The Elder Scrolls Online
News, coverage and analysis tracking The Elder Scrolls Online across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Elder Scrolls Online’s rumors system offers ‘an old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience’
The Elder Scrolls Online is introducing a new 'rumor system' on September 28th, designed to offer a less guided, 'old-school questing and narrative scavenger hunt experience.' This system categorizes quests into Whispers, Plots, and Conspiracies, with increasing difficulty and requiring players to connect clues without extensive UI guidance.
Guild Wars 3 dev wants you to be able to take a break for months at a time and know you're "not going to be left behind"
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre is still thriving and that Guild Wars 3 aims to address common player concerns about time commitment. He emphasizes the need for games to allow meaningful progress in short sessions and for players to be able to take extended breaks without falling behind.
Elder Scrolls Online previews the puzzle rooms and replayability of its upcoming Nowhere Vault
The Elder Scrolls Online is set to introduce new puzzle rooms and replayable features with its upcoming Nowhere Vault content. Devs promise challenges that test wit, mobility, stealth, and awareness, alongside randomly generated elements like treasures, rooms, and encounters.
The MOP Up: Elder Scrolls Online invites you to vote on its features
The Elder Scrolls Online has launched new Feature Upvote dashboards, allowing players to submit ideas, provide feedback, and report bugs to the development team. This initiative follows a successful beta period and aims to involve the community in game improvements. The article also rounds up other smaller MMO news, including updates for Farm Together 2, ARC Raiders, For Honor, DC Universe Online, World of Warships, Wartales, Meccha Chameleon, Hearthstone, Crossout, Arena Breakout, and Trove.
Skyrim Co-Lead Thought Bethesda Would Start The Elder Scrolls 6 Development Right After Fallout 4
Former Skyrim co-lead Kurt Kuhlmann revealed that many at Bethesda expected to begin development on The Elder Scrolls 6 immediately after Fallout 4, but the studio instead focused on Fallout 76 and the new IP Starfield. Kuhlmann expressed that the decision to prioritize Starfield, described by Todd Howard as his 'dream game,' was a surprise to many developers who would have preferred to work on The Elder Scrolls 6.
MMO Week in Review: Joy of movement
This week's MMO news roundup covers a preview of Guild Wars 3's combat and movement, with ArenaNet's Colin Johanson taking on the game's direction. Other news includes Xbox's cloud gaming plans, Aion 2 lacking an Oceania server, Elder Scrolls Online's roadmap, and rumors of a StarCraft successor from Nexon and Blizzard.
MMOs Have “Stagnated,” Guild Wars 3 Studio Head Says
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre has stagnated, with many players still engaging with games over a decade old. He aims for Guild Wars 3 to introduce "wild, crazy ideas" to revitalize the genre by addressing approachability and respecting players' time, offering a less demanding experience than traditional MMOs.
Perfect Ten: Revisiting the winners of our last 10 underrated MMORPG awards
This article revisits the winners of the last 10 years of "underrated MMORPG" awards, offering retrospective thoughts on each choice. While some picks like Project Gorgon and Final Fantasy XIV are celebrated, others like Elyon are noted for their short lifespan, and New World's inclusion is bittersweet due to Amazon's decision to sunset the game.
Elder Scrolls Online shares a peek at its Warden refresh, which is still on track for 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios has provided an update on the planned refresh for the Warden class in The Elder Scrolls Online, confirming it is still on track for a 2027 release. The refresh aims to preserve the class's core identity while addressing visual elements and skill line issues, with new abilities and visual updates shown. The studio also announced that Templar changes will follow the Warden refresh, shifting from the previously planned Sorcerer update.
The Elder Scrolls Online looks forward to its next update at the end of September in its new survival guide
The Elder Scrolls Online has released its survival guide for September, detailing that most of the month will be quiet until Update 51 launches on September 28th. This update will introduce new challenges, improvements, a Rumors System, and the Nowhere Vault. The end of September also brings the Golden Pursuits campaign and the High Seas of Tamriel event.
