Since 2019, it has been clear that the developers of Elder Scrolls Online are working on a new AAA MMORPG with a new IP. But what information is known about the project five years later? How should a new online role-playing game from the ESO team look like? This is exactly what the community is currently discussing.
What is known for sure about the new project from Zenimax?
- In August 2018, Zenimax officials first sought to strengthen their new project with a new IP, meaning an unknown brand.
- In May 2019, Zenimax CEO Matt Firor confirmed that the project is intended to be a AAA game with a new engine. The game was at that time in pre-production. By the way, this is still the status that Zenimax’s official recruitment page presents to the outside world (via zenimaxonline.com).
- In November 2022, Creative Director Ben Jones stated during the “Product Builders Podcast” (via YouTube) that 200 developers are now working on the ambitious project.
- Further details can be gleaned from the various job postings for the project. At times, game designers with MMO, RPG, and open-world experience were sought, as well as developers for implementing first and third-person perspectives.
With Elder Scrolls Online, Zenimax is responsible for one of the most successful service games of the past decade. Here is the trailer for the latest chapter Gold Road:
Like Elder Scrolls Online, but different
What is the community currently discussing? On Reddit, there is an interesting thread this week where MMORPG fans are discussing the known status quo of the Zenimax MMORPG and expressing their wishes and concerns.
Thread creator Fit-Bass-7238 wonders why the project has been in development for so long, but there have been no official updates, insider reports, or leaks in recent years. Instead, there have been all sorts of rumors about a sci-fi MMO, an Elder Scrolls Online 2, or a new MMORPG for Star Wars (even though two out of three would not fit the “new IP”).
Under the post, there is a colorful bouquet of comments; here’s a selection:
- Excuse_my_GRAMMER writes (via Reddit): “Zenimax doesn’t make an announcement until they are 6 months from release. But keep in mind that the studio now belongs to Microsoft, so who knows if it will even be released or if the whole thing will be rearranged.”
- DashboardGuy206 summarizes the thoughts of various fans (via Reddit): “ESO, but set in the Star-Wars universe, with better combat and a less intrusive cash shop, that is literally my ideal game. That would be insane.”
- Dystopiq places his hopes on gamescom 2024 (via Reddit): “Gamescom is just around the corner. Maybe we’ll learn something there.”
- Revave has a firsthand update (via Reddit): “I had the chance to talk to Rich Lambert at the ESO Tavern, where he briefly mentioned that they are still working on the new game and some of the new hires have been assigned to this project, if I understood him correctly.”
How does MeinMMO editor Karsten Scholz assess the status quo? First, I can emphasize what Revave says. Whenever I have had Zenimax CEO Matt Firor in front of the microphone in the past years, my closing question was aimed at the studio’s new project, and even though he was not allowed or willing to share details, he confirmed each time that they were still working on it.
The “rumors” about ESO 2 and Star Wars I consider nonsense. It has been communicated too often and clearly from different directions that the project is intended to be a new IP. Whether there will be new information at gamescom 2024, I do not know.
It is clear to me, however, that Elder Scrolls Online continues to run successfully to this day. Zenimax is likely under no compelling pressure to present the new project as soon as possible. Additionally, developing a new engine for an ambitious project takes a lot of time. Personally, I therefore expect only an official announcement next year or the year after.
However, I also hope that the new MMORPG will feature a combat system that feels more powerful and direct than in ESO. Moreover, in my opinion, any paid service game could very well do without optional subscriptions and a packed in-game shop. If, however, someone announces such an MMORPG, I will gladly take a front seat on the hype train.
