Maintenance for the week of December 23:
• NA megaservers for maintenance – December 23, 4:00AM EST (9:00 UTC) - 9:00AM EST (14:00 UTC)
• EU megaservers for maintenance – December 23, 9:00 UTC (4:00AM EST) - 14:00 UTC (9:00AM EST)
• NA megaservers for maintenance – December 23, 4:00AM EST (9:00 UTC) - 9:00AM EST (14:00 UTC)
• EU megaservers for maintenance – December 23, 9:00 UTC (4:00AM EST) - 14:00 UTC (9:00AM EST)
SEASONAL CONTENT ≠ SEASONAL SCHEDULED CONTENT
Asdara
✭✭✭✭✭
For those in back screaming at ZOS, ESO is not turning into one of those games where you lose access to content after a "season" ends. That’s not what they’re doing here. The "Seasonal Content" model just means they’re releasing stuff on a seasonal schedule—spreading content drops throughout the year instead of dumping it all in one big update every June.
Once the content is out, it stays in the game. Forever. Just like Chapters, DLCs, or other updates. You don’t have to grind it out before some arbitrary timer runs out.
They're doing this to keep the game fresh and flexible, NOT to screw you over with FOMO. So relax and stop acting like they’re locking everything behind a countdown clock. They're giving us more consistent updates, not less access.
And look, updating the graphics on older zones and focusing on what’s already in the game is absolutely the right move—and here’s why: it’s about making the game future-proof. ESO is massive, and instead of endlessly piling on new zones while the older areas look dated, they’re ensuring the foundation of the game stays strong. A fresh coat of paint on those early zones means the world feels alive, cohesive, and worth exploring—whether you’re a brand-new player or someone returning after years away.
This isn’t just about looking pretty. Better graphics and polished zones keep players around longer. New players don’t bounce because they hit some outdated starter area that feels like it’s from another decade, and veterans get a reason to revisit places they haven’t touched in years. It’s about creating a seamless experience that grabs people and keeps them coming back.
And here’s the kicker: it’s free. These upgrades are part of the base game you already own. They’re not selling you a shiny remaster or charging you for a DLC that just improves the visuals. It’s pure value—zones you’ve already played get new life, and you don’t pay a cent.
This is how you keep a game thriving for the long haul. A better-looking, better-feeling Tamriel isn’t just good for us now; it’s good for the future. New players join, returning players stay, and the community grows. It’s not just the best choice—it’s the smart one.
Once the content is out, it stays in the game. Forever. Just like Chapters, DLCs, or other updates. You don’t have to grind it out before some arbitrary timer runs out.
They're doing this to keep the game fresh and flexible, NOT to screw you over with FOMO. So relax and stop acting like they’re locking everything behind a countdown clock. They're giving us more consistent updates, not less access.
And look, updating the graphics on older zones and focusing on what’s already in the game is absolutely the right move—and here’s why: it’s about making the game future-proof. ESO is massive, and instead of endlessly piling on new zones while the older areas look dated, they’re ensuring the foundation of the game stays strong. A fresh coat of paint on those early zones means the world feels alive, cohesive, and worth exploring—whether you’re a brand-new player or someone returning after years away.
This isn’t just about looking pretty. Better graphics and polished zones keep players around longer. New players don’t bounce because they hit some outdated starter area that feels like it’s from another decade, and veterans get a reason to revisit places they haven’t touched in years. It’s about creating a seamless experience that grabs people and keeps them coming back.
And here’s the kicker: it’s free. These upgrades are part of the base game you already own. They’re not selling you a shiny remaster or charging you for a DLC that just improves the visuals. It’s pure value—zones you’ve already played get new life, and you don’t pay a cent.
This is how you keep a game thriving for the long haul. A better-looking, better-feeling Tamriel isn’t just good for us now; it’s good for the future. New players join, returning players stay, and the community grows. It’s not just the best choice—it’s the smart one.
Imagine a game with stackable maps, furniture bag, decon furniture
15
-
Reginald_leBlem✭✭✭✭✭I've been dying for a bit of polish to some of the old zones. Kynarthi's roost and Deshaan are still some of my favorite zones and both could use some love!
I hope we get some new quests that reflect what we have already done there, give us a sense of progression2 -
LadyGP✭✭✭✭✭
✭This.
And for those that sare saying the game is shifting to maintenance mode - not sure how you come to that conclusion.
They want to make the gamer harder, fix broken stuff, add new content, add new tools for things like guild, fix and change cyro, etc. Sounds like a win to me.Will the real LadyGP please stand up.2 -
Asdara✭✭✭✭✭This.
And for those that sare saying the game is shifting to maintenance mode - not sure how you come to that conclusion.
