Reddit AMA Today @ 1:00PM EST

Kraven

Cogo wrote: »

Kraven wrote: »

Oh wait one more.

Why not keep the subscription model as is for PC players. Make the game B2P for consoles and then sell the content updates on console only as DLC?
Why the broad sweeping change?

That's a bloody awesome idea.

Scrap the Cash store for PC servers as well.

It proves out right greed over common sense. Had they kept the original model for PC, made console B2P and sold them DLC when we got updates it would not have been such a storm. Then when console servers do fold, and they will, at least the pc game would still be the same.

You can have a cash shop and a sub model. If that shop has services like name change, barber shop or some similar 'extra' features. Once you start putting items in the shop it's already started the down hill trip.

RIP,
At least leaving now I still have fond memories of the game. None of the company but still some of the game before it goes to total ***.

WraithAzraiel

DISREGARD, FOUND IT

Elsonso

I asked several questions and I think all of the ones I expected an answer to got answered. I was not expecting answers to "why B2P" or anything about the business model, customers, business expectations, etc, so I really did not plan to ask. There was not any chance that they would answer "how many subs" but I thought I would ask just in case they slipped up

I will give the questions and answers that I did get, just for the information.

Will we be able to tell the difference between ESO Plus and non subscribers in the game or via the API?

No. (thanks Jessica)

Are there any plans to add the console VOICE feature to the PC/Mac?

It's definitely something we're looking to add to the PC/Mac version, but it won't be available until after console launch. (thanks Konk)

Is the rider skill a character skill where each alt will have a different skill?

Riding skill is character based. (thanks ChrisStrasz)

I asked about the PC UI but they answered someone else's question that was pretty close..

Now that the PC and console don't share a UI, can we expect improvements to the PC UI?

we definitely have many things we'd love to incorporate into the PC UI to provide quality of life improvements. This is something that the UI group always tries to balance along with getting features online for new systems.

But as an example, there are things we'd like to do to improve inventory filtering. And I know a lot of people want to turn off notifications for trial leaderboard updates. We keep a running list from both internal and external feedback.

Not earth shattering information but it was information, nonetheless.

Cogo

lordrichter wrote: »

I asked several questions and I think all of the ones I expected an answer to got answered. I was not expecting answers to "why B2P" or anything about the business model, customers, business expectations, etc, so I really did not plan to ask. There was not any chance that they would answer "how many subs" but I thought I would ask just in case they slipped up

I will give the questions and answers that I did get, just for the information.

Will we be able to tell the difference between ESO Plus and non subscribers in the game or via the API?

No. (thanks Jessica)

Are there any plans to add the console VOICE feature to the PC/Mac?

It's definitely something we're looking to add to the PC/Mac version, but it won't be available until after console launch. (thanks Konk)

Is the rider skill a character skill where each alt will have a different skill?

Riding skill is character based. (thanks ChrisStrasz)

I asked about the PC UI but they answered someone else's question that was pretty close..

Now that the PC and console don't share a UI, can we expect improvements to the PC UI?

we definitely have many things we'd love to incorporate into the PC UI to provide quality of life improvements. This is something that the UI group always tries to balance along with getting features online for new systems.

But as an example, there are things we'd like to do to improve inventory filtering. And I know a lot of people want to turn off notifications for trial leaderboard updates. We keep a running list from both internal and external feedback.

Not earth shattering information but it was information, nonetheless.

Since all these questions are totally unimportant to ESO as a MMO and to keep the current community we have, of course they answered you.

They answered everyone who had shortsighted questions.

They openly said nothing to every single question from long term PC players.

If the questions had nothing to do with Cash shop, char transfers to Consoles or anything to do with those damn consoles, they simply did not give a damn.

Stonesthrow

I dislike Reddit, the format is so painful to follow that I just opened a window for each of the ZOS employees and just kept refreshing them.

They apparently have not decided what is going to be DLC and what is not, or at least they are not going to tell you, and they haven't decided on a DLC or a Crown-to-Dollar price yet so asking 50 times and being ignored doesn't make them "dodging" the question.

They said they don't know yet. Be it a lie or the truth, they answered the question yesterday and the day before, why should they have to answer every time it is asked, especially on this Reddit, when you already know the answer?

It's a conspiracy, I forgot.

Just like unsticking this thread, which has NO relevant information in it besides letting us know there is an event - which has already passed, is to HIDE THEIR SHAME?

