Cross Save / Cross Platform / Cross Play coming?

Poss · August 13

nbksaske wrote: »

And character names/account names wouldn't be an issue, just add an invisible #1234 number next to each account/character name - dave#7, Queen of Auridon#17373 for example.

Or just add a little Xbox/PSN/PC icon next to names like they do in Fortnite

amiiegee · August 14

Poss wrote: »

nbksaske wrote: »

And character names/account names wouldn't be an issue, just add an invisible #1234 number next to each account/character name - dave#7, Queen of Auridon#17373 for example.

Or just add a little Xbox/PSN/PC icon next to names like they do in Fortnite

Same for guild names, just put the GM‘s platform symbol next to it

Stamicka · August 14

I want to see them release a character/account merging tool at the very least. It would serve multiple functions.

I like many others have accounts on different platforms, one on Xbox, one on PC. Since I started on Xbox, I have so much more stuff over there. More resources, cosmetics, achievements, etc.

By now I’ve also accumulated some stuff on PC as well. I want to merge my accounts and merge my characters of the same class into one character.

Even people who aren’t transfers now have characters that aren’t needed due to the fact that we can change race, alliance, and builds easily with new QoL features. Then there’s subclassing and hybridization as well.

With this, at least leveled skill lines, alliance rank, and acquired skill points wouldn’t have been for nothing.

amiiegee · August 16

Stamicka wrote: »

I want to see them release a character/account merging tool at the very least. It would serve multiple functions.

I like many others have accounts on different platforms, one on Xbox, one on PC. Since I started on Xbox, I have so much more stuff over there. More resources, cosmetics, achievements, etc.

By now I’ve also accumulated some stuff on PC as well. I want to merge my accounts and merge my characters of the same class into one character.

Even people who aren’t transfers now have characters that aren’t needed due to the fact that we can change race, alliance, and builds easily with new QoL features. Then there’s subclassing and hybridization as well.

With this, at least leveled skill lines, alliance rank, and acquired skill points wouldn’t have been for nothing.

That would be a start.
I really wonder if they are gonna announce something like that soon

RebornV3x · August 16

You don't want cross play between Console and PC. Now cross save or importing an account from Console to PC should happen at some point.

amiiegee · August 17

RebornV3x wrote: »

You don't want cross play between Console and PC. Now cross save or importing an account from Console to PC should happen at some point.

I read this was a thing at the begin but was later stopped.

Would be more happier if people with different hardware can just play together 😁

Sadras · August 17

Stamicka wrote: »

I want to see them release a character/account merging tool at the very least. It would serve multiple functions.

I like many others have accounts on different platforms, one on Xbox, one on PC. Since I started on Xbox, I have so much more stuff over there. More resources, cosmetics, achievements, etc.

By now I’ve also accumulated some stuff on PC as well.

Very similar situation here; due to changing RL circumstances, I kind of played on dual accounts for a while and switched the main one back and forth as it fit me at the time. Very recently I've finally decided to go for PC completely, and if I could just take my XBOX stuff over, unlocks, achievements, purchases, time-limited shinies like Twitch rewards... I'd be totally fine with duplicates just being made obsolete and just filling in what I didn't have on PC. And obviously I can live without the things just fine or I would never have made the switch at all. But wouldn't it be nice if.... etc.

Also, crossplay at least between the regions on one platform would be cool, and possibly a voluntary opt-in one between platforms. I get there's a disparity between PC and console, so opt-in may be the way to go, like in some other games I've seen; but on the other hand, I've spent hours at a time trying to get a Battlegrounds queue on XBOX EU, before finally giving up, and a lot of less prominent guild traders were just unmanned. I think some kind of combining of servers may be in order.

Katahdin · August 17

fufu_from_ps4 wrote: »

they are able to do transfers, they did them when the game first released on consoles. you could transfer your pc account to the console servers. i beleive the issue is player names or somthing which is why they hesitate to offer it as a service.

The reason they were able to do it when consoles came out is because the console databases were empty. Trying to merge existing databases with the very high potential for duplicate names would be highly problematic and could cause a disaster. Would you be happy if your guild, character or account were wiped because it was a duplicate?

Crossplay might be possible if they can get different platforms to play on the same server but a full merge and cross save, I dont think will ever be possible as is because of the problems mentioned above which has been stated over and over by ZoS since it was first asked for (years)

.

ADarklore · August 18

IMO the only real 'big changes' they could be talking about is cross-play... as it's desperately needed to keep the game filled, especially as more people leave, making it harder to do PvP or group content.

