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.
The initial renaming from 'Elder Scrolls Origins' to 'Elder Scrolls Online' was crucial in clarifying the game's identity and purpose.
Despite the immense anticipation surrounding its launch, Elder Scrolls Online faced critical server and gameplay issues that necessitated significant post-launch adjustments.
The successful implementation of the One Tamriel update showcased the importance of community feedback in creating a more inclusive and enjoyable multiplayer experience.
Deep dives
The Journey of Name Change
During the early development stages of the game, it was initially titled 'Elder Scrolls Origins', reflecting its setting in the second era, 700 years before other titles. The launch of Skyrim, however, dramatically changed this plan, as developers feared that the name could mislead players into thinking it was a prequel to Skyrim. To avoid confusion and to properly position the game as the multiplayer Elder Scrolls experience, the title was changed to 'Elder Scrolls Online'. This change notably pleased the engineers who were relieved to keep the executable name as 'ESO'.
Navigating High Expectations
Following the immense success of Skyrim, the development team faced immense pressure as they prepared for the launch of Elder Scrolls Online in 2014. The plethora of beta sign-ups, surpassing five million in just a couple of days, created a mixture of excitement and dread, prompting developers to worry about meeting player expectations. As they aimed to honor the brand, the weight of having to deliver was palpable during development. Despite the intense pressure, the team worked diligently, mainly focused on ensuring the game served its expected purpose.
Lessons in Launch Challenges
The initial launch of Elder Scrolls Online wasn't as smooth as anticipated, with various issues arising such as server overload and duplication bugs. Player separation, where players couldn't interact due to different quest progress, was a critical concern that the team struggled with early on. These setbacks highlighted the need for critical assessments within the gaming environment, making developers acutely aware of user experiences. Through resolving these issues, the team learned the significance of creating a cohesive and accessible gameplay experience.
The Shift to a More Inclusive Gameplay
After the initial launch struggles, the introduction of updates led to significant enhancements, including a pivotal shift toward making the game more 'Elder Scrolls-like'. For instance, the development team grappled with making dungeons accessible for players of any level, leading to the creation of a leveling system that scaled to different player abilities without restrictions. This allowed players to explore and enjoy content together, irrespective of their experience levels. The overall change fostered a more inclusive gaming environment, encouraging social interactions among players.
Responding to Community Feedback
Reacting to player feedback was crucial for the development team as they navigated post-launch adjustments. Players expressed a desire for a more seamless experience and connectivity with friends, prompting the team to change the game's structure. This culminated in the One Tamriel update, which implemented a level-less system allowing players of varying levels to adventure together fluidly. By listening to the community and adapting the game accordingly, the developers not only enhanced user experience but also cultivated a committed player base.
