When will we see an actual expansion?

dodgehopper_ESO · March 2016

Horus6 wrote: »

Dreyloch wrote: »

Xendyn wrote: »

I think they've chosen to go with the quarterly dlcs, rather than huge expansions.
At least, that's what it looks like. Probably get more money that way, too.

/Agreed. Besides, why would we want to subject ourselves to a full on expansion when they can't even release DLC's without vast amounts of bugs rofl.

Because mmorpgs are supposed to be dynamic and major patches (the thing the console gamers and single player pc gamers refer to as " DLC " ) are small additions to the game to keep players satisfied while they work on the major expansions which will add a year or more of new content.

MMO's are supposed to be Dynamic? Actually I'm not really fond when MMO's constantly change the rules in broad strokes. You often end up with a different game than what you paid for, a game different to the reason you fell in love with it. Dynamic isn't a good term. Look at Star Wars Galaxies, they should have stuck with what they originally had. If they did there would probably not be a SWTOR. Dynamic just means 'vigorously active or energetic' although I realize the connotation is 'always changing' in a lot of conversation. I like the notion of the developers building but I don't think vigorously changing the game rules all the time is good. Case in point: My main Templar build has had to fundamentally change at least 5 times to work. I'm talking about fundamental changes where something that worked fantastically was laid low in one patch. I don't thing that kind of dynamism is good. There's a reason Tanks are unhappy with the way heavy armor, sword and shield, and combat in general works. There's a reason that Templar players are just flipping out of their gourd because the class has mostly seen major nerfs since Beta (and was never OP).

If by dynamic you mean they add new content (pvp activities, dungeons, crafting expansion, story content, etc) then yes that would be good.

Lysette · March 2016

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

Another thing is, the main storyline was not really what most focused on in TES games - I doubt that the majority of players have ever completed it in any TES game. There are just so many other things to do in a TES game, that many will just unfold their own story in the world, without to pay much attention to the main story line, or if, play through it rather early in their game to "get done with it" and enjoy what is really TES game play - questing in an open world environment, with the main story line either not started yet or "being done with so that the "real" game play can be enjoyed without interference of the "main story".

That's a big doubt and I'd like to disagree. I've beaten the main story so many times in the last three TES games with the exception of Skyrim (I have only beaten once - spent way too much time modding this time around)

The big difference is you really have to complete the main story in ESO. While an expansion to expand main story doesn't have to just focus on main story. It could continue the main fighters & mages guild. It could shake up the existing content. The point is they COULD expand big with an expansion.

They may not have it on the current agenda but that doesn't mean it's not something they would consider down the road. No need to attack the OP (not pointed at you Lysette)

I don't think that I have to complete the main storyline in ESO - I have alts in every faction, so there is no need for me to ever complete it - all DLCs can be accessed without to have completed it and I am not interested into becoming a heroine ever. So I do not have to complete the main storyline - I can happily ignore it - to reach max level is none of my goals.

Edit. I did as well never understand what people really mean with "beat the game" - I tend to enjoy a game and play it to have fun - if you see any TES game as beaten when you have completed the main quest, then you have seen nothing from the content which is out there in those games - the main storyline is neglectable.

If you want the skillpoints - you must do the main story and all the quests that give you skillpoints.

I do not care about that either - I care about the story of my character, which unfolds as it goes - I decide from the perspective of my character and so far she is new to the world and curious about it and goes with the flow of her moods. She explores and feels bothered by the NPCs, who want to burden their sorrows onto her - she ignores most of their requests, because she is of the opinion, that instead of standing around all day in the same location, they could perfectly do that on their own - so for now, she is not even interested too much in questing - she does, whenever she sees a good reason to or cause to support and if not too much risk is involved. But otherwise she goes with the flow of her moods and enjoys her life. At some point in time she might get involved, but not for now - she rather gathers some materials and cares for her crrafts, which might come in handy later.

You see, I play it in a different way - to me the game is not about numbers and points - but about the experience to live in a virtual world and enjoy my (character's) life there and see, how her mindset evolves as she goes. her destiny is not written yet, but to be a heroine does not seem to be in her books - but you never know ...

WalkingLegacy · March 2016

lordrichter wrote: »

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

Matt Firor has been quoted with saying they are fine where the main story has left off and no current plans to extend it.

Not sure where he said he was happy with how the main quest left off.