Some say, "NO, they mean overland difficulty"... honestly, that's not THAT big of a deal. I know a lot of people think it will, and there are some who have said they would return for increased difficulty... but I honestly doubt that. Some would return, but then get just as bored as they were before, and leave again. Depending on how they handle it, if there are no increased rewards for higher difficulty, then many people wouldn't choose it anyway. And if they don't give us the option to toggle the difficulty level- then they would lose a lot of the casual and solo players as well as new players being turned off because of the difficulty level. And yes, I have personally seen new players dying in starter zones... so making the game even more difficult would see them just walk away without even trying.

MISTFORMBZZZ · August 19

ADarklore wrote: »

IMO the only real 'big changes' they could be talking about is cross-play... as it's desperately needed to keep the game filled, especially as more people leave, making it harder to do PvP or group content.

Some say, "NO, they mean overland difficulty"... honestly, that's not THAT big of a deal. I know a lot of people think it will, and there are some who have said they would return for increased difficulty... but I honestly doubt that. Some would return, but then get just as bored as they were before, and leave again. Depending on how they handle it, if there are no increased rewards for higher difficulty, then many people wouldn't choose it anyway. And if they don't give us the option to toggle the difficulty level- then they would lose a lot of the casual and solo players as well as new players being turned off because of the difficulty level. And yes, I have personally seen new players dying in starter zones... so making the game even more difficult would see them just walk away without even trying.

Wow its the first time i see you agreeing on the topic of cross play. And im agreeing on what you said, i think its desperatetly needed aswell.

WhoThenNow7 · August 20

I still don't understand how ESO isn't a play anywhere title on XBOX. I main on xbox, and it would be nice to go on my pc in the xbox app, and play eso using the XBOX server (not crossplay with steam server).

Anyone understand why this hasn't been done yet?

DreadKnight · August 20

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

Tandor · August 20

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

MISTFORMBZZZ · August 20

Tandor wrote: »

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

I dont think thats correct. I read multiple times, the ESO staff has not been effected by this and there were actions beeing taken to keep them. But the ZOS studio overall was and the other MMO they were working on, was canceled (wich should be good for ESO).

If im wrong, feel free to correct me as i dont find the posts anymore (reddit, forum & online)

Anyway since Microsoft’s official line suggested ESO will remain supported as a "key live service title'' , cross service should be worked on, imo.

EDIT: Found something after letting chat gtp search : https://www.gamesradar.com/games/mmo/a-future-has-been-stolen-zenimax-union-says-lives-were-upended-by-xbox-layoffs-and-mmo-cancelation-but-we-have-not-yet-been-laid-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Also chatgtp answere, so im open to be corrected :

Based on all the reporting and union statements so far, here’s the clearest picture:

✅ What’s confirmed

ESO itself is safe: Microsoft explicitly said The Elder Scrolls Online remains a key live-service game.

No formal layoffs of the ESO team have been confirmed. The union (ZOSU-CWA) stated that ESO devs are still employed, with pay and benefits intact.

The layoffs targeted Project Blackbird (the canceled new MMO). Almost the entire team working on that project is expected to lose their jobs once severance negotiations finish.

wolfie1.0. · August 20

One of the ways i can see this working is if ZOS sets up a specific server on consoles that can access either PCNA or PCEU and have that new connection work like stadia did. Moving accounts over would be painful, so they might require new accounts and character names.

Or since the consoles are smaller they could set up a pc server specifically for cross-play and allow one time account transfers that way.

Either way its going to be a massive endeavor, I dont think that microsoft nor sony would stop the process as both companies seem to be working on getting their games, even previous exclusives, ported over to every platform.

I think the biggest hurdle is the method and logistics it could cause, as a pour attempt at it could severely hurt the game overall.

I and others I know have had some characters for really long times, and I am attached to them. People like me would likely quit if I lost certain character names. Its one thing if I choose to change it, or if zos says it violates policy, but to lose it in a server merger to another player would be devastating.

I went through that process twice before and I just up and quit those games entirely.

alternatelder · August 20

amiiegee wrote: »

MJallday wrote: »

Its a time vs costs vs effort against benefit thing.

time = high
cost = high
effort = high

benefit = low

the only reason do actully do this is to make the worlds feel "fuller" - but actually it would cause more problems. lag, latency (where would you even put the servers) , difference in operability, add ins.

theres very little financial gain to ZOS / Microsoft in doing this - so it'll get canned for that reason - IMO - Microsoft are about revenue generation - this isnt it.

No i dont think its just a low benefit thing tbh. Yesit takes time and money but the game would feel fuller because ppl would actually come back. Like, those on servers that feel kinda unpopulated rn would have way more activity, which means they’d prob play more. And more ppl online = more time spent ingame = more $$ spent on subs, crowns, whatever.

