The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim dominated the gaming community last fall when it released to critical praise and a plethora of awards -nothing new for the open-world RPG series. But long before Skyrim even released, rumors and speculation pointed towards the idea of it potentially being the first game in the series to include multiplayer, as an MMO no less.
While that didn't happen obviously, Bethesda's Todd Howard, Pete Hines and other reps never dismissed the idea of taking The Elder Scrolls into the online realm, going so far as to say it's something that interests them and that it's something they could do. Well, they have.
According to Howard, multiplayer in The Elder Scrolls has always been one of their "two most requested features" (the other being dragons which they brought to Skyrim). Back in March, Tom's Guide shared a rumor that not only was ZeniMax working on an MMO for the series but that they'd reveal it in March. It sounded crazy to do it so soon, only months after Skyrim released when it usually takes years between installments to announce the successor, but they were 100% right.
Game Informer just revealed their June cover issue and featured is The Elder Scrolls Online. Details are limited at this time but where is confirmed via the announcement:
- Developed by Zenimax Online Studios.
- Includes the entire continent of Tamriel (all provinces).
- Takes place a millennium before the events of Skyrim, where daedric prince Molag Bal is screwing with the world.
- Features solo questing, public dungeons.
- PVP with three player factions that can engage in "open-world warfare."
- Developed for PC & Mac.
Tomorrow the story will be followed up with a teaser trailer and the first The Elder Scrolls Online in-game screenshot.
Game director Matt Firor had this to say along with the announcement:
"It will be extremely rewarding finally to unveil what we have been developing the last several years. The entire team is committed to creating the best MMO ever made — and one that is worthy of The Elder Scrolls franchise."
For an interesting read on the series adding multiplayer, check out our examination of The Elder Scrolls multiplayer potential from December 2010. We wonder how detailed each province will be compared the the size and scope of Skyrim and the literal unlimited amount of questing it offered. Doing that with friends sounds like a win if the gameplay isn't the typical turn-based clicker like most fantasy MMOs.
We're also very curious as to what model the game will employ. Will Zenimax/Bethesda go with the old school subscription fees or will they employ the more popular free-to-play model with microtransactions and such? Is there any chance of it showing up on next-gen consoles?
So many questions. Excited?
The Elder Scrolls Online is being developed for PC & Mac.
-
Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes to discuss.
Source: Game Informer