Horus6 wrote: »

1. A Patch is broken down into three catagories

. Hotfix: Which is implemented to fix certain types of issues, This is a standard patch.

. Patch: A standard patch which is implemented to fix various bugs and or tweak existing Systems

. A major content patch, usually a named patch is either a medium to significant update to the game which included various fixes and new content

DLC is not a patch. This is incorrect use of the term "patch".

I couldn't find the chat I found yesterday about it but here's another I found Richter:

MMORPG: How do you decide on the stories to tell, and are we working towards any overall narrative with them? There was a bit of a godly cliffhanger at the end of the main questline, and not to spoil it, I think we're all wondering what comes next...

MF: Well, you’ll just have to keep playing and find out, eh? No, but seriously, at the end of the game’s main quest (where you confront Molag Bal to get your soul returned), there is a resolution. You find out who has been helping you along the way and that things are returning to normal. That’s enough of a conclusion to let us tell some other stories for a while, which we are having great fun doing

dodgehopper_ESO · March 2016

Horus6 wrote: »

I see the issue here is that this game does not cater to mmropg gamers, it was made for single player pce gamers and console gamers.

And this is an issue were facing in many mmorpgs these people came into the mmorpgs thinking they were like their single player games and they're not and the result has been the decimation of the mmo industry.

And each game that these players infect ultimatley dies out after 3 - 5 years because these players who want small updates with virtually no content get bored and walk away which leaves the real gamers feeling angry and betrayed.

I wont be responding to this forum any more it's pointless it's clear 90 percent of you have never touched an mmo before lol.

ZOS you keep giving these guys what they want so in three years I can laugh when this game is dead

I think there are different flavors of MMO though. My own personal view of mmo's started through the lens of City of Heroes and Star wars galaxies. SWG at its best was a sandbox. I wish more mmo games would try to put the sandbox back into their games. I realize ESO being elder scrolls tells a tale, and actually I appreciate that, but I'd love to see them put in SOME kind of sandbox elements in the game.

Recremen · March 2016

It's a quarterly DLC model, there will be no "major expansions" as far as I'm aware, at least not in the style of WoW or whatever. It's a totally different model.

WalkingLegacy · March 2016

dodgehopper_ESO wrote: »

Horus6 wrote: »

I see the issue here is that this game does not cater to mmropg gamers, it was made for single player pce gamers and console gamers.

And this is an issue were facing in many mmorpgs these people came into the mmorpgs thinking they were like their single player games and they're not and the result has been the decimation of the mmo industry.

And each game that these players infect ultimatley dies out after 3 - 5 years because these players who want small updates with virtually no content get bored and walk away which leaves the real gamers feeling angry and betrayed.

I wont be responding to this forum any more it's pointless it's clear 90 percent of you have never touched an mmo before lol.

ZOS you keep giving these guys what they want so in three years I can laugh when this game is dead

I think there are different flavors of MMO though. My own personal view of mmo's started through the lens of City of Heroes and Star wars galaxies. SWG at its best was a sandbox. I wish more mmo games would try to put the sandbox back into their games. I realize ESO being elder scrolls tells a tale, and actually I appreciate that, but I'd love to see them put in SOME kind of sandbox elements in the game.

Agreed since the last three TES were sandbox games.

Twilix01 · March 2016

Horus6 wrote: »

Lenikus wrote: »

...
We had Orsinium, a while back.

No, Orsinium, Imp, and thieves guild were all major patches which is why they're all free to subscribers.

An expansion comes with a lot of new content, including level cap increase, a continuation of the main story lien and so on.

They're working on removing veteran ranks, if they increase level cap after that people will throw a hissy fit over it.

Elsonso · March 2016

Twilix01 wrote: »

Horus6 wrote: »

Lenikus wrote: »

...
We had Orsinium, a while back.

No, Orsinium, Imp, and thieves guild were all major patches which is why they're all free to subscribers.

An expansion comes with a lot of new content, including level cap increase, a continuation of the main story lien and so on.

They're working on removing veteran ranks, if they increase level cap after that people will throw a hissy fit over it.

They will get over it.

Volkodav · March 2016

Horus6 wrote: »

Lenikus wrote: »

...
We had Orsinium, a while back.

No, Orsinium, Imp, and thieves guild were all major patches which is why they're all free to subscribers.

An expansion comes with a lot of new content, including level cap increase, a continuation of the main story lien and so on.

