A look back at ten years of The Elder Scrolls Online
, by Quentin
This game is the dream of many fans of The Elder Scrolls universe! Who hasn't felt lonely wandering through the lands of Morrowind, Oblivion or Skyrim? If you really enjoy the franchise, you'll understand what we mean. Of course, Bethesda's work tends to be that of an impressive single-player adventure, full of twists and turns, but sometimes you end up feeling alone in front of your controller, thinking that you would enjoy the game even more with a friend. This is exactly what The Elder Scrolls Online has been offering since April 2014. Let's take a look back at such an incredible experience, which has weathered many stroms before becoming the magnum opus of the genre it is today.
From the first rumours to the big public reveal
It was back in 2007 that Bethesda Softworks started the ball rolling by registering the domain name elderscrollsonline.com. The name could not have been more explicit, leaving no doubt about the nature of their ambitions. ZeniMax Online Studios was also founded the same year. Following this, the publisher does the same in 2009 by registering many other domains connected to the title, probably to prevent someone registering them and then trying to sell it.
We've finally reached March 2012, and while an official announcement has yet to come, there's plenty of rumours about. Media outlets like Tom's Guide even claim that three anonymous sources have confirmed that an announcement from Bethesda itself is imminent.
And it's indeed the case, since in May 2012, the company announced that they had been working on the project for five years, and that The Elder Scrolls Online was real. What's more, it is said that Tamriel will have several zones to explore, and that fans will get to choose between three factions and enjoy a little PvP action.
Following on from this, the developers will be unveiling a wealth of information and images throughout the year, most notably at E3. The release date was set for 2013, but the publisher changed its mind, insisting on a simultaneous release on PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The game was delayed to spring 2014, a period they are partly respecting. In fact, the game will initially only be released on PC and Mac. To play it on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, you'll have to wait until June 2015.
A divisive launch that struggles to meet expectations
Once available, The Elder Scrolls Online gets a fair share of criticism, particularly concerning the decision to market the game at full price and still require a monthly fee of around $15. It's a decision that both Bethesda Softwork and ZeniMax Online Studios will support, stating that it's the right decision.
They will argue that, with thois investment, they'll be able tu support the game with plenty of varied content, as well as lots of PvE and PvP. But it doesn't stop there, as the game is filled to the brim with bugs, some of which disrupt the game's economy.
For example, in the first weeks after launch, you could use a bug to duplicate items at will from the bank, which led to the devs closing guild banks for a while in order to solve the problem.
However, here's some good news: The Elder Scrolls stops being sub-based as of March 17, 2015.
From now on, all you have to do is buy the game to enjoy it, without having to pay a cent for it. And as for those wishing to get a few extras and crowns (the game's premium currency), the publisher announced a service called ESO Plus.
DLC and Expansions, the recipe for an eternal game
We can say many things about Bethesda Softworks, but we have to admit they persevere. When they support a project, it's usually to the very end, and that's what they're going for with The Elder Scrolls Online, which will get plenty of DLC and even expansions.
First, we have Morrowind in 2017, which adds the island of Vvardenfell and the Guardian class. Next, Summerset, which adds with the Archipelago of the Sunset and the homeland of the High Elves, released in 2018. Elsweyr follows, adding the province of the same name, the homeland of the Khajiits, as well as the Necromancer class, in 2019.
Then there's Greymoor in 2020, which comes with Western Skyrim and a new system. Blackwood adds, well, Blackwood, as well as the possibility of having companions at your side, in 2021. High Isle, with its High Isle and Amenos regions, and its Tales of Glory card game, directly implemented in The Elder Scrolls Online, in 2022. Finally, Necrom adds the Telvanni Peninsula and Apocrypha regions, as well as the Arcanist class, in 2023.
And that's without talking a whole series of DLC adding dungeons, quests and lots of content.
Ten years on, Bethesda's MMORPG lives on
Who could have predicted that ten years on, we'd still be talking about it, or better still, playing it for over 24 million gamers worldwide. To celebrate this first decade of existence, Bethesda is throwing a party.
We're treated to the prologue quest of the Gold Road expansion, due to arrive in June 2024. In addition to this, there will be events all over the world, including in Germany, Japan, China and Australia.
So... will the game last another 10 years? We'll see.