Kinda Funny Gamescast: Video Game Podcast Elder Scrolls Online's Rough Launch, Second Chances - Kinda Funny Gamescast
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Apr 25, 2025 Join Matt Firor, studio director at ZeniMax Online Studios, and Rich Lambert, game director for The Elder Scrolls Online, as they dive into the ups and downs of the game's rocky launch. They share fascinating insights on meeting player expectations, the transition to console, and the emotional toll on developers during critical phases. Hear about the innovative changes from subscription to flexible models and how community feedback shaped the game’s evolution. Their stories highlight both the triumphs and challenges behind creating an iconic MMORPG.
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Tattoo Bet Celebrates Launch Hype
- Matt Firor got a tattoo as part of a community challenge tied to a bet about viewership goals.
- The experience was documented and became a memorable story about celebrating the game's launch hype.
Skyrim Changed ESO's Name
- Skyrim's success forced ESO to change its name from Elder Scrolls Origins to Elder Scrolls Online.
- This avoided confusion as players might think it was a prequel directly tied to Skyrim.
Focused Team Amid Launch Pressure
- The launch pressure was immense but the team was so focused on development they did not fully feel it.
- They knew they had to launch the game even if it wasn’t completely ready.