained only through top-tier crafting. This doesn't sound very promising for end-game content, but developers insist that TESO will "most certainly" receive some expansions. A final blow for MMO-ers: there will be no Auction Houses. Players can trade with one another, but you'll have to find someone to trade with via the game's chat box rather than bartering in public.

    Thursday - June 20, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview Roundup #3

    by Couchpotato, 00:40

    It's time for a new batch of previews for The Elder Scrolls Online.


    PlayStation Lifestyle

    While the preview demo was showcased on PCs, I was assured that the console version of The Elder Scrolls Online would feature no changes except to the control scheme, which is a testament to the power of the next generation of consoles. Setting up my player offered a ton of different options to choose from such as nine different races that include all of the Elder Scrolls classics. From there, I was shown how to select and set up the large variety of skills exclusive to that race and chosen class. Note that the final version may include more races or classes. This comment was overheard, not told directly to me so I have no additional details on that.

    The amount of customization for your character goes as deep as anything that you will find in Skyrim, and I was told by a Bethesda rep that what I was seeing for this preview was not the full scope of options that would be available in the final build. Once our characters were built out, Dan and I partied up immediately and easily to take on Tamriel multiplayer.

    NZGamer

    The mechanics of the game are fairly similar to most other MMORPGs. You find people in distress, take on their quest, complete them, earn experience points, and level up. It seems that ESO is taking this tried and true route to their game, and it doesn't markedly differ.

    With the exception of the camera views you can select - it was confirmed for me that first person mode would be available and gamers would be able to select it if they wished. This more tightly ties together the ESO experience, along with the classic Elder Scrolls style of combat that singleplayers have enjoyed so far.

    Gaming Illustrated

    The game behaved similar to Skyrim when interacting with the mouse and keyboard as opposed to something one would experience in World of WarCraft or The Old Republic. While there are abilities that are unlocked through the course of play, combat is not the mundane slamming of number keys to get through battle. Fortunately, it’s much more RPG than MMO in this regard as players will have to aim, move and click at the right times to have success during combat. Holding the mouse button down longer will increase melee attacks but will also be much slower to execute. More powerful abilities are loaded into the number keys so there is the element of using special powers traditional to MMOs, but at the same time, don’t give the boring, grinding feeling normally associated to killing mobs.

    Camelotpost

    My personal expectations for The Elder Scrolls Online change with every announcement and gameplay reveal but very few stories have had the negative impact I felt after that comment. I’m tired of the typical approach to MMORPG games. I’m tired of having to endure weeks of quest grind to reach the only aspect of the game that’s enjoyable and I’m tired of developers claiming innovation when all they truly offer is the same ingredients in a new recipe.

    I have no doubt that The Elder Scrolls Online will be a solid MMORPG experience. However, I have serious concerns that it will fail to feel like an Elder Scrolls game. An Elder Scrolls game has never really featured any multiplayer aspects but I would be ecstatic to get a co-op or multiplayer Skyrim. However, Bethesda are constantly pushing the PvP and RvR at the fan base, two features that have never been in place in previous titles.

    Will they sacrifice too much of the wonders that make the franchise great? Will The Elder Scrolls Online have enough of the franchise charm to appeal to those used to such a solo experience? Only time will tell for sure but after reading the opinions of those from E3, my hope is dwindling.

    Saturday - June 15, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Peview Roundup #2

    by Couchpotato, 00:25

    It's time for more  previes for The Elder Scrolls Online., but first Machinima has a video interview with ZeniMax Online's Paul Sage.

    APL steps into the MMO world with the upcoming Elder Scrolls Online during the Machinima E3 live stream.

    VG247

    It was, more or less, exactly the same as my typical Elder Scrolls solo experience. Character creation was pretty familiar, if simpler, but the typical races were represented. I went around doing a bunch of quests that didn’t have much to do with one another, and I wandered around looking at stuff while random assassins tried to murder me. I talked to some people, and my dialogue options were usually pretty meaningless. It’s all what I would have expected from any other internally developed Bethesda RPG.

