The Elder Scrolls Online (PC, PS4, Xbox One) achieved its greatest success in 2017 and enjoys rising player numbers. This makes it one of the few MMORPGs that continue to grow years after its release.
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) was released on PC in April 2014 and initially followed the typical trajectory of most MMORPGs alongside World of Warcraft. After a large influx at launch, player interest noticeably declined. Nearly a year after release, the subscription model was also discarded, and ESO became Buy2Play as Tamriel Unlimited in April 2015.
For many MMORPGs, this is the beginning of the end; however, for ESO, it suddenly surged with the Buy2Play model and the subsequent release on PS4 and Xbox One. This is what Bethesda’s Pete Hines shares in an interview with Dualshockers during Pax East.
Over 10 million registered players in 2017
The Elder Scrolls Online became increasingly successful due to the console launch and the new business model. Every year, the player base grew. Especially on the consoles Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the online role-playing game was well received.
As a result, developer Zenimax was able to announce a new player record every year. Most recently, 2017 was the most successful year in the history of the game, as Hines states. Over 10 million players were registered.
Good accessibility and constant content supply as recipes for success
The great success of ESO is likely due in part to the good accessibility of the game. In 2016, the major update “One Tamriel” was released. This abolished level limits, all content was scaled, and everyone could play together anywhere, regardless of faction or level.
Additionally, there were regular content updates. In 2017, three smaller DLC packs and a major expansion called Morrowind were released. This meant there was significant content every three months, along with various events in the game world.
Therefore, Zenimax plans a similar approach for 2018. The second major expansion Summerset is set to be released soon, aimed at repeating the success of Morrowind.
Publisher Bethesda still wants to focus on solo games
Despite the great success of The Elder Scrolls Online, publisher Bethesda will continue to focus on single-player games like Doom or Wolfenstein. A new single-player Elder Scrolls game is also expected to be released someday.