Plus, its not just about “feeling fuller”, it keeps ppl from quitting in the first place. Unpopulated servers make ppl log off for good. Busy servers keep ppl hooked. Youre probably from PC so you dont know the struggle yet, but some servers do. The lag/latency stuff could be managed like any other mmo with crossplay, its not impossible.

So imo its not just about the cost right now, its about the long term player retention + money they’d make if ppl stick around instead of bailing. feels like short sighted thinking to just go “nah, high cost, forget it”

You're ignoring the the main point, it likely wouldn't keep people around for long because the outcome of having lots more people around would likely be lots more lag, latency, etc as they stated. It's bad enough as it is. I'm already on the lowest amount of time spent on this gane this year in the decade I've played due to the terrible performance. I will take even longer breaks if performance gets even worse.

amiiegee · August 20

wolfie1.0. wrote: »

One of the ways i can see this working is if ZOS sets up a specific server on consoles that can access either PCNA or PCEU and have that new connection work like stadia did. Moving accounts over would be painful, so they might require new accounts and character names.

Or since the consoles are smaller they could set up a pc server specifically for cross-play and allow one time account transfers that way.

Either way its going to be a massive endeavor, I dont think that microsoft nor sony would stop the process as both companies seem to be working on getting their games, even previous exclusives, ported over to every platform.

I think the biggest hurdle is the method and logistics it could cause, as a pour attempt at it could severely hurt the game overall.

I and others I know have had some characters for really long times, and I am attached to them. People like me would likely quit if I lost certain character names. Its one thing if I choose to change it, or if zos says it violates policy, but to lose it in a server merger to another player would be devastating.

I went through that process twice before and I just up and quit those games entirely.

Why do you think you would have to change name? Zos could just do it (as stated above) with adding the platform symbol. Problem solved.

alternatelder wrote: »

amiiegee wrote: »

MJallday wrote: »

Its a time vs costs vs effort against benefit thing.

time = high
cost = high
effort = high

benefit = low

the only reason do actully do this is to make the worlds feel "fuller" - but actually it would cause more problems. lag, latency (where would you even put the servers) , difference in operability, add ins.

theres very little financial gain to ZOS / Microsoft in doing this - so it'll get canned for that reason - IMO - Microsoft are about revenue generation - this isnt it.

No i dont think its just a low benefit thing tbh. Yesit takes time and money but the game would feel fuller because ppl would actually come back. Like, those on servers that feel kinda unpopulated rn would have way more activity, which means they’d prob play more. And more ppl online = more time spent ingame = more $$ spent on subs, crowns, whatever.

Plus, its not just about “feeling fuller”, it keeps ppl from quitting in the first place. Unpopulated servers make ppl log off for good. Busy servers keep ppl hooked. Youre probably from PC so you dont know the struggle yet, but some servers do. The lag/latency stuff could be managed like any other mmo with crossplay, its not impossible.

So imo its not just about the cost right now, its about the long term player retention + money they’d make if ppl stick around instead of bailing. feels like short sighted thinking to just go “nah, high cost, forget it”

You're ignoring the the main point, it likely wouldn't keep people around for long because the outcome of having lots more people around would likely be lots more lag, latency, etc as they stated. It's bad enough as it is. I'm already on the lowest amount of time spent on this gane this year in the decade I've played due to the terrible performance. I will take even longer breaks if performance gets even worse.

Im not ignoring it but its also something ZOS has to deliver. Other games are able to deliver crossplay without lag and bigger latency. Excample ; throne and liberty.
Ofc the same would be expected by zos too, if crossplay would come.
Its on them to make this possible.

Your point is just the doubt into the company to make it technically possible. But thats just a trust issue

freespirit · August 20

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/comment/8360238#Comment_8360238

Post #40 from Kevin gives latest info!

"Going to avoid speaking for Nick and the rest of leadership in this instance. They should have the opportunity to answer the question of crossplay themselves when they have an opportunity to speak with the player base. However, we should note, Rich was on a podcast earlier in the year, noting that the team is interested in crossplay. The hang-ups are investigating what would be impacted by implementing crossplay and the time to scope out appropriate fixes for those impacts. But it was something on the table for investigation. Both Rich and Matt talked about that."

Eternity_Was · August 20

At the very least I’d like to see crown store purchase tracked across all platforms and maybe CP level. Craft bag and gold and so on can stay separate for the sake of economies and so on… but I’d really like to see the crown store purchases carried over on a central account server, and cp level to be tracked as well. If you really want the golden ticket… then maybe achievement points too.

wolfie1.0. · August 20

amiiegee wrote: »

wolfie1.0. wrote: »

One of the ways i can see this working is if ZOS sets up a specific server on consoles that can access either PCNA or PCEU and have that new connection work like stadia did. Moving accounts over would be painful, so they might require new accounts and character names.

