Players of In The Elder Scrolls Online are two-thirds on the consoles PS4 and Xbox One. This makes larger graphic updates hardly possible, according to Matt Firor.
The Elder Scrolls Online looked good at its release in 2014 and still does today thanks to various graphic updates. However, according to ESO head Matt Firor, there will be no more major graphic updates. In an interview with the website Gamespace, he revealed why.
ESO – Console Hardware as a Limit
Graphic updates in PC games are theoretically possible at any time, as hardware is constantly evolving. However, the performance of console games remains fixed. The PlayStation 4, bought years ago, is technically still at the same level as back then. The Elder Scrolls Online, according to Matt Firor, has two-thirds of its players on the consoles PS4 and Xbox One.
Therefore, one cannot simply improve the graphics engine, as the consoles would have major problems displaying all the splendor. Thus, there will be no major graphic updates in the foreseeable future. What is possible, however, are small things like better Direct X or shaders. Those always work on PC.
However, it is unlikely that a major overhaul will be conducted.
No “Positional Voice” on PC
Furthermore, the feature of “Positional Voice” (hearing other players in voice chat depending on their position to the player) is to remain a console feature. Matt Firor stated: “Anyone who wants something like that on PC has already found a corresponding solution.” Chat programs like Mumble offer a similar feature, for example.
Are Plus Members at a Disadvantage?
In the interview, the question also arose whether ESO Plus members would have a disadvantage when now a large new chapter with Morrowind comes into the game, which cannot be played for free by Plus members. The regular DLC packages are all included in the subscription, but Morrowind is not.
According to Matt Firor, there are no disadvantages for Plus members. On the one hand, they receive Kronen coins for the real money shop worth 13 euros for their subscription. And then there are the useful benefits of Plus members: unlimited storage for crafting items and double the number of placeable objects in housing. Furthermore, there are still three regular DLCs each year for Plus members.
Matt Firor: “The Endgame is like FIFA”
Later in the interview, Matt Firor was asked about the “Endgame” in ESO. Due to the new “One Tamriel concept”, all players are roughly equal in strength and can explore everything at any time. However, this diminishes the feeling of “I am always getting stronger and mightier” a little.
In this context, the studio boss had some interesting views. He compares the endgame in ESO to the football game FIFA. “There is also no real progression – I win, I lose, I have fun”.
For Matt Firor, the loss of progression is more than compensated for by the full freedom to cooperate and explore.
No Morag Tong Membership
The mysterious assassins of the Morag Tong play an important role in Morrowind. However, unlike most groups, your heroes cannot participate there. There are only a few selected Morag Tong, and they all must be Dunmer. Moreover, they only assassinate politically sanctioned targets. You will have to deal with the assassins enough, even if you are not a member.
If you were looking forward to an increase in the Champion Points limit, you will be disappointed in Morrowind. The Champion Points limit has already been raised, and no increase is planned for Morrowind. However, what you can definitely look forward to according to Firor: the new tutorial in Vvardenfell.
You can also play Morrowind as a complete stand-alone and start a new hero directly in Vvardenfell. The introductory sequence there is much more reminiscent of the “real” game than the tedious linear levels in the old Coldharbour tutorial.
Related to the topic: The Elder Scrolls Online – Every year an addon and three DLCs