    One might read what I just wrote and interpret that as me asserting that TESO is some sort of grand evolution of the MMO, but that is not at all what I am trying to say. Rather, what playing TESO made me realize is that all those other Elder Scrolls titles were actually MMO-style games that you had to play alone. That’s not an insult, because those games have avoided some of the key annoyances about MMOs, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

    To be fair, TESO is not exactly identical to Skyrim. There is an action bar, for one, though there is no cursor as mouse look is locked on. Yeah, you’ll hit the left mouse button a lot to attack, but then you’ll throw some abilities, which you buy with skill points that you gain from leveling up, in from time to time with the 1-5 keys. And, like, uh, I’m sure there were other things that were different. No, this feels like Elder Scrolls.

    The Escapist

    As soon as I strode into the town of Daggerfall, a dog bounded up to me. I entered a dialogue with the puppy - like you do - and I was led to the body of a young Breton. His supposed killer attacked me immediately, and I got my first taste at combat. The right and left mouse buttons feel a bit odd to constantly press when fighting, at least for me, but I soon figured out a nifty combo of trapping the Bloodthorn Assassin in his place and peppering him with lighting and basic staff attacks.

    It turns out the dead guy left a shopping list, and I had to go around to the shopkeepers in town to see what I could find out. Talking to the shopkeepers not only introduced more of the excellent voice-acting for every NPC - on par or better than Skyrim I'd say - but it also let me loot all of the barrels and crates in the market. I was disappointed the guards didn't attack me, my loot OCD will get the better of me in this game, but I gathered a bunch of raw materials like grain and fruit.

    Hey, that's a cookfire. What happens if I ... Yep, hello crafting system. From what I had in my inventory, I brewed an ale and a wine - potions which would restore my health or mana over a brief time. You can also "deconstruct" anything you craft to get some raw resources back and possibly discover new recipes, but I didn't learn anything new when I deconstructed my beer. Pity.

    Gameskinny

    For Skyrim fans, marriage systems are no big news. For newer fans of Zenimax's  Elder Scrolls Online, this may come as a pleasant surprise. In an interview with Gamespot, Paul Sage, Creative Director of ESO, explained what these marriages actually are, and also detailed several other features of this upcoming game.

    Player Marriages

    A player can marry another player in a simple ceremony, but it’s really a marriage of convenience. The benefit here lies in the bonus experience points you’ll get travelling and adventuring together with your character’s spouse.

    Just like in Skyrim, players will have to pay up to get hitched, and both parties will wear rings signifying their new bond. And if you happen to play with more than one person, you can marry another too. Polygamy knows no bounds in Tamriel.

    Guild Benefits

    An even cooler feature is the guild integration. You can find your guild from Day 1 of gameplay. The moment you sign in, your guild will be listed and you can jump right into familiar territory.

    As a guild, you’ll get some perks that lone wolves won’t.

    1. Claim Keepsguilds get to claim a keep or tower and this steps in as the “player housing” system in Elder Scrolls games. Close enough.
    2. Guild Leader Options: guild leaders can set permissions within the guild to allow guild members access to certain features, or to keep them out.
    3. Guild Bank: guild members have their own shared inventory to store loot in, accessible by every member accepted into its fold.
    4. Guild XP: get bonus experience points when you travel and adventure with your guild.

    And finally DevilsMMO has news the the game is being delayed.

    If you were excited for all the next-gen console news to come out of E3, there's one small rain cloud attached to the whole thing. The Elder Scrolls Online for PC, originally due in Summer 2013, has been delayed to Spring 2014, to coincide with the release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game. No news as to whether this is an actual delay, a delay due to the developers needing to make changes based on the console version or if Bethesda are showing shades of Rayman Legends and delaying a finished game just because, but delayed it is.

    Thursday - June 13, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview Roundup

    by Couchpotato, 00:24

    Here are a few more previews for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    GameInformer - "Exploring Daggerfall"

    During my hour of playtime, I make my way through a number of small sidequests, as well as an extensive mission chain that sees my character thwarting an assassination attempt on the local king. Questing feels more directed and story-driven than many MMOs, and less focused on "kill this many foes" or "collect this many objects." Even so, in the balance between traditional MMOs and the familiar Elder Scrolls games, the game undeniably feels closer to an MMO than its single-player RPG forebears.

    FleshEatingZipper -  "5 Reasons Why ‘The Elder Scrolls Online’ Isn’t The ‘Skyrim’ You’re Searching For"

    This morning I got my hands on Bethesda’s new epic new MMO, The Elder Scrolls Online. It was a brief session, only about half an hour, but it was enough to get a good first impression of what the new online team’s been putting together for so many years. If you’re looking for a traditional Elder Scrolls game though, you’re going to be plenty surprised.

