Lets Look At This From Another Angle!

Sirlacker · January 2015

This is a long one, I'm going to take announcements and FAQs' and edit them. You'll see the difference in how the entire 'OMG going B2P/F2P this game sux' outlook changes to something completely positive.
Everything I edited/changed will be in bold.

Without having to go through it all in its entirety, I'll post what I need to say up here for you all. What I've basically tried doing is changing the way it's worded, without actually lying about anything, to make it sound like subscriptions work exactly how they do now, only with an added loyalty bonus program (the crowns). I've re-worded it to take out the 'bonuses' of membership and there within, changed it so free members get a penalty for not being full subscribing members.

TL:DR - It now makes it sound as if the business model has not changed at all, they've just let players who wish not to pay subscriptions play with a slight penalty.

EDIT:
There is actually a lot I haven't changed, and left in, which yes, makes this post longer than it really needs to be. But I just want to show you guys, how a little editing done to tiny amount of the entire notes, can change the way people view things.

For the first time in history, you’ll be able to explore the legendary world of Tamriel with your friends on console. We’re excited to announce that The Elder Scrolls® Online will be coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One worldwide on June 9, 2015 as The Elder Scrolls® Online: Tamriel Unlimited™! In the latest and biggest Elder Scrolls game ever made, you can choose to adventure alone, quest with friends, or join an army of hundreds in epic player vs. player battles as you explore and discover the secrets of a persistent Tamriel. And with Tamriel Unlimited, coming to console on June 9th and PC/Mac on March 17th, 2015, you will no longer be required to pay a monthly game subscription to play ESO with some slight restrictions. However the subscriptions are still available for those who wish to continue to play the game with no restrictions.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited includes all the great gameplay from the original PC/Mac game, plus all the updates and content additions, including the exciting new Justice and Champion systems. If you've ever played ESO, you’ll be able to experience everything new in the world without game subscription fees. If you’re new to ESO, you’ll make a one-time purchase of the game and then continue playing for as long as you like.

In Tamriel Unlimited, you’ll be able to purchase optional downloadable content, and the new in-game Crown Store (A new loyalty program) will offer convenience and customization items. If you choose, you can continue to pay subscriptions for premium membership, to receive the non restricted version of ESO. Our team remains committed to providing a great experience to all players, and you can expect continued, regular updates free of charge in addition to our new store offerings. You can read the full press release for more details.

When The Elder Scrolls® Online: Tamriel Unlimited™ launches, current subscribers won’t need to do a thing to enjoy the unrestricted access offered by our new premium membership: ESO Plus. Just keep playing and you will automatically become a member. allowing you to take advantage of the great perks that will enhance your in-game experience when Tamriel Unlimited arrives.

If you have time remaining on your game subscription at the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, you’ll automatically be enrolled as an ESO Plus premium member for the remainder of your game subscription period. You’ll get the unrestricted access of membership during that time, including your full allotment of crowns (the new digital currency used in our Crown Store loyalty program). If you already have recurring payment set up, you won’t need to do anything if you wish to continue on as an ESO Plus member; it’ll all happen automatically. If you do not wish to keep recurring payments, you may change this option in your account page.

So, what do you get as an ESO Plus member? Let’s go over the benefits:

An allotment of crowns to spend in the new in-game Crown Store based on your membership period (more below)
Access to all of ESO’s downloadable content (or DLC) game packs for the duration of your membership
The full 100% XP, gold gain, crafting research times, and inspiration
Memberships to ESO Plus can be purchased in 30-, 90-, and 180-day durations starting at €12,99 / £8.99 for a 30-day period. When you sign up for ESO Plus, you’ll receive your full allotment of crowns right away (1500 for 30 days, 4500 for 90 days, or 9000 for 180 days). If you purchase a recurring membership, you’ll receive a full allotment of crowns at the start of each 30-/90-/180-day membership period. You can spend crowns in the in-game Crown Store to get unique mounts, special vanity pets, a variety of fun costumes for your character, and convenience items like health potions and soul gems.

While you’re a member, you’ll enjoy faster progression thanks to the helpful buffs to XP, gold, and crafting, and you’ll be able to access any DLC game pack that’s available. If your membership ends, you’ll still be able to play ESO (and keep any items and rewards you earned playing within DLC), but you won’t be able to access DLC game pack content that you haven’t purchased separately.

