Companions up for purchase, really?

WitchyKiki · September 10

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

Yep, I already toss ZOS $$$ a year, in more than just my sub. I buy from the crown store quite a lot, but being forced to now get CONTENT previously in other chapters/dlcs out of the crown store is just too much.

We are giving feedback, which seems to be a majority. I have high hopes they will listen.

AScarlato · September 10

WitchyKiki wrote: »

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

Yep, I already toss ZOS $$$ a year, in more than just my sub. I buy from the crown store quite a lot, but being forced to now get CONTENT previously in other chapters/dlcs out of the crown store is just too much.

We are giving feedback, which seems to be a majority. I have high hopes they will listen.

I'm giving my feedback by only buying chapters for rock bottom prices. I happened to cancel my pre-Order of Gold Road as my backlog for gaming is large, but now I just feel I lucked into eventually paying the proper amount for it when it's down to $10.

WitchyKiki · September 10

AScarlato wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

Yep, I already toss ZOS $$$ a year, in more than just my sub. I buy from the crown store quite a lot, but being forced to now get CONTENT previously in other chapters/dlcs out of the crown store is just too much.

We are giving feedback, which seems to be a majority. I have high hopes they will listen.

I'm giving my feedback by only buying chapters for rock bottom prices. I happened to cancel my pre-Order of Gold Road as I my backlog for gaming is large, but now I just feel I lucked into eventually paying the proper amount for it when it's down to $10.

I always pre-order, and have purchased the chapter again for a friend as well. So I toss more than my share. If less people pre-order or wait for sales, the new content will continue to feel lackluster and empty... just like Goldroad feels now.

AScarlato · September 10

WitchyKiki wrote: »

AScarlato wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

Yep, I already toss ZOS $$$ a year, in more than just my sub. I buy from the crown store quite a lot, but being forced to now get CONTENT previously in other chapters/dlcs out of the crown store is just too much.

We are giving feedback, which seems to be a majority. I have high hopes they will listen.

I'm giving my feedback by only buying chapters for rock bottom prices. I happened to cancel my pre-Order of Gold Road as I my backlog for gaming is large, but now I just feel I lucked into eventually paying the proper amount for it when it's down to $10.

I always pre-order, and have purchased the chapter again for a friend as well. So I toss more than my share. If less people pre-order or wait for sales, the new content will continue to feel lackluster and empty... just like Goldroad feels now.

It's not my job as a customer to overpay only to be offered less. It's the business' job to create an offering that is worth paying for.

I was already skeptical last year when they reduced content and this year looked even more anemic than last year.

WitchyKiki · September 10

AScarlato wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

AScarlato wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

Yep, I already toss ZOS $$$ a year, in more than just my sub. I buy from the crown store quite a lot, but being forced to now get CONTENT previously in other chapters/dlcs out of the crown store is just too much.

We are giving feedback, which seems to be a majority. I have high hopes they will listen.

I'm giving my feedback by only buying chapters for rock bottom prices. I happened to cancel my pre-Order of Gold Road as I my backlog for gaming is large, but now I just feel I lucked into eventually paying the proper amount for it when it's down to $10.

I always pre-order, and have purchased the chapter again for a friend as well. So I toss more than my share. If less people pre-order or wait for sales, the new content will continue to feel lackluster and empty... just like Goldroad feels now.

It's not my job as a customer to overpay only to be offered less. It's the business' job to create an offering that is worth paying for.

I was already skeptical last year when they reduced content and this year looked even more anemic than last year.

respect lol I'm not there yet. Still in love with ESO.

SeaGtGruff · September 10

WitchyKiki wrote: »

Reginald_leBlem wrote: »

cozmic72 wrote: »

Makes Gold Road seem even less worth the money. If they’re going to reduce the content they should reduce the price.

Gold Road has been out for several months now. It was well known there were no companions offered.

Typically content is added through updates after a DLC releases. The fact is that other companions were available with their respective dlcs, to now include them in the crownstore after not adding any to Goldroad is what has everyone so upset. look at the bigger picture here.

I had the stream up but mostly slept through it (sick in bed); I did catch some bits and pieces, especially at the beginning.

Did they say which zone(s) the new companions will be in? I'm wondering if ZOS is rethinking the availability of companions to players who own only the base game plus any old chapters or DLCs that are now free-- such as, put them in the Crown Store so players can buy them or not as they wish (since some players have expressed dismay at the thought of a never ending parade of more companions year and year), and put them in base game zones so there's no need to buy a chapter or DLC just to be able to have a companion?

