The Elder Scrolls Online never rests. Rumors are swirling. Is the console version being discontinued or will it be released in 6 weeks? Is TESO going Free2Play? What’s the buzz in the global Kinsterwald?
The Elder Scrolls Online is the target of several conflicting rumors. Let’s investigate them further.
Rumor 1: The console version is being discontinued
Last year, those who remember, it was said: The console version for Playstation 4 and Xbox One will be discontinued. The rumor was hanging by a thread and was only found on German gaming sites.
It was specifically stated why this would be plausible: TESO does not meet Bethesda’s vision, they find the game somewhat uninteresting now and do not want to continue supporting it, but rather make room for The Elder Scrolls 6.
Supporting arguments: None.
Counterarguments: Unfortunately, Zenimax has been working intensively for 8 months to optimize The Elder Scrolls Online so that it can succeed on consoles again. They wouldn’t bother if they had already written off the game, would they?
Probability: 0%.
Rumor 2: The console version will come in 6 weeks
Now, the latest: The console version is expected to be released on February 24. The reason is: “It’s stated so in the Microsoft”-Store, where people can preorder the game.
Supporting arguments: Yes, it says that. But nothing more.
Counterarguments: At the beginning of December, it was said that they still wanted to “complete the justice system and the champion system” before having a version that would be released on consoles. The first part of the justice system is now “maybe” coming to the test server soon. The idea of actually going to consoles in 6 weeks seems EXTREMELY unlikely.
Moreover, they recently tweeted that there should also be a beta phase with all the trimmings.
@3kWCircle8 Yes, we do still plan to conduct a beta for #ESO on Xbox One. As soon as we have more details, we’ll be sure to share them.
— Elder Scrolls Online (@TESOnline) January 7, 2015
Probability: 5%.
Rumor 3: They will switch Elder Scrolls Online to F2P or Buy2Play
This is a rumor that is currently getting the most traction. Two weeks ago there was the “revelation” (it was just noticed by someone) that TESO is no longer offering the 6-month subscription. Normal stuff, Zenimax stated. Not enough demand.
Now Kotaku Australia reports that they are going to pull the TESO boxes and prepaid cards from EB Store down under … well. The company of that store has already denied the rumor stating it was “normal business practices” and that it does not only affect TESO. However, Kotaku Australia claims to know more – they spoke to sources and saw some lists.
Supporting arguments: The implication of the rumor, switching to F2P or Buy2Play, would at least be strategically conceivable, as console players might struggle with a subscription model.
Counterarguments: But there is no signal from Zenimax in that direction, and hearing every little thing only makes sense to a limited extent. The fact is: There has been no word from the responsible parties. So it is not a “rumor” but rather a speculation that could make sense. However, some core fans on PC would likely not be very happy with a switch to Free2Play “without reason”. They consciously chose a Pay2Play model.
There is a saying: When you have a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail. If you are desperately looking for clues that your own assumptions are becoming reality, you will find evidence for it, even if you have to search in Australia.
Probability: 15%.
What we think about the future of The Elder Scrolls Online can be read here, but unfortunately, these are not cool rumors, just boring speculations: The Elder Scrolls Online MMO outlook 2015: Restart on consoles or will TESO finally flop?
And we have also dealt with the reasons for the rumor flood around TESO: The Elder Scrolls Online: 6 reasons why so many hate TESO
