The Elder Scrolls Online

Rescorla_sl

shitlord
2,233
0
Good news as far as I'm concerned. My son wanted to play this on his Xbox but I wasn't going to let him buy it if a monthly subscription was required. With school and sports he doesn't play much on his Xbox anyways and when he does play he spends most of his time on CoD. TESO would be something he only played once in a while and not worth the sub.

The official forums are getting flooded with the sky is falling doom and gloomers proclaiming going B2P will ruin the community and cause the game to end up Pay to Win. It seems to me ZOS is pretty much copying the SWTOR FTP model and I never got those negative impressions about the SWTOR community after it went F2P. The community of every MMORPG I have played seems to pretty much always have a wide variety of player demographics and there isn't a noticeable difference with the behavior of the community.
 

spronk

FPS noob
22,703
25,833
kinda weak pc players won't play alongside console players (i know i know microsoft rules) that was a pretty cool thing about ff14, only a single backend database so you could login with whatever system and just play your character. sounds like the PC servers will be totally different from console ones

For $20, eligible PC and Mac players will have the option to add a full, digital version of ESO on either the PS4 or the Xbox One with your character transfer(s), and another 30 days of included game time.

also sounds like there really isn't much incentive to play now on pc and switch to console later, other than being a max level i guess at launch and pwning noobs

swtor fans were all up in arms about f2p but i guess it ended up ok, probably be an annoying cunt of a game with constant "hey... you wanna upgrade to ESO Plus? Its gud!" shit everywhere, but probably still relatively easy to play for free for casuals. I wonder if you sub for one month if you'd get all the "DLCs" forever, whatever the fuck that means, or if they get yanked when your sub expires.
 

moontayle

Golden Squire
4,302
165
I'm less sure that the F2P conversion saved SWTOR as much as the addition of the Cartel Market. It's a sub game with a F2P option, not the other way around, which is worlds apart in their approach. People bitch about the F2P implementation even now (2+ years after the fact), and the fact that nothing has changed concerning it since then shows you how much value EA and Bioware find in it. The Cartel Market, on the other hand, sees constant updates.

Will be interesting to see what value a sub brings to the game, as well as their approach to the market.
 

Vitality

HUSTLE
5,808
30
How bad is being able to pay $20 to dupe your character onto a fresh xbox server? I can't really tell.
 

Tearofsoul

Ancient MMO noob
1,791
1,256
tbh, I would def go back to play the shit out of this game if it is B2P like GW2/TSW or F2P like PS2. But I would NOT get anywhere near if it goes "F2P" like SWTOR, no fucking way.
 

Rescorla_sl

shitlord
2,233
0
tbh, I would def go back to play the shit out of this game if it is B2P like GW2/TSW or F2P like PS2. But I would NOT get anywhere near if it goes "F2P" like SWTOR, no fucking way.
What is wrong with the SWTOR model? I always maintained a monthly sub to SWTOR after it went F2P so I rarely even noticed it. I also never paid any extra money for Cartel coins. Only time I ever spent them was when Galaxtic Starfighter came out and some ships could be bought with cartel coins.
 

Tearofsoul

Ancient MMO noob
1,791
1,256
What is wrong with the SWTOR model? I always maintained a monthly sub to SWTOR after it went F2P so I rarely even noticed it. I also never paid any extra money for Cartel coins. Only time I ever spent them was when Galaxtic Starfighter came out and some ships could be bought with cartel coins.
Because it is really not F2P at all, there are restrictions EVERYWHERE. On the other hand, F2P like Planetside2 is real F2P.
 

Blackwulf

N00b
999
18
Answers most questions:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When will The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited be available?
We plan to have The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited available on PC and Mac on March 17, 2015 and on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on June 9, 2015.

Will a monthly subscription be required to play The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. After the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, the only requirement to play will be a copy of the game, an internet connection, and a valid game account.