Patches are free to ALL players,not just subscribers.So the DLCs are NOT patches.Sorry.

ADarklore · March 2016

As far as I know and has been implied from what has been said by ZOS, there will be NO 'expansions' and will continue to be a quarterly DLC with updates. I've never known an MMO, that I have played, that offered both DLCs AND expansions... usually any expansion was considered a DLC in their view. An 'expansion' would require a LOT MORE resources than ZOS has and we should actually consider ourselves lucky that we even get the quarterly DLCs.

dday3six · March 2016

Never. That's not how the game is monetized.

JD2013 · March 2016

See, with

Clockwork City and the incoming war between the Daedric Princes

on the horizon, I feel they could shake the world up a bit. They could change things. Change the world a bit. And that could well be done as an expansion.

But I don't think it will be.

I am however so very curious as to what Clockwork City has to do with it all and what form it'll take. A 12 man trial? A very long dungeon? A group dungeon like Old Orsinium?

Makkir · March 2016

I would rather have quarterly DLCs than annual expansions. In fact, I think that expansion business model is going to be ancient history soon as more companies adopt the DLC model.

Elsonso · March 2016

Makkir wrote: »

I would rather have quarterly DLCs than annual expansions. In fact, I think that expansion business model is going to be ancient history soon as more companies adopt the DLC model.

As I see it, the DLC model has a flaw. First, DLC tend to be small updates that tend to favor people who already own the game. As a mechanism to get people to spend that initial $60.00 for the base game, they really do not offer much in the way of incentive. Second, over time, the DLC are playing to a smaller and smaller customer base as attrition may not be refreshed with new sales.

While DLC are minor events, expansions are big events for a game. They attract the attention of the people who already own the game, as well as generate talk that attracts and brings in new people. New DLC are done by a game company cranking out some minor content, but an expansion means that the game is going places. This is the best way for ZOS to drive new box sales, and that is the whole purpose of being B2P instead of F2P.

This is why I think that ZOS will do an expansion that will sell for $40-$60 and it will be Version 3 of the game.

ADarklore · March 2016

lordrichter wrote: »

As I see it, the DLC model has a flaw. First, DLC tend to be small updates that tend to favor people who already own the game. As a mechanism to get people to spend that initial $60.00 for the base game, they really do not offer much in the way of incentive. Second, over time, the DLC are playing to a smaller and smaller customer base as attrition may not be refreshed with new sales.

While DLC are minor events, expansions are big events for a game. They attract the attention of the people who already own the game, as well as generate talk that attracts and brings in new people. New DLC are done by a game company cranking out some minor content, but an expansion means that the game is going places. This is the best way for ZOS to drive new box sales, and that is the whole purpose of being B2P instead of F2P.

This is why I think that ZOS will do an expansion that will sell for $40-$60 and it will be Version 3 of the game.

You're assuming that ZOS has a huge group of employees that can both work on DLCs AND an expansion, which they clearly do NOT have. Like most other MMOs, you'll have one group working on the next DLC while another group is working on the DLC beyond that... which means there is no one to create a huge expansion. Further, if memory serves me, someone once asked the devs about an expansion and they said they were going the DLC route instead of taking the time to create a large expansion.

Xjcon · March 2016

Horus6 wrote: »

Flaminir wrote: »

Horus6 wrote: »

Lenikus wrote: »

...
We had Orsinium, a while back.

No, Orsinium, Imp, and thieves guild were all major patches which is why they're all free to subscribers.

An expansion comes with a lot of new content, including level cap increase, a continuation of the main story lien and so on.

They weren't free...., you had to pay your sub to get them. And you lose access if you drop your sub. If you aren't subscribing they had to be paid for.

They have had new content in.... and whole new zones. But keep in mind these are bite sized chunks as they are coming approx every 14 weeks. One of them did come with a level cap increase... but then the next one didn't because of community outcry. You simply can't have a level increase every 14 weeks with the old vet level system.

The beauty of the original story is that there are a lot of other daedric princes that can be used to continue it.... we've seen some spoilers of that in the past couple... but also hints at future stories involving Mephala etc.

TLDR: They ARE expansions... but they are smaller bite sized expansions consistant with the fact they are releasing more frequently now than 1 a year as if it was a major expansion.

You don't seem to understand how an mmorpg works.

