Elder Scrolls Online Director Explains Opting For Subscriptions

[Ulquiorra4sama]

I used to want to play Elder Scrolls Online. I wonder if they realize that they lost many potential buyers when they made this announcement.

Why do they seem to think it's either "Subscription fees" or "Free to Play with microtransactions"? There is a third model which i imagine people would've been happy to go for: The Guild Wars 2 model.

 

[Whytewulf]

I am happy, whether I am in the minority or not, that it's a subscription model. F2P is too scattered. Why does everyone think and compare it to GW2? GW2 is successful, maybe but it has only been out for a year and I know tons of people stopped playing, due to content. With that said, subscription worked fine for a while and if they actually intend to take some WOW players, those people are used to a subscription.

Most people who stopped playing GW2 due to content did so because they were expecting your standard end game dungeon/gear grind. GW2 does not provide that, and the publically stated plans they released prior to the game even coming out confirmed that they weren't really ever planning to. Instead, GW2 players get a series of storyline and activity oriented releases every two weeks (not to mention content additions and patches). It's apples and oranges, really.

I agree for the most part. Different games.. But it appears everyone compares it to GW2, which is a different game and a different mind set of player. I truly think there can be various types of games and payment models. Just like cell phones, you can get pre-pay, pay as you go and subscriptions, not everything works for everyone. I am willing to give them a chance. Again, you can start Sub and move to f2p, but can't go the other way. Will they lose some early adopters? Probably but there is always that set that wait anyway. It's not so much that people criticize a business model it's a huge flame war. Running a business is tough and sometimes you make wrong decisions, but sometimes it works out. I have been looking for a PVE grind game, this may not be it, but alas, you never know!

 

[darron13]

Guild Wars managed it without being intrusive with being buy to play. If they did that I don't think anyone would have had a problem...

 

[prpshrt]

Played the beta and it didn't feel like an elder scrolls game to me. Nor did it feel like a very interesting game either. GW2 held my attention until I had at least two level 80s and I still go back every now and then. I'm shocked that they aren't going to make it a one time purchase... Certainly feels like a lot more people would buy it. It's not good enough to have a $15 sub. I wish you good luck on this journey Bethesda. There's a part of me that really wants to see you go f2p a year down the road so I can laugh but I like you so there's a part of me that never wants that to happen to you.