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The Elder Scrolls Online answers your launch questions in advance
Are you ready for the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online? The earliest access starts in just five days. But if you've got the five-day headstart, when can you actually log in? When can you first enter the game on launch day? The answer, as outlined in the new launch FAQ on the site, is 7:00 a.m. EDT on March 30th for 5-day early access, 7:00 a.m. EDT on April 1st for 3-day early access, and 7:00 p.m. EDT on April 4th for the full launch. There's more useful information in the launch FAQ, as well. Beta participants will not need to re-download the client, and the full retail patch can be downloaded as early as March 27th. You will be able to upgrade to the game's Imperial Edition following the launch, but the Explorer's Pack requires a pre-order. For any other questions you might have, take a gander at the full FAQ to make sure you're ready to go when the servers open up.
Elder Scrolls Online recaps pre-launch AMA
The Elder Scrolls Online team has posted a summary of its recent AMA with the most germane questions and answers fans have prior to the game's launch. Among the topics discussed was the choice of going to the starter islands, promised support for roleplayers, and the implementation of tabards and insignias for guild representation. PvPers will be relieved to know that ZeniMax is adding population bonuses for underpopulated alliances and hopes that the two underperforming teams will ally against the leader. The team also addressed several progress-blocking bugs from the recent beta test: "We did find three underlying issues that affected a large number of quests that are exposed when many people are in the same area. We have fixed all three of those underlying issues."
Elder Scrolls early access starts this Sunday at the crack of dawn
If you're looking to log into The Elder Scrolls Online's early access period as soon as humanly possibly, prepare to get up at the crack of dawn this Sunday. A Reddit user has posted ZeniMax's schedule for the five-day jump (beginning at 7:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday, March 30th), the three-day head start (7:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 1st), and the wide release (7:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 3rd). Note that these dates and times are for PC players. ESO's console versions will launch in June.
New Elder Scrolls Online API changes affect UI mods; devs post an AMA
Modding and The Elder Scrolls series have long been a match made in gamer heaven, but ZeniMax's latest API changes to The Elder Scrolls Online has the fantasy MMO's modding community up in arms. In a nutshell, the new version of the API removes the ability to track what others are doing to your avatar. You'll still see various effects, but you'll no longer see which spell was cast. The impetus behind the changes seems to be to level the playing field between those using the standard UI and those using add-ons like Foundry Tactical Combat. [Thanks Andre!] [Update: Tipster Vinicius let us know that the ESO team has also posted a fresh Ask Me Anything on Reddit. The devs discuss beta wipes, load capacity, bug fixes, and more.]
Leaderboard: ArcheAge vs. ESO vs. WildStar... Fight!
Now that Trion has confirmed a 2014 launch date for ArcheAge, my excitement level for this year's crop of triple-A MMORPGs is on the rise. I've been warming to The Elder Scrolls Online in recent weeks, and hell, I may even play WildStar. All three of these games are timesinks, though, so I'm glad that they're not releasing one on top of the other. What about you, Massively readers? Are you excited for all three of 2014's triple-A launches? Which one will you play the most? Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Elder Scrolls Online's crafting is as easy or complex as you want it to be
Elder Scrolls Online's crafting was designed for all types of players in mind, ZeniMax posted in an article today. In the piece, the studio gave an overview of the system along with several helpful tips for newbie crafters. "We want you to be able to get something out of crafting even if you aren't making it your character's focus," the studio said. "And, conversely, if you want to invest a lot of time and effort, we want the rewards to be worthwhile." ZeniMax designed Provisioning for casual crafters, Enchanting and Alchemy for mid-core crafters, and Smithing for hardcore crafters. Players can choose as few or many of these to pursue as they wish, but the studio said that there will still be "interesting choices" while players are picking traits and doing the actual crafting. There are several more tips and facts in this article, including the confirmation of "secret crafting stations" hidden in the game that can bestow powerful bonuses.
Tamriel Infinium: Five essential Elder Scrolls Online addons
The Elder Scrolls series is known for its mods and addons, and Elder Scrolls Online is no exception. Although we will likely not see the appearance modifications found in Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim, we will see UI addons that help with grouping, dungeon crawling, and even roleplaying. In fact, modding is so essential to the Elder Scrolls franchise that Curse announced it was opening its own site featuring Elder Scrolls Online addons, and ZAM launched its ESO addons website a few weeks ago. I've been keeping an eye on these addons as they begin to take off. As you would expect, initially the pickings were slim. However, over the last few weeks with the beta weekends, the ongoing beta, and the NDA drop, we have seen these addons grow exponentially to the point that I think some of these modifications are required to properly enjoy the game. Today, I will list some of the addons that I think are necessary before you even start playing the Elder Scrolls Online. Although modders Wykkyd and WarLegend lead the pack, there are plenty of lesser-known mods you might want to look at. Here are my top five mods for the Elder Scrolls Online.
