‘Elder Scrolls Online’; What's New, Improved, And How It Runs On PS4 And Xbox One

IN PHOTO: The Elder Scrolls Online was released on 4 April, 2014. elderscrollsonline.com

It’s taken over a year since its original release on PC, but with the release of the free “Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited” update, Bethesda’s ambitious MMO seems to be finding its feet. After six massive updates, the game has been rebranded, is now available to play without a monthly subscription fee, and a console release is finally on the horizon. Developers Zenimax Online have been doing the interview rounds, divulging details about the game in the process.

First up, in an interview with Examiner, game director at Zenimax Online, Matt Firor confirmed that the framerate for both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 has been locked down. Both consoles will display the game at 30fps and 1080p. Firor adds that optimisation work is ongoing, but stated that hitting 60fps is very unlikely. Firor noted that bringing the game from PC and Mac to console has been difficult, but said that Zenimax was able to port the game pretty much intact.

Still speaking to Examiner, Frior explained why the studio decided to drop the subscription requirement for “Elder Scrolls Online,” and relaunch the game as with the “Tamriel Unlimited” moniker. He said the decision was driven in large part by fan feedback, stating that fans enjoyed the freedom they had while playing the game, and wanted that same freedom to extend to payment methods. He adds that since dropping the $15 a month subscription requirement, fan response has been very positive.

“We changed our subscription-required payment model to subscription-optional, and we created a virtual currency/in-game store system that allows players to purchase customizations and convenience items. Player reaction has been outstandingly positive since we announced the change, and especially since the changes went live on March 17,” he said.

In an interview with GamingBolt, Firor said that even though the game was now subscription-optional, those who choose to pay will get certain perks. There will be a 10 percent bonus added to experience point and crafting inspiration gain, and subscribers will also get 1,500 Crowns each month they can spend on items in the in-game Crown Store.

From a gameplay point of view, the big changes added to “The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited” involve the addition of Justice and Champion Systems, the former brings the gameplay closer in line with what fans expect of the franchise. The Justice System allows players to live outside the law, by stealing, fencing goods, committing murder and bribing their way out of trouble when necessary. Also included was a major overhaul of the game’s combat animations, making hits feel more visceral.

Having just concluded a closed beta test on PS4 and Xbox One, “Tamriel Unlimited” is set for release on June 9. In anticipation of its console debut, the game’s user interface and starting quest area, The Wailing Prison, have been revamped. Despite the fact the monthly subscription requirement has been dropped, gamers will still need to have an active PSN Plus or Xbox Live subscription to play the game.