Or since the consoles are smaller they could set up a pc server specifically for cross-play and allow one time account transfers that way.

Either way its going to be a massive endeavor, I dont think that microsoft nor sony would stop the process as both companies seem to be working on getting their games, even previous exclusives, ported over to every platform.

I think the biggest hurdle is the method and logistics it could cause, as a pour attempt at it could severely hurt the game overall.

I and others I know have had some characters for really long times, and I am attached to them. People like me would likely quit if I lost certain character names. Its one thing if I choose to change it, or if zos says it violates policy, but to lose it in a server merger to another player would be devastating.

I went through that process twice before and I just up and quit those games entirely.

Why do you think you would have to change name? Zos could just do it (as stated above) with adding the platform symbol. Problem solved.

alternatelder wrote: »

amiiegee wrote: »

MJallday wrote: »

Its a time vs costs vs effort against benefit thing.

time = high
cost = high
effort = high

benefit = low

the only reason do actully do this is to make the worlds feel "fuller" - but actually it would cause more problems. lag, latency (where would you even put the servers) , difference in operability, add ins.

theres very little financial gain to ZOS / Microsoft in doing this - so it'll get canned for that reason - IMO - Microsoft are about revenue generation - this isnt it.

No i dont think its just a low benefit thing tbh. Yesit takes time and money but the game would feel fuller because ppl would actually come back. Like, those on servers that feel kinda unpopulated rn would have way more activity, which means they’d prob play more. And more ppl online = more time spent ingame = more $$ spent on subs, crowns, whatever.

Plus, its not just about “feeling fuller”, it keeps ppl from quitting in the first place. Unpopulated servers make ppl log off for good. Busy servers keep ppl hooked. Youre probably from PC so you dont know the struggle yet, but some servers do. The lag/latency stuff could be managed like any other mmo with crossplay, its not impossible.

So imo its not just about the cost right now, its about the long term player retention + money they’d make if ppl stick around instead of bailing. feels like short sighted thinking to just go “nah, high cost, forget it”

You're ignoring the the main point, it likely wouldn't keep people around for long because the outcome of having lots more people around would likely be lots more lag, latency, etc as they stated. It's bad enough as it is. I'm already on the lowest amount of time spent on this gane this year in the decade I've played due to the terrible performance. I will take even longer breaks if performance gets even worse.

Im not ignoring it but its also something ZOS has to deliver. Other games are able to deliver crossplay without lag and bigger latency. Excample ; throne and liberty.
Ofc the same would be expected by zos too, if crossplay would come.
Its on them to make this possible.

Your point is just the doubt into the company to make it technically possible. But thats just a trust issue

Its almost never as simple as it would seem. Which is where all of my concerns lay. I am not opposed to crossplay. I am concerned about poor implementation of it. I have gone through the process of server mergers several times now and its always always a mess.

Maybe zos will be the one that does it right? I dont know. I hope so.

Elowen_Starveil · August 21

valenwood_vegan wrote: »

https://help.elderscrollsonline.com/#en/answer/25807

Maybe this will help clear things up.

I really just don't get the folks who always show up in these threads to argue with other forum users about this stuff. It's zos' own words. If some don't wanna believe zos, that's between them and zos, but I assure y'all that no one on the forums can magically flip the secret hidden crossplay / server transfer switch that zos is allegedly hiding from us, nor is anyone here preventing them from working on crossplay (which they have stated they're trying to do).

At this point, I imagine that they regret having given people this option, since it has led to a decade of wild, out-of-context speculation.

Elowen_Starveil · August 21

MISTFORMBZZZ wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

I dont think thats correct. I read multiple times, the ESO staff has not been effected by this and there were actions beeing taken to keep them. But the ZOS studio overall was and the other MMO they were working on, was canceled (wich should be good for ESO).

If im wrong, feel free to correct me as i dont find the posts anymore (reddit, forum & online)

Anyway since Microsoft’s official line suggested ESO will remain supported as a "key live service title'' , cross service should be worked on, imo.

EDIT: Found something after letting chat gtp search : https://www.gamesradar.com/games/mmo/a-future-has-been-stolen-zenimax-union-says-lives-were-upended-by-xbox-layoffs-and-mmo-cancelation-but-we-have-not-yet-been-laid-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Also chatgtp answere, so im open to be corrected :

Based on all the reporting and union statements so far, here’s the clearest picture:

✅ What’s confirmed

ESO itself is safe: Microsoft explicitly said The Elder Scrolls Online remains a key live-service game.

No formal layoffs of the ESO team have been confirmed. The union (ZOSU-CWA) stated that ESO devs are still employed, with pay and benefits intact.