Bethesda Is Giving Away Free Copies of The Elder Scrolls Online with This New Fantasy Novel
Bethesda is offering a free PC copy of The Elder Scrolls Online and an exclusive in-game pet with purchases of Travis Baldree's new fantasy novel, 'Brigands & Breadknives'. This promotion applies to paperback copies of the novel.
'We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs': Bethesda artist says 'something has changed' under Microsoft
Bethesda artist Alex Nguyen stated that yearly layoffs have become a norm under Microsoft's ownership, contrasting with the studio's past. He highlighted the erosion of institutional knowledge and the impact on long-term commitment among staff. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about corporate greed and job security, with Microsoft also implementing significant job cuts in its gaming divisions.
One Shots: Dogs and cats, mass hysteria!
This week's "One Shots" feature highlights community screenshots from various MMOs, including The Elder Scrolls Online, Guild Wars 2, and The Secret World. Players shared humorous and striking in-game moments, with one player noting the incorporation of "Dogs Playing Poker" into The Elder Scrolls Online's questline. The article encourages readers to share their own virtual vacation screenshots.
WRUP: This is where the fish lives edition
The Massively OP staff and community share their weekend gaming plans. Brianna Royce will check out Stars Reach and City of Heroes, Chris Neal is playing Palworld, Eliot Lefebvre anticipates updates for Final Fantasy XIV and Warframe, Sam Kash plans to play Guild Wars Reforged and Gloria Victis, and Tyler Edwards is catching up in World of Warcraft. Pierre is returning to Final Fantasy XIV and replaying A Plague Tale: Innocence in anticipation of A Plague Tale: Requiem.
Betawatch: Stars Reach hits early access stumbles and Guild Wars 3 outlines its Kodan details
This week's Betawatch covers the early access launch of Stars Reach, with developer Raph Koster apologizing for initial issues. Guild Wars 3 has also detailed its playable Kodan, while City of Heroes and Stormforge have received updates. The roundup includes news on numerous other MMOs in various testing phases, including Aero Tales Online, Elder Scrolls Online, and Aloft.
The Elder Scrolls Online revives the free trial for its subscription membership through August 27
The Elder Scrolls Online is offering a free trial for its optional ESO Plus subscription membership until August 27th. The trial grants access to all DLC packs, the crafting bag, increased bank space, and other benefits, though it excludes the usual crown stipend and companions from recent chapters.
Storyboard: What makes MMO gamers connect with some NPCs but not others?
This column discusses what makes players connect with non-player characters (NPCs) in MMORPGs, arguing that relatable human traits and sympathetic introductions are more effective than simply showcasing a character's coolness. It uses examples from World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and The Elder Scrolls Online to illustrate how flawed or relatable characters foster stronger player engagement than those initially presented as perfect or overly powerful.
"Without us, Bethesda games aren’t Bethesda games": Rallies against Microsoft layoffs at Elder Scrolls studio continue, with unionised devs' morale "on the upswing"
Unionized developers at Bethesda Softworks continue to rally against Microsoft's recent layoffs, which have impacted staff across Xbox Game Studios. Developers express concern over the company's handling of the reductions in force and the effect on game development timelines for titles like The Elder Scrolls 6. Despite low morale regarding work, there is optimism about the ongoing union organizing efforts.
Bethesda Layoffs Were Rare Before Acquisition by Microsoft, Says Developer
A lead character artist at Bethesda, Alex Nguyen, stated that layoffs were rare at the studio before its acquisition by Microsoft. Since the acquisition, however, the studio has experienced yearly layoffs, impacting employees on the ground rather than just management. This shift has led to protests and concerns about employee morale and the impact on game development.
Elder Scrolls Online begins testing its solo-friendly revamp of two 2018 DLC dungeons
The Elder Scrolls Online is testing a revamp of two 2018 DLC dungeons, Moon Hunter Keep and March of Sacrifices, for solo play. These redesigned dungeons will be available in the fall as part of update 51 and season 2. ZeniMax Online Studios is encouraging players to test the solo-friendly versions on the Public Test Server.