But if the new companions are going to be in West Weald or DLC zones, then I guess that isn't it.

AScarlato · September 10

WitchyKiki wrote: »

AScarlato wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

AScarlato wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

Yep, I already toss ZOS $$$ a year, in more than just my sub. I buy from the crown store quite a lot, but being forced to now get CONTENT previously in other chapters/dlcs out of the crown store is just too much.

We are giving feedback, which seems to be a majority. I have high hopes they will listen.

I'm giving my feedback by only buying chapters for rock bottom prices. I happened to cancel my pre-Order of Gold Road as I my backlog for gaming is large, but now I just feel I lucked into eventually paying the proper amount for it when it's down to $10.

I always pre-order, and have purchased the chapter again for a friend as well. So I toss more than my share. If less people pre-order or wait for sales, the new content will continue to feel lackluster and empty... just like Goldroad feels now.

It's not my job as a customer to overpay only to be offered less. It's the business' job to create an offering that is worth paying for.

I was already skeptical last year when they reduced content and this year looked even more anemic than last year.

respect lol I'm not there yet. Still in love with ESO.

I'm just speaking out of disappointment. I will always love what this game did for me and a lot of people during the Covid years, and I have dropped thousands into the crown store. But this feels like a betrayal.

Erickson9610 · September 10

I think this is a very small thing to be upset about.

Alaztor91 · September 10

SeaGtGruff wrote: »

I had the stream up but mostly slept through it (sick in bed); I did catch some bits and pieces, especially at the beginning.

Did they say which zone(s) the new companions will be in? I'm wondering if ZOS is rethinking the availability of companions to players who own only the base game plus any old chapters or DLCs that are now free-- such as, put them in the Crown Store so players can buy them or not as they wish (since some players have expressed dismay at the thought of a never ending parade of more companions year and year), and put them in base game zones so there's no need to buy a chapter or DLC just to be able to have a companion?

But if the new companions are going to be in West Weald or DLC zones, then I guess that isn't it.

You recruit them in Auridon and Reaper's March, and apparently the purchase of them doesn't require owning ''Gold Road''. It seems that they are not tied to the Chapter at all.

Necrotech_Master · September 10

ApoAlaia wrote: »

Soarora wrote: »

I haven’t watched the stream yet so take with some salt— but yes, I did expect the companions to unlock with Gold Road. Actually, I thought all companions would require Blackwood. On one hand, I can’t complain if they’re cheaper, on the other, it devalues expensive DLCs. Saying “it doesn’t matter because ESO+ exists” is not a good argument. Not everyone has ESO+, and this is a paid game with way too many DLCs. People spend hundreds, thousands on DLCs and ESO+ and crowns. Free ESO+ probably won’t unlock the companions, so that’s moot.

Free ESO+ has historically not allowed unlocking companions.

On one particular instance (early on) it became possible to unlock Mirri, but that was plugged which to me it means that it was unintended.

yes, this is true, companions in chapters were not included if you had free eso+

for the new companions, it sounds like they will be crown store with a price tag, but have a "eso+ sale" value of free

however free eso+ is also excluded from the eso+ specific deals on the crown store too

so they could probably obtain them, but only by buying them like everyone else who doesnt have eso+, but we likely will need some more details on how they are presented

the only thing we know right now is that the claim will be from the crown store

robwolf666 · September 10

I thought I heard them say they were free to claim in the store, but I guess they meant for ESO+ members.

Depending on the price, I might look at the Khajiit, he sounds interesting. [Snip]

If the cost is something like 5k though, not a chance. The days of me spending that much on single item content are long over.

[Edited for Baiting/Bashing]

Nharimlur_Finor · September 10

Tanlorin grants “Tanlorin’s Finesse,” which provides an increase to the time it takes to pick a lock, an increased chance to force a lock, and a reduced chance to break a lockpick.

I thought that they would be doing the unlocking.

Zerith-var grants “Zerith’s Guidance,” which highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel.

For a variety of reasons (players) this feature won't be as useful as it could have been.

WitchyKiki · September 10

LaintalAy wrote: »

Tanlorin grants “Tanlorin’s Finesse,” which provides an increase to the time it takes to pick a lock, an increased chance to force a lock, and a reduced chance to break a lockpick.

I thought that they would be doing the unlocking.

Zerith-var grants “Zerith’s Guidance,” which highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel.