Whether you’re a current subscriber or a new player, you’ll want to give ESO Plus a try. If you have any questions about The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited or our new ESO Plus membership, please check out our FAQ, or contact Customer Service with any further questions you have. We know you’ll really enjoy the benefits of membership during your adventures in Tamriel!

What to expect as a normal member?:
Unlimited access to ESO for free, forever.
90% of the XP, gold gain, crafting research times, and inspiration.
Continuous updates free of charge.
One time payments to access DLC forever.

^That bit above, is terrible, I know, someone somewhere could reword that better than I could, easily.^

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited be available?
We plan to have The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited available on PC and Mac on March 17, 2015 and on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on June 9, 2015.

Will a monthly subscription be required to play The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. After the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, the only requirement to play will be a copy of the game, an internet connection, and a valid game account.

I’ve already purchased The Elder Scrolls Online on PC/Mac. Do I need to buy a new copy of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. Your game will be automatically updated to the new edition. If you have a game account, either open or previously closed, simply log in, patch the client, and begin playing.

I canceled my subscription to The Elder Scrolls Online. Can I return and play the game at no additional charge?
Yes. At the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited you can simply log-in with your UserID and password to access the game and receive your allotment of complimentary crowns. If you need help recovering your UserID or password, please click on the "Forgot UserID?" or "Forgot Password?" links on your account page.

What restrictions are being placed on the game and players now that subscriptions are no longer required to play?
Players with no subscription will recieve a 10% penalty to XP gained, research times and crafting inspiration points.

Will I need to be an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus member in order to play the console versions?
Yes. As with any standard multiplayer game on these platforms, an internet connection and an Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus membership will be required to play.

I have pre-ordered The Elder Scrolls Online for PS4 or Xbox One already. Do I have to cancel this and pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. Pre-orders for The Elder Scrolls Online will automatically transition to The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. Please check with your pre-order partner/retailer should you have questions about your pre-order.

What is ESO Plus?
ESO Plus is an optional premium membership offered to players with the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. ESO Plus memberships will be offered in 30-, 90-, and 180-day durations.

What are the benefits of ESO Plus membership?
ESO Plus offers members 100% XP gains, gold gains, research times and crafting inspiration, a reoccurring allotment of crowns and access to all downloadable content (DLC) game packs for the duration of membership:

30-day Membership:

1500 crowns at the start of each 30-day membership period
Access to all downloadable content for the duration of membership
Exclusive character progression bonuses for the duration of membership
100% of experience point gains
100% of crafting research
100% of crafting inspiration gains
100% of gold acquisition

90-day Membership:

4500 crowns at the start of each 90-day membership period
Access to all downloadable content for the duration of membership
Exclusive character progression bonuses for the duration of membership
100% of experience point gains
100% of crafting research
100% of crafting inspiration gains
100% of gold acquisition

180-day Membership:

9000 crowns at the start of each 180-day membership period
Access to all downloadable content for the duration of membership
Exclusive character progression bonuses for the duration of membership
100% of experience point gains
100% of crafting research
100% of crafting inspiration gains
100% of gold acquisition

I am a current subscriber to The Elder Scrolls Online and my subscription will be active when the game transitions to The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. What happens to my subscription?
The remaining subscription time will automatically transition to ESO Plus membership. You will receive the applicable allotment of crowns as described above. No refunds will be offered on existing subscriptions.

I have recurring billing setup for my subscription. Do I need to change this for ESO Plus membership?
No. You don't need to do anything - your account will automatically transition to ESO Plus with recurring billing active. If you do not wish to keep recurring billing, you may change this option in your account page.

I do not have recurring billing setup for my subscription and do not intend to renew. What happens during the transition?
The remaining subscription time will automatically transition to an ESO Plus membership for the remainder of your subscription time. Even if you only have a portion of subscription time, you will receive the applicable allotment of crowns as described above. No refunds will be offered on existing subscriptions.

If I cancel my subscription less than 30 days before the ESO Plus transition, can I still access the game?
Yes. Even if you cancel, if your remaining subscription time overlaps with the introduction of ESO Plus, you'll receive the full benefits of membership for the remaining portion of your subscription time, including the applicable allotment of crowns as described above.

Will I need to purchase an ESO Plus membership to play the game after the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited?
No. There is no membership requirement to play the game.

Will The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited come with 30 days of ESO Plus membership free with purchase?
No. However, new game accounts will receive 500 complimentary crowns to spend in the Crown Store.

What happens if I apply unused game time cards after the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited and the transition to ESO Plus?
Any game time cards applied to an account after the launch of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited will add the equivalent duration of ESO Plus membership to an account.