I've already purchased The Elder Scrolls Online on PC/Mac. Do I need to buy a new copy of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. Your game will be automatically updated to the new edition. If you have a game account, either open or previously closed, simply log in, patch the client, and begin playing.

I canceled my subscription to The Elder Scrolls Online. Can I return and play the game at no additional charge?
Yes. At the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited you can simply log-in with your UserID and password to access the game and receive your allotment of complimentary crowns. If you need help recovering your UserID or password, please click on the "Forgot UserID?" or "Forgot Password?" links on your account page.

What restrictions are being placed on the game and players now that subscriptions are no longer required to play?
None. The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited is the full version of the game, with all previous updates and content additions, including the new Champion and Justice systems.

Will I need to be an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus member in order to play the console versions?
Yes. As with any standard multiplayer game on these platforms, an internet connection and an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus membership will be required to play.

I have pre-ordered The Elder Scrolls Online for PS4 or Xbox One already. Do I have to cancel this and pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. Pre-orders for The Elder Scrolls Online will automatically transition to The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. Please check with your pre-order partner/retailer should you have questions about your pre-order.

What is ESO Plus?
ESO Plus is an optional premium membership offered to players with the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. ESO Plus memberships will be offered in 30-, 90-, and 180-day durations.

What are the benefits of ESO Plus membership?
ESO Plus offers members exclusive in-game bonuses, a reoccurring allotment of crowns and access to all downloadable content (DLC) game packs for the duration of membership.
Membership Duration
30-day
1500 crowns at the start of each 30-day membership period
Access to all downloadable content for the duration of membership
Exclusive character progression bonuses for the duration of membership
10% bonus to experience point gain
10% bonus to crafting research
10% bonus to crafting inspiration gain
10% bonus to gold acquisition
90-day
4500 crowns at the start of each 90-day membership period
Access to all downloadable content for the duration of membership
Exclusive character progression bonuses for the duration of membership
10% bonus to experience point gain
10% bonus to crafting research
10% bonus to crafting inspiration gain
10% bonus to gold acquisition
180-day
9000 crowns at the start of each 180-day membership period
Access to all downloadable content for the duration of membership
Exclusive character progression bonuses for the duration of membership
10% bonus to experience point gain
10% bonus to crafting research
10% bonus to crafting inspiration gain
10% bonus to gold acquisition

I am a current subscriber to The Elder Scrolls Online and my subscription will be active when the game transitions to The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. What happens to my subscription?
The remaining subscription time will automatically transition to ESO Plus membership. You will receive the applicable allotment of crowns as described above. No refunds will be offered on existing subscriptions.

I have recurring billing setup for my subscription. Do I need to change this for ESO Plus membership?
No. You don't need to do anything - your account will automatically transition to ESO Plus with recurring billing active. If you do not wish to keep recurring billing, you may change this option in your account page.

I do not have recurring billing setup for my subscription and do not intend to renew. What happens during the transition?
The remaining subscription time will automatically transition to an ESO Plus membership for the remainder of your subscription time. Even if you only have a portion of subscription time, you will receive the applicable allotment of crowns as described above. No refunds will be offered on existing subscriptions.

If I cancel my subscription less than 30 days before the ESO Plus transition, can I still access the game?
Yes. Even if you cancel, if your remaining subscription time overlaps with the introduction of ESO Plus, you'll receive the full benefits of membership for the remaining portion of your subscription time, including the applicable allotment of crowns as described above.

Will I need to purchase an ESO Plus membership to play the game after the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. There is no membership requirement to play the game.

Will The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited come with 30 days of ESO Plus membership free with purchase?
No. However, new game accounts will receive 500 complimentary crowns to spend in the Crown Store.

What happens if I apply unused game time cards after the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited and the transition to ESO Plus?
Any game time cards applied to an account after the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited will add the equivalent duration of ESO Plus membership to an account.

What happens to my crowns and inventory if my ESO Plus membership should lapse?
If your membership ends, you will keep all crowns, items and rewards in your inventory at the time of termination.

