The head of The Elder Scrolls Online says his game is no longer an MMO. They now see themselves more as a console RPG and it’s a huge success.
In an interview with PCgamesN, Matt Firor talks about his game “The Elder Scrolls Online.” Firor says: “We no longer use the term MMO for The Elder Scrolls Online because we are really no longer one.” The term MMO was coined in 1997 with Ultima Online, EverQuest, and Dark Age of Camelot – we are not that kind of game.
One Tamriel – the step to console RPG without imposed system
In the first year, Zenimax worked to make ESO feel more like “The Elder Scrolls,” but the pivotal step was with One Tamriel: “We essentially removed leveling from the game.” A fresh character and an experienced character can play together because they essentially have the same level. Now ESO is more open like a console RPG. It’s no longer so restrictive; there’s no imposed system anymore.
The Elder Scrolls Online is currently achieving great success, which is underestimated
The Elder Scrolls Online is now quite massive. It would be strange for a AAA game, but it is the case: The Elder Scrolls Online is a success that remains under the radar – an “underground success” after receiving a lot of criticism at launch.
“We are currently achieving great success,” says Firor. “It’s a great, great time for the game.” He attributes this success mainly to One Tamriel.
MMO clichés as a burden for ESO?
My MMO believes: As many ESO players can confirm, there is still “level” in the game. Between a fully grown, optimized character and a “young newcomer” there are worlds apart in ESO. Otherwise, there would have been a huge backlash if the MMORPG-typical vertical progression (getting stronger) had suddenly disappeared.
There is something else behind Firor’s statements. ESO has an unusual target audience for an MMO, namely fans of console RPGs, especially fans of Skyrim – a game that has been incredibly successful on the Xbox One. Firor wants to send a signal to this target audience.
Console RPG cool – MMO uncool? It’s not that simple
It seems that the term “MMO” carries a lot of baggage for this target audience that publishers want to shed. There is the image: MMOs are rule-heavy, grind-heavy, there are imposed systems, veterans have a huge advantage through vertical progression. MMOs are somehow nerdy.
This image of WoW, as shaped by the South Park episode “Make Love not Warcraft,” comes to mind:
So it seems that “MMO” is perceived as a burden by parts of the community, especially on PS4 and Xbox One.
In contrast, console RPGs are seen as adventures and cool, focusing on exploration and fun – like Skyrim.
Interestingly: We haven’t experienced this at My MMO. Especially in Destiny, players on PS4 and Xbox One are pretty keen on these “imposed systems” and even demand more grind, more vertical progression, and more challenge. For Destiny players, “MMO” seems not to carry any baggage, but rather to mean “A game as a hobby, where you can spend a lot of time and meet friends.”
The target groups are fragmented, depending on which game has shaped them and what experiences they associate with it. Publishers adapt their messages and their games to their target audiences. For ESO, this means “We are no longer an MMO” and apparently, this approach is working quite well.
Here’s more about One Tamriel:
The Elder Scrolls Online: One Tamriel in Review – Is ESO worth it in 2017?