What happens to my crowns and inventory if my ESO Plus membership should lapse?
If your membership ends, you will keep all crowns, items and rewards in your inventory at the time of termination.

What is the Crown Store and what can I buy?
The Crown Store is an in-game shop that allows you to buy convenience and customization items for your characters, as well as services and content.

Will I be required to buy anything from the Crown Store to play the game?
No. All items in the Crown Store are completely optional and are meant to enhance your game play experience. They are not required to play or compete in the game.

What are crowns?
Crowns are a new loyalty programs' "virtual currency" being introduced with the release of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. They can be used to purchase in-game items, services and content via the Crown Store interface in the game. Crowns are available for purchase separately and are included as part of an ESO Plus membership.

When you purchase crowns, you receive a license to use them in the game; therefore, they are not sellable, tradable, or usable outside of the game. Please see the Terms of Service for additional information regarding the terms and conditions applicable to virtual currency.

How do I get crowns?
There are several ways to get crowns:

1) As a new player: New players will be given a one-time gift of 500 crowns for buying the game and creating a game account.

2) As a current subscriber: If you are an active subscriber when The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited launches, you will receive 500 crowns for having a game account, plus 100 crowns for each 30-day period you have been an active subscriber. In addition, you'll be automatically enrolled in ESO Plus for the remainder of your subscription period. You'll receive the full benefits of membership, and 1500 crowns for each 30-day period remaining on your subscription. For example, if you have 30 days or less remaining, you will receive 1500 crowns. If you have between 30 and 60 days remaining, you will receive 3000 crowns. 60 to 90 days, 4500 crowns.

3) As a returning player: If you've previously played The Elder Scrolls Online, but are no longer a subscriber, you'll receive 500 crowns when you log in for having a game account, plus 100 crowns for each 30-day period you were a subscriber.

4) Purchase Crown Packs: PC/Mac players will be able to purchase crown packs from The Elder Scrolls Online store. Console players will be able to purchase crowns via the Xbox Live or PSN stores.

Will everything be purchased with crowns now? What happens to gold I have in the game?
You will keep and use gold as you always have in the game. Gold is still the main currency you'll use in transactions with NPCs and other players. Crowns allow you to purchase convenience and customization items (such as pets and mounts) and to access content offered in the in-game Crown Store.

Can I transfer crowns to a friend?
No. Crowns cannot be transferred to other players.

Can I transfer, sell or gift items or content purchases from the Crown Store to other players?
No. Items purchased with crowns are used exclusively by the account holder.
Can I get a refund for unused crowns?
No. Crowns are non-refundable and not redeemable for cash.
Can I use crowns in a different game or outside of the game?
No. Crowns cannot be transferred to other games and have no value outside of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.

Do my crowns and purchased items come with me if I switch megaservers?
For PC and Mac players able to play on either the North America or European megaservers, crowns carry over from one server to the other. However, all items purchased via the Crown Store are only available on the server where they were purchased. For example, if you buy a pet on the North American megaserver, it will only be available when playing on the North American megaserver. If you want the pet to be available when playing on the European megaserver, you will need to purchase that pet on the European server. Console players are automatically assigned to the megaserver in their respective home territory and are not able to switch.

Does purchased downloadable content (DLC) come with me if I switch megaservers?
No. DLC purchased in the Crown Store is only available on the megaserver where it was purchased. (For example, if you buy DLC on the North American megaserver, it will only be available when playing on the North American megaserver.)

What is downloadable content (also known as DLC)?
DLC for The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited consists of game packs with optional adventuring content (zones, quests, etc.) added to the game to enhance your game play experience should you choose. It is not required.

How can I get this downloadable content?
DLC will be available for purchase in the Crown Store on an a la carte basis. DLC purchased on an a la carte basis will be available to you for as long as The Elder Scrolls Online is available. Members of ESO Plus will receive complimentary access to all DLC game packs for the duration of their membership.

Do I lose all items and rewards earned from DLC if my ESO Plus membership ends?
No. You will lose access to the DLC areas and quests should your membership lapse (unless you purchase the DLC separately in the Crown Store), but you will keep all items and rewards earned through the content.

Will I still be able to transfer my PC characters to console for the price of $20?
Players who are eligible to have their characters transferred will receive an e-mail informing them of the transfer option. They will then be able to purchase the upgrade via our website at www.elderscrollsonline.com.