Bethesda have announced that The Elder Scrolls Online will be coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on June 9th and that it will also be going subscription free after you make a one time purchase from March 17th on PC and Mac. Console gamers will be able to enjoy the subscription free post-purchase method of play following the games June launch date.
The game is being re-branded as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited and any players on the PC or Mac platforms will be upgraded to the Tamriel Unlimited edition automatically in March. Many writers and critics in the gaming space, myself included, have all predicted that ESO would quickly turn free to play, though it as obvious that the game would follow the Guild Wars 2 model of a one time purchase.
Bethesda are also offering players the “ESO Plus” option which will require a monthly payment to enjoy a premium membership. This membership offers gamers access to exclusive in game bonuses and will also net you a monthly allotment of crowns to use in the store. You will also get access to all of the DLC game packs, though only as long as you remain a member. Any gamers with an ongoing subscription will automatically be granted the ESO Plus membership and all of the relevant accompaniments.
Matt Firor, ESO Game Director, spoke on the matter via press release, saying “Our fans are our biggest inspiration, and we’ve listened to their feedback on the entertainment experience they want. We know that Elder Scrolls fans want choice when it comes to how they play and how they pay, and that is what they will get. We have made numerous changes to the game over the past year, and are confident this is a game that Elder Scrolls fans will love to play.”
We all seen this coming and it’s likely going to please many and infuriate many others. What are your thoughts on it? Shout out in the comments section below.