Elder Scrolls Online Finally Pursues Crossplay After Years of Demand
Richmond, VA – September 10, 2024 - After a decade of requests from its dedicated player base, ZeniMax Online Studios is actively developing crossplay functionality for The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). the announcement, made during a recent “ask Me Anything” (AMA) session on Reddit, signals a major shift for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, which currently segregates players based on platform.
for years, ESO players on PC (Windows & Mac), Xbox, and PlayStation have been unable to play together. This meant friends on different systems were locked out of shared adventures in the vast world of tamriel. Currently:
* PC/Mac players can onyl play with other PC/Mac users.
* Xbox players are restricted to playing with other Xbox players.
* PlayStation players can only team up with fellow PlayStation gamers.
This is set to change, according to ESO Executive Producer Susan Kath. “We are currently working actively on the growth of crossplay,” Kath stated on Reddit. “It is indeed planned that it will be regional (EU/EU and NA/NA) and the game can be played on all platforms.”
However,Kath cautioned that the implementation won’t be swift. “This will take some time – the game was not originally developed with this thought in mind, and a lot of design work is required to ensure that it remains balanced for everyone if we all bring them together.”
A Growing Community
The push for crossplay comes as ESO boasts a ample player base. The developers report over 26 million players have explored Tamriel,placing it as the ninth most popular MMORPG based on officially confirmed player numbers. While ESO has historically been touted as the largest console MMORPG, it now faces competition from titles like Final Fantasy XIV and Black Desert Online, which also offer cross-platform play.
Beyond Crossplay: A Focus on Content & Balance
The AMA session revealed further insights into the future of ESO. Developers emphasized a commitment to revisiting older content and systems, finding ways to keep them relevant and engaging for veteran players. They also acknowledged the frequent technical challenges that can hinder even seemingly simple improvements.
The development team’s dedication to addressing community concerns and improving the overall ESO experience suggests a shining future for the long-running MMORPG, and the addition of crossplay is poised to substantially expand its reach and foster a more unified player community.
Keywords: Elder Scrolls Online, ESO, crossplay, MMORPG, ZeniMax Online Studios, gaming news, PC gaming, PlayStation, Xbox, Final Fantasy XIV, black Desert Online