The Daily Grind: Do you put any stock in pre-release dev quotes?
This past week saw a couple of interesting developer quotes surface regarding ArcheAge and The Elder Scrolls Online. I don't know about you guys, but I filed them away for future reference, both because I'm cynical and because the topics covered are high on my personal pucker factor list. First up was ESO's Matt Firor, who stated that his game will deliver a "polished, lag-free launch experience." Then it was Trion's Evan Berman, who said that ArcheAge's "earned and crafted items are objectively superior" to what will be on offer in the title's western cash shop. I'd like to believe both of those quotes, naturally, but I didn't start playing MMOs yesterday. What about you, Massively readers? Do you put any stock in pre-release developer promises? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Elder Scrolls Online promises 'polished, lag-free launch experience'
ZeniMax Lead Developer Matt Firor rallied the legions of Elder Scrolls Online fans today with a lengthy post about what the studio's done and what it's planning to do to ensure a successful launch of the game. Firor said that beta feedback and testing has been invaluable, prompting the team to streamline the starting experience and make combat "more substantial." He was also impressed by what he saw during testing: "Some of the things we've discovered with your help excite and inspire us -- like seeing that 98% of characters created have a unique appearance, or seeing the first emperor crowned in our epic PvP system -- while other findings challenge us to make the game better." To ready the game for launch, there will be one final stress test this weekend. ZeniMax has prepared megaservers for both North America and Europe, and the studio assured players that playing cross-region will not result in any drop of latency. The team also has a number of overflow servers on the ready to deal with the initial crush. Finally, Firor said that we'll soon hear more about the first post-launch update that will add the Craglorn zone for endgame players. "We will make sure that no matter where you live, every player in North America, Europe, Oceania, and many places beyond will have a polished, lag-free launch experience," Firor promised.
Minion rounds up Elder Scrolls Online addons
It's Addon Day here at Massively, and as such we have another handy-dandy platform to help you manage your mods. ZAM has started an open beta for Minion, an addon management software designed to work with Elder Scrolls Online. Minion will help you install, manage, and update your addons for next month's ESO. It includes automatic updates and options to support additional future titles (such as World of Warcraft) and it claims to be safe from viruses, malware, and keyloggers. Minion is available for both Windows and OS X systems.
Elder Scrolls monthly content will go beyond 'a new sword or a funny hat'
In a recent interview with Gamespot, Bethesda's VP of PR, Pete Hines, described what the publisher sees as a value proposition for The Elder Scrolls Online's $14.99-a-month sub fee. "We're also very confident in our ability to support [the sub fee] with content. And not content of the magnitude of, it's a new month, here's a new sword or here's a funny hat -- but content that is real and significant and it feels like regular and consistent DLC releases." Hines went on to describe what he sees as the major factor that will separate TESO from the sea of games launching as F2P: "We're not trying to make a game that everybody who plays games will automatically buy. It is a certain kind of game. There [are] no shooter elements. There [are] no aliens. It is a massive 'go where you want, do what you want' game that we think offers the kind of experience that's worthy of a subscription."
Elder Scrolls Online sounds rallying call for final stress test weekend
With launch right around the corner, ZeniMax is pushing hard to get Elder Scrolls Online in top shape for its world debut. This means one last big stress test weekend is on tap for later this week. ZeniMax is sending out a huge wave of invites for the test and reminded players that any previous beta testers are automatically included in the fun. There is no NDA for the weekend, and any participants will be given a monkey vanity pet upon launch. MJ will be streaming ESO from this beta test on Friday at 2:00 p.m. EST, so if you can't get in the game, definitely give her adventures a watch!
The Elder Scrolls Online answers community crafting questions
The Elder Scrolls Online wants crafting to be a major part of your experience in the game. The latest set of answers to community questions makes this very clear, outright stating that the vast majority of crafted gear is meant to be superior to found equipment. Yes, certain items from the world might have unique boosts that you can't craft, but even those items can be upgraded and improved by dedicated crafters. Dedication is a key consideration: Since your pool of skill points is the same for both battle skills and crafting skills, choosing to advance your crafting abilities will potentially mean passing on more combat-oriented techniques. Other topics under discussion are the finding and use of style books as well as how set bonuses and crafted sets are designed in the game. Check out the full list of answers if you can't wait to make your mark in Tamriel by making things.