The layoffs targeted Project Blackbird (the canceled new MMO). Almost the entire team working on that project is expected to lose their jobs once severance negotiations finish.

Meanwhile, this article from 9 days later says, "According to current employee Page Branson, some of those who were laid off were “absolutely crucial” to the success of ESO and “integral” to the everyday function of the studio in general. Some of that brain drain can likely be attributed to the dev knowledge lost thanks to the ending of development on MMORPG Project Blackbird as well as the departure of former studio president Matt Firor, but according to QA worker Autumn Mitchell, a third of the studio’s institutional knowledge keeping ZOS’s projects running smoothly has been eliminated."

https://massivelyop.com/2025/07/23/zenimax-online-devs-say-microsoft-layoffs-eliminated-critical-mmorpg-staff-and-institutional-knowledge/

The reported numbers of people laid off from the studio were more than the number of people that were working on Blackbird. So regardless of official statements, some ESO people have definitely been cut. This article suggests a third. Tandor says a third. I've seen other articles also referencing a third. Pretending that ESO wasn't impacted by the Microsoft cuts is, frankly, and I'm sorry to say, cope.

As always, YMMV, TACMA, OVWP, etc., et. al.

amiiegee · August 21

so the layoffs don’t mean no crossplay ever, but they make it less certain and probably slower to come unless Microsoft dedicates new resources 😬

DenverRalphy · August 21

dk_dunkirk wrote: »

MISTFORMBZZZ wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

I dont think thats correct. I read multiple times, the ESO staff has not been effected by this and there were actions beeing taken to keep them. But the ZOS studio overall was and the other MMO they were working on, was canceled (wich should be good for ESO).

If im wrong, feel free to correct me as i dont find the posts anymore (reddit, forum & online)

Anyway since Microsoft’s official line suggested ESO will remain supported as a "key live service title'' , cross service should be worked on, imo.

EDIT: Found something after letting chat gtp search : https://www.gamesradar.com/games/mmo/a-future-has-been-stolen-zenimax-union-says-lives-were-upended-by-xbox-layoffs-and-mmo-cancelation-but-we-have-not-yet-been-laid-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Also chatgtp answere, so im open to be corrected :

Based on all the reporting and union statements so far, here’s the clearest picture:

✅ What’s confirmed

ESO itself is safe: Microsoft explicitly said The Elder Scrolls Online remains a key live-service game.

No formal layoffs of the ESO team have been confirmed. The union (ZOSU-CWA) stated that ESO devs are still employed, with pay and benefits intact.

The layoffs targeted Project Blackbird (the canceled new MMO). Almost the entire team working on that project is expected to lose their jobs once severance negotiations finish.

Meanwhile, this article from 9 days later says, "According to current employee Page Branson, some of those who were laid off were “absolutely crucial” to the success of ESO and “integral” to the everyday function of the studio in general. Some of that brain drain can likely be attributed to the dev knowledge lost thanks to the ending of development on MMORPG Project Blackbird as well as the departure of former studio president Matt Firor, but according to QA worker Autumn Mitchell, a third of the studio’s institutional knowledge keeping ZOS’s projects running smoothly has been eliminated."

https://massivelyop.com/2025/07/23/zenimax-online-devs-say-microsoft-layoffs-eliminated-critical-mmorpg-staff-and-institutional-knowledge/

The reported numbers of people laid off from the studio were more than the number of people that were working on Blackbird. So regardless of official statements, some ESO people have definitely been cut. This article suggests a third. Tandor says a third. I've seen other articles also referencing a third. Pretending that ESO wasn't impacted by the Microsoft cuts is, frankly, and I'm sorry to say, cope.

As always, YMMV, TACMA, OVWP, etc., et. al.

I think that article may have mis represented a quote. Because I recall an earlier article that it was likely sourced from (can't remember exactly where though) where the statement about some let go being crucial to the success of ESO was speaking about some of those let go were part of the original team responsible for building, launching, and getting ESO on its feet. And thus crucial in that aspect. Not that they were currently working on ESO. Because from most original accounts, despite the clickbait "ESO Devs Laid Off!" headline articles, it was former ESO but now Blackbird employees laid off.

allup8679 · August 21

MJallday wrote: »

cross play between console and pc as it is right now, would be horrific.
it would be vastly advantageous to everyone on pc.

I played through Stadia with a controller for over a year and did just fine. The skill gap between PC and console isn't as big as one would think.

MISTFORMBZZZ · August 22

We will probably just see any cross whatever, when its to late

Elowen_Starveil · August 22

DenverRalphy wrote: »

dk_dunkirk wrote: »

MISTFORMBZZZ wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

I dont think thats correct. I read multiple times, the ESO staff has not been effected by this and there were actions beeing taken to keep them. But the ZOS studio overall was and the other MMO they were working on, was canceled (wich should be good for ESO).

