Matt Firor, Director at ZeniMax Online, looks back in a letter to the community on The Elder Scrolls Online in 2021 and gives a brief outlook on 2022. Political intrigues and one of the playable races are set to be the focus. Additionally, there will be an update of the data center.
How was 2021 for ESO? 2021 was a difficult year for the MMORPG, as Firor admits. One reason for this is the Corona pandemic, which is said to have taken its toll on the employees.
The Director also explained that the upgrading of ESO’s hardware has been delayed due to a lack of computer hardware. This was actually a fixed plan for 2021. Nevertheless, the launch of Blackwood went better than it did in 2020 with Greymoor. Back then, there were many technical problems and server crashes.
Firor is also satisfied with the general output of content. He emphasizes in the letter that “millions of new players” found their way to ESO in 2021. As a highlight, the Director pointed out the new companions, which are particularly useful for newcomers.
What exactly changed for ESO in 2021 and how players perceive the year has been summarized here:
2022 is not supposed to focus on “the end of the world”, but on a playable race
What does Firor reveal about 2022? In the new year, the developers want to move away from stories like “The End of the World”. This has revolved around the base game with the Daedra Molag Bal and most recently Blackwood with the fight against Mehrunes Dagon.
Instead, they want to focus on a traditional “Elder Scrolls” intrigue. Fans point out the story of Wrothgar, which has managed without such a large scenario.
2022 should be about politics and rivalry between the factions. The focus should be on one of the playable races of ESO, which have not yet been adequately highlighted culturally and historically. Players suspect that this is about the Rothwardons, who have not received enough attention and at the same time offer room for new areas in their region.
Updates will continue to be released quarterly as usual. Fans can therefore expect 3 DLCs and a major expansion in the summer.
Additionally, work will continue on the hardware and performance of the MMORPG in 2022. However, Firor points out that the team is dependent on the current hardware market.
When will we learn more about the content of 2022? In January, there will be a traditional reveal event. There, the overarching story for the entire year and the rough outline of the expansion in the summer will be presented.
Until then, feel free to speculate: What can we expect in ESO in 2022? Which areas would you like to visit, and what should be the big feature of the expansion? Please share it in the comments.
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