The fantasy MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online could be getting a port to the east. Interest is being shown in Japan. But does it work?
Yes, it can happen quickly. In 2014 and largely also in 2015, “The Elder Scrolls Online” was considered a crisis game: a mixed launch, bugs, exploits, problems, grumpy Skyrim fans who would have preferred to see a TES VI: many issues.
At Zenimax, they gritted their teeth, set to work on addressing the issues, introducing features, refining and polishing the game. Observers noted early on, somewhat impressed, with what dedication Zenimax worked on the game. A rather mediocre launch was followed in 2014 by exemplary development with regular, massive updates.
The console launch in 2015 then marked a turning point. The game hit hard on Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Suddenly, the future looks bright. The game director beams when he talks about the numbers, from ear to ear.
Now the Japanese internet giant DMM (Digital Media Mart) has hinted that The Elder Scrolls Online could also be released in Japan. For now, only for Windows and Mac. The announcement came via a website with a teaser image (we have included it in the title image.
Japan is not an MMO import nation
This is particularly interesting, as in Japan, they cannot really make much of “MMOs” aside from their own Final Fantasy XIV and Phantasy Star Online 2.
In contrast to South Korea, there is a completely different gaming culture. On the one hand, they prefer mobile devices, on the other hand, they do not know the term “MMO” in Japan, but rather use one term for all online games from Final Fantasy XIV to typical browser or Facebook games.
They also have difficulties with “western games” in general, which is partly due to the fact that English is not widely spoken, and the games are considered too niche for companies to commission an expensive localization. Additionally, a PC culture is not really established in Japan. They prefer consoles and mobile devices. It seems more logical to release TESO on the PlayStation 4 version in Japan.
Skyrim was once again the key for The Elder Scrolls Online
But why is DMM doing this? Why bring “The Elder Scrolls Online” to the country?
While they struggle with western imports in Japan, there is one game they hold dear: Skyrim. It was the first western game to receive a perfect score from the important Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu in 2011 and sold strongly on both PS3 and Xbox 360.
Whether it will work on PC seems questionable at the moment. But it wouldn’t be the first time The Elder Scrolls Online silences doubters and critics.
Update: Now officially
The teaser has now become reality. The Elder Scrolls Online is set to be released in Japan in spring 2016. Here is the trailer for it