What is the Crown Store and what can I buy?
The Crown Store is an in-game shop that allows you to buy convenience and customization items for your characters, as well as services and content.

Will I be required to buy anything from the Crown Store to play the game?
No. All items in the Crown Store are completely optional and are meant to enhance your game play experience. They are not required to play or compete in the game.

What are crowns?
Crowns are a new "virtual currency" being introduced with the release of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. They can be used to purchase in-game items, services and content via the Crown Store interface in the game. Crowns are available for purchase separately and are included as part of an ESO Plus membership.
When you purchase crowns, you receive a license to use them in the game; therefore, they are not sellable, tradable, or usable outside of the game. Please see the Terms of Service for additional information regarding the terms and conditions applicable to virtual currency.*

How do I get crowns?
There are several ways to get crowns:
As a new player: New players will be given a one-time gift of 500 crowns for buying the game and creating a game account.
As a current subscriber: If you are an active subscriber when The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited launches, you will receive 500 crowns for having a game account, plus 100 crowns for each 30-day period you have been an active subscriber. In addition, you'll be automatically enrolled in ESO Plus for the remainder of your subscription period. You'll receive the full benefits of membership, and 1500 crowns for each 30-day period remaining on your subscription. For example, if you have 30 days or less remaining, you will receive 1500 crowns. If you have between 30 and 60 days remaining, you will receive 3000 crowns. 60 to 90 days, 4500 crowns.
As a returning player: If you've previously played The Elder Scrolls Online, but are no longer a subscriber, you'll receive 500 crowns when you log in for having a game account, plus 100 crowns for each 30-day period you were a subscriber.
Purchase Crown Packs: PC/Mac players will be able to purchase crown packs fromThe Elder Scrolls Online store. Console players will be able to purchase crowns via the Xbox Live or PSN stores.

Will everything be purchased with crowns now? What happens to gold I have in the game?
You will keep and use gold as you always have in the game. Gold is still the main currency you'll use in transactions with NPCs and other players. Crowns allow you to purchase convenience and customization items (such as pets and mounts) and to access content offered in the in-game Crown Store.

Can I transfer crowns to a friend?
No. Crowns cannot be transferred to other players.

Can I transfer, sell or gift items or content purchases from the Crown Store to other players?
No. Items purchased with crowns are used exclusively by the account holder.

Can I get a refund for unused crowns?
No. Crowns are non-refundable and not redeemable for cash.

Can I use crowns in a different game or outside of the game?
No. Crowns cannot be transferred to other games and have no value outside of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.

Do my crowns and purchased items come with me if I switch megaservers?
For PC and Mac players able to play on either the North America or European megaservers, crowns carry over from one server to the other. However, all items purchased via the Crown Store are only available on the server where they were purchased. For example, if you buy a pet on the North American megaserver, it will only be available when playing on the North American megaserver. If you want the pet to be available when playing on the European megaserver, you will need to purchase that pet on the European server. Console players are automatically assigned to the megaserver in their respective home territory and are not able to switch.

Does purchased downloadable content (DLC) come with me if I switch megaservers?
No. DLC purchased in the Crown Store is only available on the megaserver where it was purchased. (For example, if you buy DLC on the North American megaserver, it will only be available when playing on the North American megaserver.)

What is downloadable content (also known as DLC)?
DLC for The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited consists of game packs with optional adventuring content (zones, quests, etc.) added to the game to enhance your game play experience should you choose. It is not required.

How can I get this downloadable content?
DLC will be available for purchase in the Crown Store on an a la carte basis. DLC purchased on an a la carte basis will be available to you for as long as The Elder Scrolls Online is available. Members of ESO Plus will receive complimentary access to all DLC game packs for the duration of their membership.

Do I lose all items and rewards earned from DLC if my ESO Plus membership ends?
No. You will lose access to the DLC areas and quests should your membership lapse (unless you purchase the DLC separately in the Crown Store), but you will keep all items and rewards earned through the content.
 