1. Pay to play mmorpgs charge peopel a monthly subscription, those people that pay for the subscription get access to the game. A major content patch is free to subscribers, an expansion is not and costs on average 49 - 60 dollars.

I understand a lot of console gamers and even single player pc gamers are not familiar with this system but the point your trying to make is moot as it's incorrect.

It appears as tho you don't seem to understand there is not set in stone rule as to how a company who creates a game has to operate. Yes other games have done as you suggested but the People in charge at Zenimax have stated they will release content quarterly.

Elsonso · March 2016

ADarklore wrote: »

You're assuming that ZOS has a huge group of employees that can both work on DLCs AND an expansion, which they clearly do NOT have. Like most other MMOs, you'll have one group working on the next DLC while another group is working on the DLC beyond that... which means there is no one to create a huge expansion. Further, if memory serves me, someone once asked the devs about an expansion and they said they were going the DLC route instead of taking the time to create a large expansion.

While we do not know what they (ZENIMAX ONLINE STUDIOS) are working on, it is already known that they have been working on an "unannounced project" in addition to the work they are doing on DLC content for ESO.

Don't underestimate the size of ZOS. This is not some garage enterprise. They are part of a very successful growing company that is known for doing big things with big projects.

Bam_Bam · March 2016

Horus6 wrote: »

Paulington wrote: »

I wasn't aware we needed one. We get four mini expansions a year which in my opinion is the better system as it keeps the game fresh and new.

Maybe we get one in the future, like "TESO: Yokuda" where they add a whole continent, who knows? As it stands I prefer this method of mini expansions every three months. .

That's your opinion, and the " four mini expansions " are some thing called patches which all mmoprgs get and are as always free to people that pay for the game. An expansion is a major addition to the game that cannot in any way be compared to a major content patch.

You don't really uunderstand what a patch is and does, do you....

ADarklore · March 2016

lordrichter wrote: »

While we do not know what they are working on, it is already known that they have been working on an "unannounced project" in addition to the work they are doing on DLC content for ESO.

Don't underestimate the size of ZOS. This is not some garage enterprise. They are part of a very successful growing company that is known for doing big things with big projects.

Actually, it is BETHESDA that is working on an "announced project" which some have speculated as being ES6, but there is no "unannounced project" by ZOS. ZOS is solely working on ESO, Bethesda develops single-player games such as Skyrim, Fallout, etc... and the entirety is under ZeniMax Media. As such, ZOS is a small company who has also downsized since ESO was completed, they don't continue to employ a massive group of developers because if they did, all these 80+ systems that are being worked on would be done in a more timely fashion.

WalkingLegacy · March 2016

Never say never Expansion haters!

From an interview:

MMORPG: Do you think ZOS will ever do a typical sort of “expansion” with multiple zones and new features?

MF: Never say never, but we really like our quarterly DLC cadence, which lets us slip in both new content and quality of life fixes and updates and get them to customers much faster than waiting for an annual expansion.

ADarklore · March 2016

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

MF: Never say never, but... [/i]

In other words, NEVER. His response is the usual double-speak that intentionally leave some players always hoping while the realistic players see the truth between the lines.

Elsonso · March 2016

ADarklore wrote: »

Actually, it is BETHESDA that is working on an "announced project" which some have speculated as being ES6, but there is no "unannounced project" by ZOS. ZOS is solely working on ESO, Bethesda develops single-player games such as Skyrim, Fallout, etc... and the entirety is under ZeniMax Media. As such, ZOS is a small company who has also downsized since ESO was completed, they don't continue to employ a massive group of developers because if they did, all these 80+ systems that are being worked on would be done in a more timely fashion.

Yes, Bethesda Game Studios is working on three big long term projects, one of which might be TES 6. I was talking about ZOS (ZeniMax Online Studios), though. ZOS is not the "Elder Scrolls Online Company" and I do not expect that ESO will be their only product. We will eventually find out what else they are working on.

"ZOS continues to work on ESO DLC, continuing support and maintenance, as well as unannounced projects."
http://www.zenimaxonline.com/

WalkingLegacy · March 2016

ADarklore wrote: »

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

MF: Never say never, but... [/i]

In other words, NEVER. His response is the usual double-speak that intentionally leave some players always hoping while the realistic players see the truth between the lines.

Meh anything could happen.

He also said TES audience would bring the masses to ESO and happily pay the sub fee to play the game. They would never go F2P/B2P....yet here we are. They will do what will bring them players and money.