    Polygon - "Separate Servers for PC and Console Players"

    Sage, who works as creative director on the studio's MMO offering, stated that despite recently announcing the title would hit both next-gen platforms as well as Windows PC and Mac, the game will feature three separate server environments to ensure fairness in PvP across all systems as those on PC and Mac will use a mouse and keyboard while console users will have only a controller.

    Tuesday - June 11, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Available on Next-Gen Consoles

    by Myrthos, 12:24

    Bethesda sent out a press release on The Elder Scrolls Online being available not only on Pc and Mac, but also on Xbox One and PS4.

    THE ELDER SCROLLS® ONLINE

    COMING TO NEXT-GENERATION CONSOLES

    Latest Game in Award-Winning Franchise Arriving on

    PlayStation®4, Xbox One, PC, and Mac in Spring 2014

    June 10, 2013 (Rockville, MD) - Bethesda Softworks® today announced that The Elder Scrolls® Online is in development for both the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft. The game will launch on these consoles, in addition to the previously announced PC and Mac versions, in Spring 2014. The Elder Scrolls Online is the latest chapter of the award-winning franchise - and will bring the legendary experience online for the first time. Players can choose their own style of play as they embark upon an epic adventure across all of Tamriel, playing alone on a heroic quest as in previous Elder Scrolls games, exploring the huge, rich world with a few select friends, or playing with hundreds of others in massive PvP battles to save the Empire.

    "We are thrilled to bring this game to consoles, in addition to the PC and Mac," said Matt Firor, game director of The Elder Scrolls Online. "It's something our fans have been requesting since we first announced the title, and something our team is excited to offer. Everyone will be able to play The Elder Scrolls Online the way they want to play."

    After having experienced extended hands-on gameplay and testing the game's innovations, quests, and unique features, The Elder Scrolls Online was described by MMORPG.com as "a perfect sauce of awesome." The game has emerged as one of the industry's most anticipated titles - and praised by such diverse press outlets as IGN, GameSpot, Game Informer, MMORPG.com and TenTonHammer.com. Millions of Elder Scrolls fans have already signed up for the beta on PC and Mac to gain early access to the game, and console fans can now sign up to be eligible for the console beta test  which will begin later this year. For more information or to sign up for beta on your preferred platform, visit www.elderscrollsonline.com.

    The Elder Scrolls Online will be the first Elder Scrolls title to be played online after nearly 20 years of offering these best-selling, award-winning fantasy role-playing games for single player only. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim® is the most recent chapter of the Elder Scrolls story. Skyrim, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, was released in November 2011 and enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success. As the follow-up to the 2002 Role-Playing Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®, and the 2006 Game of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, Skyrim earned hundreds of 'Game of the Year' awards and has sold over 20 million copies.

    The Elder Scrolls Online is being developed for the PlayStation4 system, Xbox One, PC, and Mac by ZeniMax Online Studios. The studio is headed by industry veteran Matt Firor who has more than 20 years of online game development experience. Working with Matt is a team of highly regarded developers who have created some of the best known online games ever released.

    The Elder Scrolls Online has not yet been rated by the ESRB.

     

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview with Matt Firor

    by Couchpotato, 00:15

    Gamerhub.tv has a short interview with Matt Firor about The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Producer Matt Firor discusses the open beta and what's new in Elder Scrolls Online in this exclusive interview.

    Wednesday - June 05, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview and New Gameplay Video

    by Couchpotato, 00:14

    Connected Digital World has a new video interview for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Later this year, Bethesda Softworks and Zenimax Online will be releasing The Elder Scrolls Online. I recently got to play some of the beta and be part of a group interview (apologies for the camera position and audio but it was a very small room with 6 people from different countries asking questions). There is also some brand new gameplay footage in the video, including never before seen first person views! Enjoy.

    Monday - June 03, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Bringing the Scrolls to MMO

    by Couchpotato, 00:12

    GameTrailers has a new video interview for The Elder Scrolls Online with Creative Director Paul Sage.

    Elder Scrolls goes MMO and we've got the details on gameplay and environments in this E3 Countdown Interview with Creative Director Paul Sage!

