The Elder Scrolls Online is known for having a very clear rhythm with updates. A major chapter and three DLCs are common. However, some players are bothered by this because the schedule leaves little room for surprises. However, everything is set to change in 2023.
What is changing in 2023? In the new year, the story of the expansion will for the first time not be told over an entire year. Instead, the plot will be completely self-contained in the summer. This also affects the overall update rhythm:
- In the first quarter, a new dungeon DLC will be released, as is usually the case.
- In June, the next expansion will be released. This is expected to be much more detailed and coherent than in recent years. Additionally, it is supposed to contain one of the most requested features.
- In the third quarter, there will be an update that focuses on quality of life improvements and bug fixes. There will be no new dungeons.
- Instead of the usual year-end DLC, a completely new system is set to be introduced into the game. Apparently, a new area will be omitted.
Why are the developers doing this? According to their own statement, there are two types of content for ESO. Handcrafted content, such as quests, stories, and other things that can be completed once, and systems, like PvP, Trials, and crafting, that can be repeated and utilized constantly.
Typically, the developers try to achieve a balance between both types of content. However, for 2023, the focus is supposed to be more on “systems” for the first time.
When will we learn more? More information about the expansion, updates, and new features is expected in January. A major announcement event will take place then.
The launch trailer of the High Isle expansion from 2022:
26 million lines of code and new server hardware
What else did the developers reveal? The developers admit that they had some issues with Update 36. Matt Firor writes about this:
I also do not want to miss addressing the problems with Update 36, which just came out in November. This brought way too many bugs and difficulties. Even now, while I am writing this, we are working to get the problem with blocking in combat under control.
Believe me, I am just as concerned about this as all of you, and we will be making changes to some processes within the development team to ensure that something like this happens much less frequently. Given an aging codebase (which includes 26 million lines of code … no joke!), it is difficult to be 100% efficient, but we can be much, much better, and we know that.
What else is planned for the future? ESO is working on replacing the data center hardware. The project has reportedly been delayed due to hardware procurement issues.
However, it is now on the home stretch, and first, the megaservers in Europe will be moved, followed by those in North America.
We are just as frustrated that it has taken so long. But it’s in progress and should be ready for all players by the end of February or in March 2023.
In addition, the developers promised two fan meetings again. In North America, players and developers will meet in the spring, while the ESO Tavern will take place around gamescom in Europe in the summer.
What do you think about the future of ESO? Does it need fresh wind and systems? And if so, what could lie behind the two features?
However, a feature that the developers are currently testing is viewed very controversially:
ESO introduces new feature, YouTuber warns: “Where will it end?”