Tuco

I got Tuco'd!
<Gold Donor>
45,485
73,570
If you want to 'play the shit out of' a game, I don't get the hesitation to pay a monthly fee. I can understand wanting to log in a few times a week or even month to play with some people and not wanting to pay $15, but if you're playing 20hr/week, that $15 is inconsequential.
 

bayr_sl

shitlord
715
0
$15 isn't much but given the relative quality of today's f2p and subscription games you really have to prove the value of that recurring fee, and they basically all fail to do that. Even with WoW I struggle to see where the $15 of value is that I'm getting, it's certainly not in new content
 

Rescorla_sl

shitlord
2,233
0
Why the hell is this taking so long to get onto consoles?
I assume because the PC version will need to have the new B2P pay model and cash shop in place and stable before the console version is released.

Another assumption is that version 1.7 will include Cyrodil city PVP content as well as the final conversion from veteran rank to champion point system. My guess is the console version won't release until the 1.7 patch goes live.
 

Vitality

HUSTLE
5,808
30
I assume because the PC version will need to have the new B2P pay model and cash shop in place and stable before the console version is released.

Another assumption is that version 1.7 will include Cyrodil city PVP content as well as the final conversion from veteran rank to champion point system. My guess is the console version won't release until the 1.7 patch goes live.
Inside information

Resco, do you think this game is worth coming back to after they make the switch? Some friends of mine are trying to hype me up.

Am I going to get pooped on by dk talon spam?
 

Blackwulf

N00b
999
18
I assume because the PC version will need to have the new B2P pay model and cash shop in place and stable before the console version is released.

Another assumption is that version 1.7 will include Cyrodil city PVP content as well as the final conversion from veteran rank to champion point system. My guess is the console version won't release until the 1.7 patch goes live.
I basically agree. They are waiting for fully implemented champion system/justice system. This will make the console game play a lot like Skyrim. It's going to sell gang busters. Yes, lol, we just beta tested the console game for the last year, and we paid to do it. Oh well, I've had a lot of fun, and I'm okay with B2P as long as it's kept pretty classy (limited to no pay-to-win).
 

Vitality

HUSTLE
5,808
30
I basically agree. They are waiting for fully implemented champion system/justice system. This will make the console game play a lot like Skyrim. It's going to sell gang busters. Yes, lol, we just beta tested the console game for the last year, and we paid to do it. Oh well, I've had a lot of fun, and I'm okay with B2P as long as it's kept pretty classy (limited to no pay-to-win).
You fine with them gating higher tiers of content behind pay-wall DLC's? Does that fit under your classy criteria?

I'm not sure how I feel about that tbh, never been a fan of DLC's. Not even in GW1

I'm fine with them letting me put spinners on my horse though. I ate that shit up in Planetside 2. My sunderer is stacked.
 

Blackwulf

N00b
999
18
I can't tell if I should take you two serious
Like how? If you think I'm making shit up about how update 1.6 (and probably 1.7 and 1.8 by the time consoles drop) affects the game, just read the patch notes when the drop. 1.6 is coming to PTS next week, so you'll have 60+ pages of notes to peruse.

Watch the stream from todayTwitch- it gives a lot of details and shows the console version in action. I'm pretty sure a lot of console gamers are gonna buy this shit.
 

Blackwulf

N00b
999
18
You fine with them gating higher tiers of content behind pay-wall DLC's? Does that fit under your classy criteria?

I'm not sure how I feel about that tbh, never been a fan of DLC's. Not even in GW1

I'm fine with them letting me put spinners on my horse though. I ate that shit up in Planetside 2. My sunderer is stacked.
Well, I'm gonna keep my sub, because of the perks you get, so I'm going to have access to all the DLC anyway. I think console people are used to paying for DLC now and then, so I don't think that'll be too much an issue.