    Thursday - May 30, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Play Session @ RPS

    by Myrthos, 13:00

    Rock Paper Shotgun had a hands-on session with The Elder Scrolls Online and provide us with the results of the session.

    That sense of exploration is something Zenimax want to emphasise. The likely reason being that they know Elder Scrolls fanatics to be curious trailblazers at heart. There certainly is a lot of landmass to cover – comprising the land from all the previous games combined, plus more – but it’s how this landmass is to be populated that will determine how successfully sated the hungers of these trailblazers will be (or how satisfied the explorer ‘subgroup’ of the MMO community will be, for that matter). It’s been a common criticism of the single player Elder Scrolls games that – although the worlds are huge, the geography stunning, and the architecture fantastic – there is a serious lack of character among the majority of the quest-giving caste and other NPCs. Obviously, this being Elder Scrolls *Online*, it can rely on the human element to pick up the slack, but that doesn’t make the first staid fetch-quest we encountered during our playthrough any more enjoyable, even if it was dressed up in a murder mystery plot and one of the characters was a dog.

    Elder Scrolls Online - Interview @ Venturebeat

    by Couchpotato, 00:08

    Venturebeat has a inteview with Elder Scrolls Online’s Game Director on lore, combat, giant demon anchors, and dragons,

    GamesBeat: What’s the vital element you had to get in to really make it an Elder Scrolls game?

    Firor: For every Elder Scrolls fan, there’s a different answer to that, which is great. The guys who have been around since the beginning will tell you it’s the lore. There are no specific quest vectors. If something looks cool, you don’t have to find an NPC to tell you to go explore it, like in other MMOs. You just go and explore and get credit for it. That’s what people have come to expect from Elder Scrolls.

    GamesBeat: What’s going to get someone to walk away from, say, World of Warcraft and come over to Elder Scrolls?

    Firor: Elder Scrolls is an IP that brings a lot of other things with it. You can tell that it’s not using a conventional MMO combat system in any way. It’s very much an Elder Scrolls combat system. This is very much an online-RPG.

    GamesBeat: Was that the goal? To take the Elder Scrolls experience we know and put it online?

    Firor: It was really to come up with an online role-playing game that uses the best features of MMOs. What MMOs do well, they do really well. Things like social systems or player trading, all of that is awesome. It also comes with a lot of baggage. We wanted to make sure that we got the right elements from both genres — single-player RPGs and MMOs – and bring them together.

    GamesBeat: When did you know you were getting that right?

    Firor: We built our own engine — any game developers reading this will immediately start laughing, because it’s painful to play on an engine in an early state of development. It doesn’t have any of the cool shaders or effects. You have to put yourself past all that and get to the gameplay. But yeah, there was a version probably about a year and a half ago where I could say, “Okay, I see it. I see the world. There’s weather. There are cool effects and cool animations.” That’s when it really started rolling.

     

     

    Wednesday - May 29, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ GameInformer

    by Couchpotato, 00:15

    GameInformer has a breif hands-on preview for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    As you can tell by my impressions here, Elder Scrolls Online’s storytelling has left an impact on me. I was more impressed with the tale told in this brief quest chain than I ever was in my hundreds of hours exploring World of Warcraft's barebones stories. Star Wars: The Old Republic’s waning community proves that players need more that good storylines to keep them engaged with an MMO, but I’m hopeful for Elder Scrolls Online. I walked away from my hands-on time eager to jump back in hunt down more fascinating stories when the game hits PC and Mac later this year.

    Monday - May 27, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Preview @ PCGAMER

    by Couchpotato, 00:15

    PCGAMER has a two page preview of the beta for The Elder Scrolls Online.

    Those who feared that The Elder Scrolls Online would amount to another cash-in MMO with a big name behind it have it wrong, but the counter-position – the promise of a casualty-free marriage of emergent RPG and online game – doesn’t quite hit the mark either.

    From my first moment in game it is clear that TESO is the product of a measured and ongoing negotiation between opposing forces: the traditional MMO and the singleplayer game, ambition and technology, the demands of the community and the views of its designers. Its successes and failures alike are produced by that process.

    “We’re not trying to top Skyrim,” game director Matt Firor says. “If you want to play Skyrim go play Skyrim! We’re doing something a little bit different. It should feel comfortable to people who play Elder Scrolls games, but it’s its own game in its own right.”