Forgot again, sorry.

daneyulebub17_ESO

Seeing so many of the execs behind the game willing to just ignore the questions from players that have concerns about this new model--pretending that there's no negatives, no controversy, no legitimate reason for any concern whatsoever--just validates more my decision to unsub. And they've been this way throughout this grueling year of beta testing for the consoles. This feeling that, if you're not nodding along with whatever they say, you're dead to them. I don't want to have any dependency whatsoever on a company like this.

Every step of the way they have been disingenuous--how ANY one could believe their promises that the game will improve, and that the cash store will be convenience items only, blows my mind.

Stonesthrow

Here's hoping with un-subbing comes the blessed inability to post on the forums, but I doubt it.

Arki

I "reddit" all. They actually answered a few of the posts that had concerns about the new regime. Just not the ones that tried to force them to admit that "you know this is gonna fail, you are evildoers!!!"

The mantra was that they would only add items in the store that was either cosmetic or that saved time for the player. Never anything that boosted power, no armor or weapons etc. Also that the cash shop would never pop into your face.

You can ofc decide that they are lying or that they will change their minds later, but then why ask in the first place?

I'll play as long as it is fun, if the game deteriorates into a moneygrabber then i'll leave. It's that simple really

Elsonso

Cogo wrote: »

They answered everyone who had shortsighted questions.

They openly said nothing to every single question from long term PC players.

If the questions had nothing to do with Cash shop, char transfers to Consoles or anything to do with those damn consoles, they simply did not give a damn.

Even The Road Ahead has not gotten past the next driveway in a while. So, yeah, I focused on questions that I figured they would answer.

That said, they did have things to say about transfers to consoles.

Joejudas wrote: »

has anyone seen if they confirmed if IC will be a paid dlc or not....reddit is a pain to read through sometimes ?

I don't believe that there is any other answer to this except: Yes, it will be DLC that will be available in the Store or part of the subscription.

Cogo wrote: »

So because of consoles, PC players get slower updates and services from ZoS.

All I have to say about this, for the PC players is: Remember Skyrim and the XBOX priority DLC.

Skyrim PC players had to wait 30-60 days for DLC, and they got to pay full price, too!

Brittany_Joy

Wait, who are the new guys? What happened? Change... I don't like change. lol

pvpaddict42

Buck wrote: »

Kraven wrote: »

How much will DLC cost? If it is released one per every 3 months, is it going to sell for the $45 that Unlimited members have paid in subs? Not sure how many console players would pay 45 every 3 months considering they apparently had such an issue with sub model in the first place. So IF dlc is available every 3 months for the expected $10-20 what is the benefit of paying the additional $25-$35? A few crowns?

Wouldn't every player be better off buying the number of crowns that they wanted and the DLC, considering subscribers are only 'renting' the DLC no matter how long they've been subbed? (the content itself becomes locked if they drop their sub a year from now for a month or two, during those two months they don't have access to a $20 DLC even though they've paid a year's worth of subscription?)

3 months seems like a very quick time table to release new content for a B2P game. Take GW for example, it after all has the exact same business model:
Three stand-alone episodes, one major expansion pack, and several "mini"-expansions were released in the series from April 2005 to April 2013

So how long do you realistically see quality rich content worth the price of DLC to be released? How do you balance keeping that DLC cheap while keeping subs, supporting development of cheap content?

Great questions.

-I'm wondering how they plan to keep the gold sellers/bots from returning when a Sub is no longer required. But then I think... will I believe their answers anyway. lol

You still have to purchase the game client aka account. They will continue to ban them and force them to purchase new accounts, which is the real bar. The bar to gold sellers isn't the subscription fee.

pvpaddict42

Kraven wrote: »

How much will DLC cost? If it is released one per every 3 months, is it going to sell for the $45 that Unlimited members have paid in subs? Not sure how many console players would pay 45 every 3 months considering they apparently had such an issue with sub model in the first place. So IF dlc is available every 3 months for the expected $10-20 what is the benefit of paying the additional $25-$35? A few crowns?

Wouldn't every player be better off buying the number of crowns that they wanted and the DLC, considering subscribers are only 'renting' the DLC no matter how long they've been subbed? (the content itself becomes locked if they drop their sub a year from now for a month or two, during those two months they don't have access to a $20 DLC even though they've paid a year's worth of subscription?)