Perfect Ten: Game franchises that became MMOs
Popular franchises have been known to jump between various entertainment media, from games to television to movies to comic books and even to pogs. We should not gasp in utter amazement that this is also the case with many of our beloved MMOs; we should nod sagely and accept the terrible truth. There are several video game franchises that have culminated in -- or at least have taken a detour through -- the land of MMOs. For gamers who wanted more and especially did not want to see their journey end, an MMO continuation is a welcome answer that's usually hiding its own problems. But nevermind that; let's march down the halls of history and see the yearbook photos of these franchises when they were young!
Exploring weaponcrafting in The Elder Scrolls Online
If you've merely puttered around The Elder Scrolls Online on a beta weekend, you might not have realized the game boasts a robust crafting system to allow players to make their very own pointy sticks and other implements of blood and battle. A post on the official ESO site today shows off some of these crafted items and explains how different racial styles are achieved. Says the post, Smiths in Tamriel add their own personal touches to every weapon, shield, and piece of armor they forge, from choosing a racial style to imparting special bonuses they've learned called traits. Master blacksmiths, clothiers, and woodworkers can take ordinary arms and armor and, with the right materials, transform them into equipment worthy of a true hero. Click to enlarge the picture embedded after the cut to see 27 of the weapons in their full glory.
Leaderboard: Are you concerned about Elder Scrolls Online's PvP focus?
The Elder Scrolls Online is a fascinating MMO for a number of reasons. There's the obvious triple-A budget and mega-popular IP, but apart from that the game appears to feature highly customizable skill-based character progression and curiously, a heavy focus on player-vs.-player combat. We say curiously because prior to ESO, the Elder Scrolls series went to great lengths to immerse players in you're-the-savior-of-the-world storylines, which on some level are incompatible with competitive multiplayer PvP. So, how about it, Leaderboard readers? Are you concerned about ESO's PvP pedigree, or are you OK with the IP branching out in new directions? Vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Video: The Elder Scrolls Online Imperial Edition goodies
Friend of Massively Richie "Bogotter" Procopio has YouTubed up for MMO fans a detailed tour of all of the bells and whistles included in The Elder Scrolls Online's super-special Digital Imperial Edition. His new video walks players through the creation of an Imperial character, the adorableness of the mudcrab minipet, and the extra bonuses Imperials can brag about. Butt sliders are included! Enjoy it after the break.
Leaderboard: What's your preferred Elder Scrolls Online class?
Last week we asked you about your preferred Elder Scrolls Online faction. This week, we'll keep our focus on ZeniMax's forthcoming fantasy MMO, but we'll cover the game's classes instead. ZeniMax has shown off ESO's extensive skill-based customization options, of course, but players will need to pick a base class at character creation that will open up three skill lines and allow for building a unique character around a theme. Whether you're partial to Dragon Knights, Templars, Nightblades, or Sorcerers, we want to know, so vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
The Elder Scrolls Online explores the creation of its music
Music plays a major role in setting the mood of any game. Sure, it might not be what makes or breaks The Elder Scrolls Online, but it would be difficult to get into the feel of epic adventure if the game's soundtrack were played entirely on harmonicas and vuvuzuelas. The latest development blog on the official site explains how the game's music was developed, how it was recorded, and what you can expect from the experience. Brad Derrick and Rik Schaffer handled the composition of the in-game score, experimenting with a variety of different methods for delivering the songs. At one point the game featured a system that changed the soundtrack measure by measure based on context cues, but that proved unworkable in the long run; instead, the music shifts to a variety of pieces depending on gameplay, weather, and the like, with unifying themes in each environment. Click on past the break for a sample of the orchestral recording, as well as one of the bardic songs performed by the singer Malukah.
Elder Scrolls Online inviting 'millions' for stress test while fretting over sub model
This looks to be a big weekend for The Elder Scrolls Online's beta program, as ZeniMax is "inviting millions" for a scale test. ESO invitees will also receive an extra code for a friend and an exclusive monkey vanity pet for launch. The studio noted that the NDA will not be in effect for this weekend's test, meaning that any public discussion, screenshots, or videos are fair game. In a conversation with CVG, Bethesda VP of PR Pete Hines said that there is some anxiety in the company over the subscription model not taking hold for ESO but hopes that players will find the value of the game worth the monthly payment. "We feel like this approach is going to give people who want to play the best value, and reason to look forward to the next new thing that's coming out," Hines explained. "The Elder Scrolls is our crown jewel and it's the series that made everything we do possible, so it's a big triple-A title that demands huge, ongoing triple-A support."