    Saturday - May 25, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - On Cyrodiil and World PvP

    by Couchpotato, 00:33

    MMORPG.com has wrote a short article discussing some of the design choices for The Elder Scrolls Online. The article also covers the upsides and downsides of the game's PvP combat.

    On one hand, I’m very excited about the prospect of key members of the Dark Age of Camelot team designing Elder Scrolls Online Cyrodiil “Alliance vs. Alliance” warfare.  On the other, I’m a little confused as to why the team has made an active decision to keep PVP out of the rest of the world, and more than that... opposing factions won’t even be able to see each other when they’re in each other’s PVE content areas (see the ZAM interview linked at the bottom of this article, from Matt Firor himself).  So in this week’s column, I’m going to briefly touch on the good and bad parts of this decision, and what it could mean for the elder game of an online Tamriel.

    As I said above, I’m pretty excited that a lot of the folks who once worked on Dark Age of Camelot’s RvR are heading up the team working on Elder Scrolls Online AvA. Brian Wheeler was one of the ingredients that made the magic happen in DAOC.  He was also part of the WAR team, but we can’t put that game’s failings on one man’s shoulders, so we’ll just sidestep it and chalk it up as a learning process.  At least we know ESO will have three factions as opposed to the inherently broken two.

    Friday - May 24, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Reveals New Wamasu Enemy

    by Couchpotato, 00:11

    ZeniMax Online is continuing its promotional campaign for The Elder Scrolls Online by revealing a new enemy called the wamasu.

    The wamasu prowls the swamps of Black Marsh in The Elder Scrolls Online. Read our Creating ESO article to find out more about this dangerous enemy

    Friday - May 17, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Gathering and Exploration

    by Couchpotato, 03:08

    A new Elder Scrolls Online video has been released featuring creative director Paul Sage describing how players will find useful. The Elder Scrolls Online is expected to launch this year and will be playable at Gamescom in August.

    Creative Director Paul Sage describes what you'll find as you explore every corner of Tamriel. For more information about The Elder Scrolls Online, visit our website: http://elderscrollsonline.com

     

    Friday - May 10, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - We’re not making Skyrim 2

    by Couchpotato, 00:11

    Edge has an interview with Elder Scrolls Online’s game director Matt Firor.

    The last few years haven’t been kind to traditional MMOGs. What, in your mind, is the key to bucking that trend?

    The biggest single thing you can do to ensure your MMOG is successful is take your time and do it right. You only have one chance to launch, [so] you’ve got to make sure that you have a full range of features for a full range of people. I like to think of it more as we’re making a world that we want people to live in. Yes, there’s a game there, but there’s a lot of games in the game. We want to make sure there’s just a ton of stuff for you to do.

    There will be players whose first Elder Scrolls game was Skyrim and whose expectations have been set by that game. How do you communicate the ways in which you’re different?

    Well, we exist in the same universe. We’re making an Elder Scrolls game, but we’re not making Skyrim 2. So I think the Skyrim guys had that same problem when they went from Oblivion to Skyrim: “Your last thing was Oblivion, how could you possibly top that?” We’re not trying to ‘top’ Skyrim. [It’s] a fantastic game – if you wanted to play Skyrim, go play Skyrim, right?

    What is your relationship with the Elder Scrolls community? Could it be improved?

    I think that the reaction that we had when we announced the game was more about having heard game developers say things about games for a long time and then [not seeing] what they were talking about. A lot of the mixed reaction that we got was [aimed] in that direction. It wasn’t necessarily about Elder Scrolls. There was some of that, but mostly it was, ‘Yeah, yeah, we’ve heard of [action-based] combat systems, we’ve heard that. We get into the game and it’s the same old thing.’ We want people to get in and play. We’re not going to sit them down and give them a presentation, they’re just going to sit down and play it.

    Was the decision to add a firstperson mode based on public demand?

    Yes and no. We always knew it was something players were going to want. We couldn’t actually do it – and we’re still in the process of doing it – because when you have other players seeing your character from a different distance from where you’re seeing it, a lot of systems have to be designed. We needed to make sure we had the thirdperson working first, not just because it was your camera, but because it’s how everyone else sees you in the world. But we’ve known for a long time that we were going to do it.

