There were rumours that Bethesda and Zenimax were developing an Elder Scrolls Online MMO, and the game was finally unveiled by GameInformer yesterday. You can check out the scans over here; unfortunately we cannot post them here, as they’re not allowed (obviously).
We have plenty of new details from the magazine, which will not only give confidence to gamers that an excellent game is being crafted, but also clear some of the doubts they may have. The game was in development since 2007 and there are 250 people working on it.
The main pitch of the game is this: “This time, saving the world from the awakening of ancient evil is only the beginning. What happens when hundreds or thousands of prophesied heroes all think that they should be Emperor?”
“We’ve really got to create a compelling game first,” creative director Paul Sage explains.
“It needs to be comfortable for people who are coming in from a typical massively multiplayer game that has the same control mechanisms, but it also has to appeal to Skyrim players. You want to hit those touchstones, but more important than that, you’ve got to create an experience that’s unique and fun.”
The game runs on the HeroEngine, so you’d know what to expect graphically considering SW: TOR ran on the same engine. The game will feature a 3rd-person camera (d’uh) and is fully voiced.
There are plenty of towns in the game as well: Imperial City, Windhelm, Daggerfall, Sentinel, Mournhold, Ebonheart, Elden Root, Shornhelm, Evermore, Riften and more — and most ES fans should be aware of these names.
Unfortunately, there won’t be any dragons, but there will be mounts in the game, and not of flying variety — well you can’t have all the good things, can you? You can also say goodbye to player housing and in-game romances/marriages.
There are three factions in the game:
- Ebonheart Pact: The Nords, Dunmer, and Argoninans
- Aldmeri Dominion: Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajit
- Daggerfall Covenant: Bretons, Redguard, and Orcs
The game uses a hubless design, and the reason for this according to the game designers was: “Recreating the freedom Elder Scrolls players expect within the World of Warcraft-style mechanics Zenimax Online is using for this MMO would be impossible without changing the way that players interact with the world.”
Of course, there will be a lot of leveling mechanics for each faction and it is said that it will take you approx. 120 hours to hit the level cap. Not bad, I’d say.
The game also features a three faction PvP and they are also adding a balanced version for people who prefer eSports. They are also trying to build a competent AI which will react to your every move and will be aggressive.
The Stamina bar is the key here with which you can sprint, block, interrupt, and break incapacitating effects and there will also be a healing mechanic in the game.
The article will be updated as we get more information on the game, so stay tuned and tell us what you think in the comments section below. You can check out the GameInformer cover here in case you missed it.