They want to make the gamer harder, fix broken stuff, add new content, add new tools for things like guild, fix and change cyro, etc. Sounds like a win to me.
Also pumping free content in a game is the exact opposite of "maintenance mode" they're litteraly investing a LOT of money in the future of the gameEdited by Asdara on 17 December 2024 17:34Imagine a game with stackable maps, furniture bag, decon furniture2 -
RaptorRodeoGod✭✭✭✭✭Did they say all content would be free?Add a Scribing skill that works like Arcanist beam.
---
Veteran players have been alienated and disengaged from Overland since One Tamriel, due to the lack of difficulty, and pushed into dungeons and trials; the minority of content in the Elder Scrolls Online. We can't take the repetition anymore, fix Overland engagement for Vet players. I don't even care if it's not combat related anymore, just make Overland engaging again.
---
Overland difficulty scaling is desperately needed. 10 years. 6 paid expansions. 25 DLCs. 41 game changing updates including One Tamriel, an overhaul of the game including a permanent CP160 gear cap and ridiculous power creep thereafter. I'm sick and tired of hearing about Cadwell Silver & Gold as a "you think you do but you don't" - tier deflection to any criticism regarding the lack of overland difficulty in the game. I'm bored of dungeons, I'm bored of trials; make a personal difficulty slider for overland. Make a self debuff mythic. Literally anything at this point.5 -
RomanRex✭✭✭✭✭
✭I think YOU are making assumptions.
People are using previous experience and other studio’s use of “seasons” to see this for what it is.7 -
Asdara✭✭✭✭✭RaptorRodeoGod wrote: »Did they say all content would be free?
Hey we updated the texture on the rocks of starter zone, here's a 5000 crown pack to access it, BRUHEdited by Asdara on 17 December 2024 17:55Imagine a game with stackable maps, furniture bag, decon furniture1 -
LadyGP✭✭✭✭✭
✭This.
And for those that sare saying the game is shifting to maintenance mode - not sure how you come to that conclusion.
They want to make the gamer harder, fix broken stuff, add new content, add new tools for things like guild, fix and change cyro, etc. Sounds like a win to me.
Also pumping free content in a game is the exact opposite of "maintenance mode" they're litteraly investing a LOT of money in the future of the game
Bingo.Will the real LadyGP please stand up.1 -
LadyGP✭✭✭✭✭
✭
Why are people upset? I'm not getting the vibe the majority of people are upset.Will the real LadyGP please stand up.2 -
sarahthes✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭
Why are people upset? I'm not getting the vibe the majority of people are upset.
I don't think people are upset. The general mood I'm seeing is skeptical.4 -
RomanRex✭✭✭✭✭
✭
Why are people upset? I'm not getting the vibe the majority of people are upset.
I’ve seen your posts. I see you are excited. Great!
Have you just glossed over the half of people in the same threads who see these changes as harbingers of bad news?3 -
Asdara✭✭✭✭✭
I understand that there are deeper frustrations at play here.
It's not just about whether content is disappearing after a season ends it's about the uncertainty that comes with big changes, especially when they affect a game we all care so much about. Many players feel attached to the old ways of doing things, and any shift, especially something as significant as moving away from the Chapter model, can feel like a risk or a departure from what worked (spoiler it didn't).
But I think it's important to also look at the intent behind these changes. ZOS is trying to create more consistent content updates without overwhelming themselves with tight deadlines. They’re giving themselves the freedom to experiment and adjust based on player feedback (finally?).
I agree that changes can be uncomfortable, and it’s natural to worry when the structure of something you enjoy is evolving. But the goal with this new seasonal approach is not to limit access or make the game harder to enjoy and i hope it’s about creating a more flexible and dynamic content schedule that gives both players and developers more breathing room.
That said, I think ZOS has a responsibility to keep the community informed and transparent about these changes, which is why I’m hopeful they’ll continue to address these concerns in the coming months, just as Jessica mentioned. The fact that they’re listening and planning more clarifications shows that they want to get it right and are taking player concerns seriously.
Imagine a game with stackable maps, furniture bag, decon furniture0 -
Asdara✭✭✭✭✭
the most vocal people on the forum are NOT representative of the community
Why are people upset? I'm not getting the vibe the majority of people are upset.
I’ve seen your posts. I see you are excited. Great!
Have you just glossed over the half of people in the same threads who see these changes as harbingers of bad news?
Imagine a game with stackable maps, furniture bag, decon furniture3 -
RomanRex✭✭✭✭✭
✭
I understand that there are deeper frustrations at play here.