    Saturday - May 04, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Coldharbour and Molag Bal

    by Couchpotato, 00:27

    ZeniMax Online and publisher Bethesda released a new trailer for The Elder Scrolls Online. The trailer takes players to the plane of Coldharbour to catch a glimpse of the twisted mind of Molag Bal.

    Molag Bal, the God of Schemes, threatens all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online. Watch this new video to visit his Oblivion plane of Coldharbour and learn more about his plans.

    We're taking you straight to Molag Bal's realm in this new video. Watch it to get a glimpse of Coldharbour and some of its inhabitants and to learn more about this malevolent Daedric Prince's plans for Tamriel—and your soul.

    For more information and to learn about answer submission options, please visit elderscrollsonline.com!

    Friday - May 03, 2013

    Elderscrolls Online - Playable at Gamescom 2013

    by Couchpotato, 00:27

    Bethesda has confirmed that it’s going to bring The Elder Scrolls Online to Gamescom 2013 this August. Their allowing attendants to try out the online game, and see how the new title behaves.

    We’re excited to announce our presence at Gamescom this year. Get your hands on The Elder Scrolls Online at our first European convention.

    We’re bringing ESO to Cologne this year for our very first European convention. Gamescom is the largest gaming convention in Europe, and thousands of you will have the opportunity to play The Elder Scrolls Online at our booth. We can’t wait to meet you!

    This year, Gamescom will be held from August 22nd through August 25th in Cologne, Germany. To learn more about the convention and to purchase admission tickets, check out the official Gamescom website.

    More details about this and other conventions we’ll be attending this year are coming soon, so check back with us!

    Thursday - May 02, 2013

    Elderscrolls Online - Preview @ Edge-Online

    by Couchpotato, 02:02

    Edge-Online has a short preview of Elderscrolls Online.

    Zenimax bills The Elder Scrolls Online as a seamless merger of a sandbox singleplayer RPG and the best aspects of an MMOG. The game’s detractors have written it off as World Of Warcraft with a Tamrielic paint job. As you’d expect, the reality is more complicated than either take.

    Structurally, The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMOG. Content is divvied up along well-understood lines: a main storyline for solo players, group content, dungeons, crafting, and large-scale player vs player combat. Despite top-level conservatism, however, a knife has been taken to the genre – not simply to better fit the Elder Scrolls mould, but to rethink long-standing orthodoxies

    MMOGs are necessarily the product of compromise between the needs of the individual and the needs of the many. In making a multiplayer Elder Scrolls game, Zenimax Online has chosen to compromise on dynamic town life, crime and physics, among other features. If that’s the sum of what the series means to you, then this is not the game you’re looking for. If you are willing to focus on other aspects of the Elder Scrolls formula, however – combat, questing and crafting in particular – then this is an MMOG with real promise, one that not only inherits mechanics from its source material, but also seeks to improve upon them.

    Tuesday - April 16, 2013

    Elder Scrolls Online - Trailer Shows Ogrim

    by Couchpotato, 01:53

    PCGamesN brings news that ZenimaxOnlineStudios has revealed a new trailer for its MMO. The Ogrim monsters were first seen back in Morrowind.

    The Ogrim’s rotund, scaly form and jolly, physics-enabled gut may look like the unique result of Zenimax Online’s sanded-down-and-stylised take on the Elder Scrolls monster manual, but there’s actually a good chance you’ve met him before.

    Monday - April 15, 2013

    Elderscrolls Online - Footage Leaked

    by Couchpotato, 08:16

    A video has turned up online showing almost 20 minutes of The Elder Scrolls Online, presumably captured from a recent beta event. It demonstrates the character creator, dialogue, and the player dashing about a sandy environment, fighting wolves and doing emotes.

    Zenimax has shut down multiple YouTube mirrors and will no doubt continue to do so, so check out this alternate embed quickly before it also vanishes. Also before anyone says we dont cover MMO's this one is an exception.Tongue out

     

     

    Information about

    Elder Scrolls Online

    Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios

    SP/MP: Single + MP
    Setting: Fantasy
    Genre: MMORPG
    Combat: Real-time
    Play-time: Unlimited
    Voice-acting: Full

    Regions & platforms
    Unknown
    · Homepage
    · Platform: PC
    · Released: 2014-04-04
    · Publisher: ZeniMax Online Studios