I don't care either way, but I wouldn't snub my nose at an expansion that brought droves of content.

Makkir · March 2016

LordRichter..you think maybe a Fallout mmo?

Elsonso · March 2016

Makkir wrote: »

LordRichter..you think maybe a Fallout mmo?

Honestly, no. They can do Elder Scrolls because the single player TES games are pretty linear in the main quests. They wanted to make ESO so that the events that the player accomplished changed the world, but the had to back off on that due to phasing issues. Fallout would be all about stuff like that as each player took a slightly different path. They also have the "lone wanderer" solo thing to overcome. However, if you strip out the lone wanderer and focus on the conflict between wasteland factions, the PVP possibilities could be awesome. Imagine the Commonwealth as a massive open PVP zone with players aligned in numerous opposing factions fighting over resources and infrastructure.

They can be working on anything. It can be a multiplayer online adaptation of any of the games from any of the ZeniMax Media studios. It might be a collaboration with another company or something entirely new.

Of course, they could even be working on a long term ESO expansion (several new zones, new main quest, levels above 50, etc). That is one top contender in my mind. No matter what they might say about how much they love quarterly DLC drops, they love lots of revenue, too. A nice juicy expansion that they could roll out as ESO 3.0 would bring in lots of cash.

We also cannot forget the Japanese version of ESO, currently in production. While it is mostly translation and voice overs, there may be other things that need to be changed. Are the facial animations going to make ESO look like a Godzilla movie that has been dubbed in English?

Bottom line: The possibilities are too numerous.

Sausage · March 2016

Genre standard has been since 90s, that first expansions comes in first 2-3 year, so this is the year.

WalkingLegacy · March 2016

Lysette wrote: »

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

WalkingLegacy wrote: »

Lysette wrote: »

Another thing is, the main storyline was not really what most focused on in TES games - I doubt that the majority of players have ever completed it in any TES game. There are just so many other things to do in a TES game, that many will just unfold their own story in the world, without to pay much attention to the main story line, or if, play through it rather early in their game to "get done with it" and enjoy what is really TES game play - questing in an open world environment, with the main story line either not started yet or "being done with so that the "real" game play can be enjoyed without interference of the "main story".

That's a big doubt and I'd like to disagree. I've beaten the main story so many times in the last three TES games with the exception of Skyrim (I have only beaten once - spent way too much time modding this time around)

The big difference is you really have to complete the main story in ESO. While an expansion to expand main story doesn't have to just focus on main story. It could continue the main fighters & mages guild. It could shake up the existing content. The point is they COULD expand big with an expansion.

They may not have it on the current agenda but that doesn't mean it's not something they would consider down the road. No need to attack the OP (not pointed at you Lysette)

I don't think that I have to complete the main storyline in ESO - I have alts in every faction, so there is no need for me to ever complete it - all DLCs can be accessed without to have completed it and I am not interested into becoming a heroine ever. So I do not have to complete the main storyline - I can happily ignore it - to reach max level is none of my goals.

Edit. I did as well never understand what people really mean with "beat the game" - I tend to enjoy a game and play it to have fun - if you see any TES game as beaten when you have completed the main quest, then you have seen nothing from the content which is out there in those games - the main storyline is neglectable.

If you want the skillpoints - you must do the main story and all the quests that give you skillpoints.

I do not care about that either - I care about the story of my character, which unfolds as it goes - I decide from the perspective of my character and so far she is new to the world and curious about it and goes with the flow of her moods. She explores and feels bothered by the NPCs, who want to burden their sorrows onto her - she ignores most of their requests, because she is of the opinion, that instead of standing around all day in the same location, they could perfectly do that on their own - so for now, she is not even interested too much in questing - she does, whenever she sees a good reason to or cause to support and if not too much risk is involved. But otherwise she goes with the flow of her moods and enjoys her life. At some point in time she might get involved, but not for now - she rather gathers some materials and cares for her crrafts, which might come in handy later.

You see, I play it in a different way - to me the game is not about numbers and points - but about the experience to live in a virtual world and enjoy my (character's) life there and see, how her mindset evolves as she goes. her destiny is not written yet, but to be a heroine does not seem to be in her books - but you never know ...

I get that your role-playing a story but I have yet to play a single RPG whether it's offline or MMOrpg that doesn't have skillpoints.

You may not care about them, but to progress our characters physical abilities you need them.