If im wrong, feel free to correct me as i dont find the posts anymore (reddit, forum & online)

Anyway since Microsoft’s official line suggested ESO will remain supported as a "key live service title'' , cross service should be worked on, imo.

EDIT: Found something after letting chat gtp search : https://www.gamesradar.com/games/mmo/a-future-has-been-stolen-zenimax-union-says-lives-were-upended-by-xbox-layoffs-and-mmo-cancelation-but-we-have-not-yet-been-laid-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Also chatgtp answere, so im open to be corrected :

Based on all the reporting and union statements so far, here’s the clearest picture:

✅ What’s confirmed

ESO itself is safe: Microsoft explicitly said The Elder Scrolls Online remains a key live-service game.

No formal layoffs of the ESO team have been confirmed. The union (ZOSU-CWA) stated that ESO devs are still employed, with pay and benefits intact.

The layoffs targeted Project Blackbird (the canceled new MMO). Almost the entire team working on that project is expected to lose their jobs once severance negotiations finish.

Meanwhile, this article from 9 days later says, "According to current employee Page Branson, some of those who were laid off were “absolutely crucial” to the success of ESO and “integral” to the everyday function of the studio in general. Some of that brain drain can likely be attributed to the dev knowledge lost thanks to the ending of development on MMORPG Project Blackbird as well as the departure of former studio president Matt Firor, but according to QA worker Autumn Mitchell, a third of the studio’s institutional knowledge keeping ZOS’s projects running smoothly has been eliminated."

https://massivelyop.com/2025/07/23/zenimax-online-devs-say-microsoft-layoffs-eliminated-critical-mmorpg-staff-and-institutional-knowledge/

The reported numbers of people laid off from the studio were more than the number of people that were working on Blackbird. So regardless of official statements, some ESO people have definitely been cut. This article suggests a third. Tandor says a third. I've seen other articles also referencing a third. Pretending that ESO wasn't impacted by the Microsoft cuts is, frankly, and I'm sorry to say, cope.

As always, YMMV, TACMA, OVWP, etc., et. al.

I think that article may have mis represented a quote. Because I recall an earlier article that it was likely sourced from (can't remember exactly where though) where the statement about some let go being crucial to the success of ESO was speaking about some of those let go were part of the original team responsible for building, launching, and getting ESO on its feet. And thus crucial in that aspect. Not that they were currently working on ESO. Because from most original accounts, despite the clickbait "ESO Devs Laid Off!" headline articles, it was former ESO but now Blackbird employees laid off.

It was a very short article, but I didn't want to paste the whole thing out of old school norms of internet respect. The last graph is:

“A lot of practical knowledge just disappeared overnight,” said Branson. “I feel like they were numbers on a sheet that got cut, but the real application of what they were doing was integral to making everything run correctly.”

That sounds very current and ongoing; not "getting ESO on its feet." And that's a direct quote. I know journalism as a profession is slipping, but I still have to believe that words in quote marks are direct, not-paraphrased remarks. Again, YMMV.

DenverRalphy · August 22

dk_dunkirk wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

dk_dunkirk wrote: »

MISTFORMBZZZ wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

I dont think thats correct. I read multiple times, the ESO staff has not been effected by this and there were actions beeing taken to keep them. But the ZOS studio overall was and the other MMO they were working on, was canceled (wich should be good for ESO).

If im wrong, feel free to correct me as i dont find the posts anymore (reddit, forum & online)

Anyway since Microsoft’s official line suggested ESO will remain supported as a "key live service title'' , cross service should be worked on, imo.

EDIT: Found something after letting chat gtp search : https://www.gamesradar.com/games/mmo/a-future-has-been-stolen-zenimax-union-says-lives-were-upended-by-xbox-layoffs-and-mmo-cancelation-but-we-have-not-yet-been-laid-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Also chatgtp answere, so im open to be corrected :

Based on all the reporting and union statements so far, here’s the clearest picture:

✅ What’s confirmed

ESO itself is safe: Microsoft explicitly said The Elder Scrolls Online remains a key live-service game.

No formal layoffs of the ESO team have been confirmed. The union (ZOSU-CWA) stated that ESO devs are still employed, with pay and benefits intact.

The layoffs targeted Project Blackbird (the canceled new MMO). Almost the entire team working on that project is expected to lose their jobs once severance negotiations finish.

