When Elder Scrolls Online was first announced back in 2012, fans were both excited and apprehensive. In an exclusive interview with Dexerto, creative director Rich Lambert shares the story behind the game's creation, the challenges faced, and what the future holds for the Elder Scrolls community.
Nagging Todd Howard for an online Elder Scrolls game
The journey to bring Elder Scrolls Online to life was a long one. Learn how creative director Rich Lambert persisted in his vision and convinced Todd Howard to create an online version of the beloved franchise.
Rich Lambert, the creative director of Elder Scrolls Online, had a vision to bring the beloved franchise into the online world. He regularly approached Todd Howard, the director of Bethesda, with the idea of creating an online Elder Scrolls game. Finally, after years of persistence, Lambert was given the opportunity to make his dream a reality.
Working closely with Matt Firor, they formed ZeniMax Online Studios to develop Elder Scrolls Online. The journey to bring the game to life was not an easy one, but Lambert's determination and passion for the project paid off.
Elder Scrolls Online’s place within the greater lore of the franchise
Deciding when and where to set Elder Scrolls Online was a crucial decision. Discover why the team chose the second era, a thousand years before the events of the main series, and how they delved into the chaotic interregnum period.
Elder Scrolls is known for its rich lore, and Elder Scrolls Online had to fit seamlessly into the franchise's expansive universe. The team faced the challenge of deciding when and where to set the game. Ultimately, they chose the second era, a period of chaos known as the interregnum.
During this 400-year window, the world of Tamriel was in turmoil, providing a unique and unexplored setting for players to discover. The team delved deep into the lore of this era, piecing together the history and events that shaped the world of Elder Scrolls Online.
A rocky launch that changed the future of ESO for good
The launch of Elder Scrolls Online faced challenges and criticism. Explore the initial confusion and how the team refocused their efforts to create an experience that balanced the MMO and Elder Scrolls elements.
When Elder Scrolls Online first launched in 2012, it faced a rocky start. Many players were confused and struggled to connect to the game. Rich Lambert admits that the initial version was a strange hybrid that didn't fully capture the essence of either an MMO or an Elder Scrolls game.
However, the team quickly realized their mistake and refocused their efforts. They decided to prioritize the Elder Scrolls experience, ensuring that players could enjoy the game solo if they wished. This shift in focus set the stage for the future success of Elder Scrolls Online.
The future of Elder Scrolls Online: 10-year anniversary and beyond
As Elder Scrolls Online approaches its 10-year anniversary, discover the exciting plans for the future. Learn about the upcoming celebrations, the dedicated team's commitment to the game, and their ongoing efforts to bring new content and features to the players.
Elder Scrolls Online is nearing its 10-year mark, and the team has big plans to celebrate this milestone. While details are yet to be revealed, fans can expect exciting announcements in November. The team is proud of their achievement, as not many games reach the 10-year mark.
Looking ahead, the future of Elder Scrolls Online is bright. The team is already working on features and stories for the coming years, ensuring that players will have new adventures to embark on. As long as there is a demand for Elder Scrolls Online, the team is committed to keeping the game alive and thriving.
Conclusion
The journey of Elder Scrolls Online has been a remarkable one, from its creation to the present and beyond. Despite a rocky launch, the team behind the game persevered and refocused their efforts to create an experience that truly captured the essence of the Elder Scrolls franchise.
As the game approaches its 10-year anniversary, the future looks bright. The team is dedicated to bringing new content and features to the players, ensuring that the adventure in Tamriel never ends. With their commitment and the support of the Elder Scrolls community, Elder Scrolls Online will continue to thrive for years to come.
FQA
What challenges did Elder Scrolls Online face during its launch?
The initial launch of Elder Scrolls Online faced challenges, with players experiencing confusion and difficulty connecting to the game. However, the team quickly refocused their efforts to create a more balanced experience that appealed to both MMO and Elder Scrolls fans.
What is the significance of the second era in Elder Scrolls Online?
The second era, set a thousand years before the events of the main series, provides a unique and unexplored period in the Elder Scrolls lore. This chaotic interregnum period allowed the team to delve into the history and events that shaped the world of Elder Scrolls Online.
What can players expect for the future of Elder Scrolls Online?
As Elder Scrolls Online approaches its 10-year anniversary, the team has exciting plans for the future. While details are yet to be revealed, fans can anticipate announcements in November. The team is committed to continuously providing new content and features to keep the game fresh and engaging.