It's not just about whether content is disappearing after a season ends it's about the uncertainty that comes with big changes, especially when they affect a game we all care so much about. Many players feel attached to the old ways of doing things, and any shift, especially something as significant as moving away from the Chapter model, can feel like a risk or a departure from what worked (spoiler it didn't).
But I think it's important to also look at the intent behind these changes. ZOS is trying to create more consistent content updates without overwhelming themselves with tight deadlines. They’re giving themselves the freedom to experiment and adjust based on player feedback (finally?).
I agree that changes can be uncomfortable, and it’s natural to worry when the structure of something you enjoy is evolving. But the goal with this new seasonal approach is not to limit access or make the game harder to enjoy and i hope it’s about creating a more flexible and dynamic content schedule that gives both players and developers more breathing room.
That said, I think ZOS has a responsibility to keep the community informed and transparent about these changes, which is why I’m hopeful they’ll continue to address these concerns in the coming months, just as Jessica mentioned. The fact that they’re listening and planning more clarifications shows that they want to get it right and are taking player concerns seriously.
it seems they have a current team who cannot keep up with the pace and expectations of previous years, so they use a verbose letter to explain they will be further slowing down their content releases.
they have promised QOL changes for years as the content output has declined. those haven’t happened. servers are as bad as ever. what little new content we get is not well received like housing tours and BG updates.
Edited by RomanRex on 17 December 2024 18:4212 -
Asdara✭✭✭✭✭
they have promised QOL changes for years as the content output has declined. those haven’t happened. servers are as bad as ever. what little new context we get is not well received like housing tours and BG updates.
Oh, I get it now. We’re upset because ZOS is admitting they can’t keep up with the ridiculous expectations we’ve set, so they’re slowing down the pace of content. Heaven forbid they take the time to fix the servers or focus on QOL improvements. But no, let’s keep pushing for endless Chapter updates or new pointless classes—because that’s exactly what this game needed, right?
Honestly, the seasonal model could give them the breathing room to address the real issues—performance, stability, and maybe even some fresh content that doesn’t feel rushed or half-baked. But sure, let’s keep complaining about the ‘slower’ pace or the huuuh "they maintenance mode" huuuh, while ignoring the fact that it might actually help the game in the long run. [snip]
[edited for baiting]Edited by ZOS_Icy on 17 December 2024 18:57Imagine a game with stackable maps, furniture bag, decon furniture2 -
RomanRex✭✭✭✭✭
✭
they have promised QOL changes for years as the content output has declined. those haven’t happened. servers are as bad as ever. what little new context we get is not well received like housing tours and BG updates.
We’re upset because ZOS is admitting they can’t keep up with the ridiculous expectations we’ve set, so they’re slowing down the pace of content.
Nope. They set expectations and their competitors set expectations.1 -
Danikat✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭I'm glad we did get confirmation that the "seasons" are just a re-branded and shorter version of the 'year long stories' and not temporary releases. The original announcement didn't actually say that and I can see why people were worried because that is exactly how a lot of games use the term seasons.
I'm cautiously optimistic about what this will mean in practice. There are a lot of things which need updating or which could be added to in this game which don't fit the current chapter format where everything has to be largely self-contained and released on a strict schedule, so this sounds like a good opportunity for the game. But how good it actually is depends a lot on the implementation - what they change and how they change it.
It's easy to say things like going back to stories focused on groups like the Thieves Guild instead of locations, or updating the PC UI but whether or not that's actually good depends on what specifically they do and how they do it.
The other big question is how we'll be expected to pay for the new releases, because obviously it's not all going to be free. I'm happy to pay for updates I think are worth getting, but that means they need to be both interesting and reasonably priced.
Also I'd prefer to not feel like I'm playing a "freemium" game where I constantly run into notifications that I need to buy access to every little bit of the map or thing I was trying to do. That's one benefit of chapters (or even the regular DLC we had before that), you pay once and get a full zone and everything in it. I don't know if that will change, but I'd prefer it not to.This.
And for those that sare saying the game is shifting to maintenance mode - not sure how you come to that conclusion.
They want to make the gamer harder, fix broken stuff, add new content, add new tools for things like guild, fix and change cyro, etc. Sounds like a win to me.
Also pumping free content in a game is the exact opposite of "maintenance mode" they're litteraly investing a LOT of money in the future of the game
Some people will call literally anything proof that a game is in (or is going into) maintenance mode. I've seen people say it about new expansion announcements, for both ESO and other games, and that's about as far from 'maintenance mode' as you can get.
I suspect some people don't really know what it means and think it's just a technical sounding way to complain about a game not giving them everything on their personal wish list.PC EU player | She/her/hers | PAWS (Positively Against Wrip-off Stuff) - Say No to Crown Crates!
"Remember in this game we call life that no one said it's fair"4