Meanwhile, this article from 9 days later says, "According to current employee Page Branson, some of those who were laid off were “absolutely crucial” to the success of ESO and “integral” to the everyday function of the studio in general. Some of that brain drain can likely be attributed to the dev knowledge lost thanks to the ending of development on MMORPG Project Blackbird as well as the departure of former studio president Matt Firor, but according to QA worker Autumn Mitchell, a third of the studio’s institutional knowledge keeping ZOS’s projects running smoothly has been eliminated."

https://massivelyop.com/2025/07/23/zenimax-online-devs-say-microsoft-layoffs-eliminated-critical-mmorpg-staff-and-institutional-knowledge/

The reported numbers of people laid off from the studio were more than the number of people that were working on Blackbird. So regardless of official statements, some ESO people have definitely been cut. This article suggests a third. Tandor says a third. I've seen other articles also referencing a third. Pretending that ESO wasn't impacted by the Microsoft cuts is, frankly, and I'm sorry to say, cope.

As always, YMMV, TACMA, OVWP, etc., et. al.

I think that article may have mis represented a quote. Because I recall an earlier article that it was likely sourced from (can't remember exactly where though) where the statement about some let go being crucial to the success of ESO was speaking about some of those let go were part of the original team responsible for building, launching, and getting ESO on its feet. And thus crucial in that aspect. Not that they were currently working on ESO. Because from most original accounts, despite the clickbait "ESO Devs Laid Off!" headline articles, it was former ESO but now Blackbird employees laid off.

It was a very short article, but I didn't want to paste the whole thing out of old school norms of internet respect. The last graph is:

“A lot of practical knowledge just disappeared overnight,” said Branson. “I feel like they were numbers on a sheet that got cut, but the real application of what they were doing was integral to making everything run correctly.”

That sounds very current and ongoing; not "getting ESO on its feet." And that's a direct quote. I know journalism as a profession is slipping, but I still have to believe that words in quote marks are direct, not-paraphrased remarks. Again, YMMV.

And that portion of the quoted source material is not referring to ESO specifically, but the studio (ZOS as a studio, not the ESO project itself).

Elowen_Starveil · August 22

DenverRalphy wrote: »

dk_dunkirk wrote: »

DenverRalphy wrote: »

dk_dunkirk wrote: »

MISTFORMBZZZ wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

DreadKnight wrote: »

As I understand it crossplay for all games is something that is being driven primarily by Microsoft. As the next consoles are basically going to be PC spec (and price).

There are already many games that successfully incorporate crossplay and it's part of Microsoft's long term strategy to merge their entire gaming world into one. If eso doesn't work towards crossway it'll simply get left behind and loose investment. As Microsoft has basically said 'if it's not Elder Scrolls or Fallout - forget about' it to Bethesda, if eso doesn't become crossplay it will have a very limited future.

That's all very well, but it is Microsoft who have just laid off a third of the ESO staff, so who's to blame if ESO gets left behind, ZOS or Microsoft?

I dont think thats correct. I read multiple times, the ESO staff has not been effected by this and there were actions beeing taken to keep them. But the ZOS studio overall was and the other MMO they were working on, was canceled (wich should be good for ESO).

If im wrong, feel free to correct me as i dont find the posts anymore (reddit, forum & online)

Anyway since Microsoft’s official line suggested ESO will remain supported as a "key live service title'' , cross service should be worked on, imo.

EDIT: Found something after letting chat gtp search : https://www.gamesradar.com/games/mmo/a-future-has-been-stolen-zenimax-union-says-lives-were-upended-by-xbox-layoffs-and-mmo-cancelation-but-we-have-not-yet-been-laid-off/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Also chatgtp answere, so im open to be corrected :

Based on all the reporting and union statements so far, here’s the clearest picture:

✅ What’s confirmed

ESO itself is safe: Microsoft explicitly said The Elder Scrolls Online remains a key live-service game.

No formal layoffs of the ESO team have been confirmed. The union (ZOSU-CWA) stated that ESO devs are still employed, with pay and benefits intact.

The layoffs targeted Project Blackbird (the canceled new MMO). Almost the entire team working on that project is expected to lose their jobs once severance negotiations finish.

Meanwhile, this article from 9 days later says, "According to current employee Page Branson, some of those who were laid off were “absolutely crucial” to the success of ESO and “integral” to the everyday function of the studio in general. Some of that brain drain can likely be attributed to the dev knowledge lost thanks to the ending of development on MMORPG Project Blackbird as well as the departure of former studio president Matt Firor, but according to QA worker Autumn Mitchell, a third of the studio’s institutional knowledge keeping ZOS’s projects running smoothly has been eliminated."

https://massivelyop.com/2025/07/23/zenimax-online-devs-say-microsoft-layoffs-eliminated-critical-mmorpg-staff-and-institutional-knowledge/

The reported numbers of people laid off from the studio were more than the number of people that were working on Blackbird. So regardless of official statements, some ESO people have definitely been cut. This article suggests a third. Tandor says a third. I've seen other articles also referencing a third. Pretending that ESO wasn't impacted by the Microsoft cuts is, frankly, and I'm sorry to say, cope.