For a variety of reasons (players) this feature won't be as useful as it could have been.

Wouldve liked to have seen the highlight of valuable bags part of a skill line rather than a companion.

Nerouyn · September 10

WitchyKiki wrote: »

I didn't use perfectly precise language. Oh my, the horror.

Let's not beat around that bush.

When ZO decided to remove the "permanent" free access to DLC from the subscription, they renamed DLC to chapters.

Then told us that chapters become DLC after a year.

Uh huh. Sure.

There are interviews I've read where devs unsurprisingly also get them mixed up.

zaria · September 10

ApoAlaia wrote: »

I hope that given that they are 'purchased' there is no unlock quest.

I do understand that a lot of people put time and effort into creating the companion quests, however after doing each one of them x30 (once per each non-mule character) and meaning no disrespect for the work, I am all quested out.

I say Mirri, Bastian and Ember is fast to unlock, Isobel is an long quest even if not hard it take time. Sharp and Azandar is even longer and probably hard for new players more so if they do the public dungeons at off hours.
Now having an option to get them after the initial dialogue after doing it with the warning that you looses the following quest like the introduction to Cyrodil siege training quest can be skipped but not recommended unless joining an guild run as it unlock faster mounts.

WitchyKiki · September 10

Nerouyn wrote: »

WitchyKiki wrote: »

I didn't use perfectly precise language. Oh my, the horror.

Let's not beat around that bush.

When ZO decided to remove the "permanent" free access to DLC from the subscription, they renamed DLC to chapters.

Then told us that chapters become DLC after a year.

Uh huh. Sure.

There are interviews I've read where devs unsurprisingly also get them mixed up.

Relax.

MidniteOwl1913 · September 10

ApoAlaia wrote: »

I hope that given that they are 'purchased' there is no unlock quest.

I do understand that a lot of people put time and effort into creating the companion quests, however after doing each one of them x30 (once per each non-mule character) and meaning no disrespect for the work, I am all quested out.

No, there is a quest required.

I just hope it's a short one. I hate doing those things over and over and over.

WitchyKiki · September 10

MidniteOwl1913 wrote: »

ApoAlaia wrote: »

I hope that given that they are 'purchased' there is no unlock quest.

I do understand that a lot of people put time and effort into creating the companion quests, however after doing each one of them x30 (once per each non-mule character) and meaning no disrespect for the work, I am all quested out.

No, there is a quest required.

I just hope it's a short one. I hate doing those things over and over and over.

They should give the companion quests the ToT introductory quest treatment, once you unlocked it on a character, let us unlock it without doing the quest all over again. I can't be bothered to unlock Isobel (my healer) on alts unless I really need her.

tom6143346 · September 10

For those that are upset about the companions being moved to crown store/ eso+ . Start vote with your money. As long as they can cut content and move it after behind a pay wall , they will do so.As long as people still willing to pay the dlc prices and even preorder the dlc nothing will change. We will see what next will be moved to the crown store. At least for me it was the last preorder. I will vote from now on with my money. That’s the only language company’s understand sadly. Cheers

DenverRalphy · September 10

jaws343 wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

I don't know what percentage of players are Non-ESO+ players, so dunno how big of an issue this really is.

But too, you can aways just purchase one month of ESO+, unlock the companions, the let the subscription expire. It'll put a few crowns in your wallet too.

Dunno that they'd be giftable, so dunno if you can buy them for gold from a Crown seller.

Or, just wait for a free ESO+ trial and get them for free unlocked permanently.

A whole lot of noise over a fairly reasonable thing.
<snip>

Awesome point. That hadn't even occured to me.

TaSheen · September 10

DenverRalphy wrote: »

jaws343 wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

I don't know what percentage of players are Non-ESO+ players, so dunno how big of an issue this really is.

But too, you can aways just purchase one month of ESO+, unlock the companions, the let the subscription expire. It'll put a few crowns in your wallet too.

Dunno that they'd be giftable, so dunno if you can buy them for gold from a Crown seller.

Or, just wait for a free ESO+ trial and get them for free unlocked permanently.

A whole lot of noise over a fairly reasonable thing.
<snip>

Awesome point. That hadn't even occured to me.

They haven't been available in previous ESO+ free trials. Explicitly excluded, AMOF. @ZOS_Kevin, could you verify if this is the case going forward, or not?

Jaimeh · September 10

We lost Q3 and now we're losing Q4, content-wise. Does make you wonder more and more if ESO is on the backburner...