As always, YMMV, TACMA, OVWP, etc., et. al.

I think that article may have mis represented a quote. Because I recall an earlier article that it was likely sourced from (can't remember exactly where though) where the statement about some let go being crucial to the success of ESO was speaking about some of those let go were part of the original team responsible for building, launching, and getting ESO on its feet. And thus crucial in that aspect. Not that they were currently working on ESO. Because from most original accounts, despite the clickbait "ESO Devs Laid Off!" headline articles, it was former ESO but now Blackbird employees laid off.

It was a very short article, but I didn't want to paste the whole thing out of old school norms of internet respect. The last graph is:

“A lot of practical knowledge just disappeared overnight,” said Branson. “I feel like they were numbers on a sheet that got cut, but the real application of what they were doing was integral to making everything run correctly.”

That sounds very current and ongoing; not "getting ESO on its feet." And that's a direct quote. I know journalism as a profession is slipping, but I still have to believe that words in quote marks are direct, not-paraphrased remarks. Again, YMMV.

And that portion of the quoted source material is not referring to ESO specifically, but the studio (ZOS as a studio, not the ESO project itself).

Look, I keep saying "YMMV", trying to be open to interpretation, but, dang, I don't know how much harder you could work at denying the reality of what's the person was clearly trying to convey. After the cancellation of Blackbird, the only project ZOS has is ESO. So what else do you think he was talking about at "the studio" that doesn't directly involve ESO? Creating budget spreadsheets? Moderating the forums? To me, it's clearly referring to keeping the infrastructure running. What other thing(s) could provoke such a comment about making "everything run correctly?" What am I missing here?

The whole reason I brought this up was because, as a 30-year full-stack dev, I see nothing BUT infrastructure work required to make cross-play a thing. In addition to changes in the game code and the databases, there will be changes to the servers, the proxies, the CDN's, the networking, etc. It would be a massive infrastructure change to put all 3 platforms in one server. This is why I thought the article and the quote was relevant to the discussion. Crossplay was a pipe dream before the cuts. The only way they're ever touching this now is if TES VI causes an absolute explosion of interest in ESO, and they staff back up.

Renalds · August 22

Maitsukas wrote: »

Just because ZOS said they were looking if it is possible (with no additional updates since then), doesn't mean it is confirmed to be coming any time soon. It is a huge mess to deal with as I have mentioned in previous threads:

1. What to merge, the regions or platforms? If both EU & NA are merged, then depending on where the servers physically are located (Texas for NA, Germany for EU), most players are forced to deal with an increased latency (as if the OCE/SEA players don't have enough already). And are Sony and Microsoft willing to cooperate to make a platform merger possible (since MS basically refused to do that during the PS3/XB360 era)?

2. Shared character names on different accounts and servers. Who gets to keep the name, someone who had it longer or someone who manages to log in first, forcing the other player(s) to use a name change on their character(s)?

3. Shared guild names on different servers. There is no way to change the guild names without disbanding them.

4. Character cap for multi-platform players. Is doubling or tripling the limit a solution considering the many cuts (guild trader sale times, mail expiry times causing to take nearly Exabytes (from what I read somewhere once) of space (1 EB = 1000 TB = 1 000 000 GB) they had to make to improve performance over the years?

5. Housing projects potentially getting erased if someone creates something in Grand Psijic Villa on one server, but completely different in the same house on another server.

If I had to guess purely on technical terms there'd more likely be something like an instance mechanic.
Users get instanced into the same zone from different platforms and are able to interact with eachother.
Chats will be cross platform, traders and guild will be cross platform. (Guild names would also have some unique identifier allowing you to avoid having issues with duplicate names)

Usernames will have extra identifiers on them, example Renalds#001 as username, meanwhile characternames can have some hidden extra identifier to make them unique but where players are still able to have the same character name.

NA and EU wont be merged; that'd be an absolute nightmare, if crossplay were to ever happen it'll combine PC+XBOX+Playstation of a region The first two being the more realistic given that Microsoft owns xbox.

You'd also have to consider that consoles are still behind on updates due to their platforms approval process of updates.
This can't exist if crossplay is a thing; all 3 platforms have to receive the update at the same time.

Just throwing out some potential theorycraft they'd have to do and I am a billion percent sure it's even more complex then this.
The game is 10 years old and was never built with the cross platform idea in mind; so it's one spaghetti mess of code to solve too.