DenverRalphy · September 11

TaSheen wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

jaws343 wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

I don't know what percentage of players are Non-ESO+ players, so dunno how big of an issue this really is.

But too, you can aways just purchase one month of ESO+, unlock the companions, the let the subscription expire. It'll put a few crowns in your wallet too.

Dunno that they'd be giftable, so dunno if you can buy them for gold from a Crown seller.

Or, just wait for a free ESO+ trial and get them for free unlocked permanently.

A whole lot of noise over a fairly reasonable thing.
<snip>

Awesome point. That hadn't even occured to me.

They haven't been available in previous ESO+ free trials. Explicitly excluded, AMOF. @ZOS_Kevin, could you verify if this is the case going forward, or not?

They weren't crown store items before either. Now this is just pure speculation on my part, but I'd guess the purchase is to just unlock the starter quest.

TaSheen · September 11

DenverRalphy wrote: »

TaSheen wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

jaws343 wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

I don't know what percentage of players are Non-ESO+ players, so dunno how big of an issue this really is.

But too, you can aways just purchase one month of ESO+, unlock the companions, the let the subscription expire. It'll put a few crowns in your wallet too.

Dunno that they'd be giftable, so dunno if you can buy them for gold from a Crown seller.

Or, just wait for a free ESO+ trial and get them for free unlocked permanently.

A whole lot of noise over a fairly reasonable thing.
<snip>

Awesome point. That hadn't even occured to me.

They haven't been available in previous ESO+ free trials. Explicitly excluded, AMOF. @ZOS_Kevin, could you verify if this is the case going forward, or not?

They weren't crown store items before either. Now this is just pure speculation on my part, but I'd guess the purchase is to just unlock the starter quest.

True. Well, a ZOS statement would be nice for those who are very into the companions.

Wolfkeks · September 11

Yeah statement would be good

Bradyfjord · September 11

As long as you support the practice, it shall continue.

SaffronCitrusflower · September 11

DenverRalphy wrote: »

I don't know what percentage of players are Non-ESO+ players, so dunno how big of an issue this really is.

But too, you can aways just purchase one month of ESO+, unlock the companions, the let the subscription expire. It'll put a few crowns in your wallet too.

Dunno that they'd be giftable, so dunno if you can buy them for gold from a Crown seller.

Except the companions won't be accessible if the player ever lets eso+ expire, most likely anyway.

These companions should be "free" for everyone who purchased gold road. This is just yet another way ZOS is delivering less to the customer for the same price. I'm insulted that my gold road purchase didn't include these companions. There was no mention at all anywhere that the companions would have to be purchased seperately from Gold Road. In my mind Gold Road was not accurately advertised in this regard. This is a black mark on ZOS IMO.

WhiteCoatSyndrome · September 11

LaintalAy wrote: »

Tanlorin grants “Tanlorin’s Finesse,” which provides an increase to the time it takes to pick a lock, an increased chance to force a lock, and a reduced chance to break a lockpick.

I thought that they would be doing the unlocking.

Zerith-var grants “Zerith’s Guidance,” which highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel.

For a variety of reasons (players) this feature won't be as useful as it could have been.

So the first one is of limited use to anyone with the right Legerdemain passives and the second one is of limited use to anyone who has any Companion out at all because if you pay attention they’ll already stare at Heavy Sacks and make a comment to draw your attention to them.

I guess it might be helpful for those of us who prefer to go solo with no Companion, but honestly the Heavy Sack loot isn’t so awesome that I’d be that bothered by missing any I don’t spot the old fashioned way.

Highlor3 · September 11

Anifaas wrote: »

It feels like bait and switch. If ZOS had intended to sell the companions this time around they had a responsibility to communicate such BEFORE selling Gold Road. Instead they let people assume "companions are coming later in Q4" meant that the usual inclusion of 2 companions was simply delayed. Which is very reasonable.

This feels fundamentally deceptive even though the hair-splitters assure us otherwise.

I'm of the same opinion.

JonnAndCo · September 11

I have several thoughts on the matter:

First, it doesn't bother me personally that I have to subscribe to get the companions.

Secondly, yes we are paying the same amount for less, but with inflation being what it is, we are paying more for less all across the board.

Thirdly, what REALLY bothers me is not what we are paying, but what we are getting... which is LESS. If this trend continues, it doesn't bode well for the game. Raise the price if you must, but don't give us LESS. I don't want to watch this game die a slow death.