3 months seems like a very quick time table to release new content for a B2P game. Take GW for example, it after all has the exact same business model:
Three stand-alone episodes, one major expansion pack, and several "mini"-expansions were released in the series from April 2005 to April 2013

So how long do you realistically see quality rich content worth the price of DLC to be released? How do you balance keeping that DLC cheap while keeping subs, supporting development of cheap content?

The comparison is only similar to a degree. In GW2 they did not sell content, they sold convenience and cosmetic items for the most part. Content was available to all. GW2 also did not have a subscription option for any of its players, which means its sole revenue came from account sales and the cash shop. While subscribers in the new ESO model will essentially get their monthly sub fee in crowns as well, its still a more stable means of revenue than simply hoping what you have in the cash shop at any given time will get someone to make a purchase. The biggest step with cash shops is getting somebody to spend that first bit of money. If you can convince people that subscribing is worthwhile, even if they give you that allotment in game store currency, its still a win because they have overcome the biggest hurdle.

Basically this all means that theoretically they should be pushing actual content (not game or system design changes) out faster because there is money to be made there. In GW2 there wasn't really money to be made in new content aside from themed things they put in the cash shop (costumes etc) that typically showed whenever they pushed something new. As long as they could keep people entertained enough to stick around and play the game and buy stuff from their shop, they didn't have a lot of incentive to create new content.

daneyulebub17_ESO

Stonesthrow wrote: »

Here's hoping with un-subbing comes the blessed inability to post on the forums, but I doubt it.

Yeah, well, I guess I'll always have reddit to post in. That's all the devs care about anyway.

Dracane

By Auri-El *-* who is the guy in the middle, holding the shield ? omg, I have to take a screenshot.

Justan

Did anyone ask about a future Necromancer class? It's a big part of ES lore. They've always been in ES games, and they exist as NPC's. When do player character's get to join the undead party?

Dracane

I didn't know, Zenimax has so beautiful people working for them ^-^

Hadria

grimjim398 wrote: »

What a surprise. A bunch of white guys.

What were you expecting a bunch of black guys? lawl

Sylvyr

Dracane wrote: »

I didn't know, Zenimax has so beautiful people working for them ^-^

I'd like to see Cal Ripken Jr. run in from the board room and do a dive catch on ESO before it lands in laval

ZeniMax Media Corporate governance

Razzak

Nice. A group of leeches.

SteveCampsOut

Dracane wrote: »

By Auri-El *-* who is the guy in the middle, holding the shield ? omg, I have to take a screenshot.

LOL That was my only question too!

Dracane

SteveCampsOut wrote: »

Dracane wrote: »

By Auri-El *-* who is the guy in the middle, holding the shield ? omg, I have to take a screenshot.

LOL That was my only question too!

Awesome. Do you know his name ? I have already posted a screenshot of him in my Thalmor Facebook group.

SteveCampsOut

Dracane wrote: »

SteveCampsOut wrote: »

Dracane wrote: »

By Auri-El *-* who is the guy in the middle, holding the shield ? omg, I have to take a screenshot.

LOL That was my only question too!

Awesome. Do you know his name ? I have already posted a screenshot of him in my Thalmor Facebook group.

Um...no, that's why it was my only question too. Meaning "Who is the guy in the Middle, holding the shield?" Lets ask Gina! Hey Giiiiinaaaa!

Vunter

Oops, nvm.

AshySamurai

Well, only fluff related question. More PR than really answering questions.

Hello. In the light of recent events I have few questions.

Now it's obvious that removeing 180 days subscription was first step in plan to go to B2P. So here is question. Why you didn't tell to players all truth from the beginning? You can't avoid rage topic anyway, but at least players don't feel themself abandoned. You can avoid speculation topics. You can tell truth. We mostly here adult people. But what you did is like a backstab. At least for me.

Also, recently you have a problem with player's trust. You change your mind too often. And now you don't telling truth, but just wait in silence. Any plans to change that pattern of behavior?

And the last one. How long players need to be subbed to get super reward you mentoined on Live Show (I mean 12 months loyalty reward)? I already asked this question on forum, but get only Mod answer like we don't know for now. I ordered imerial edition box and missed first month of playing only because of shipping time. And last time you were rewarding players with dwemer sphere I felt myself penalized for being loyal enough to order physical box with statue and other stuff. So, will I feel myself penalized in future when you will award 12 month loyalty reward? I'm not the only one. If you remember, there was a lot of problems with loyalty reward.

No answer

Blud

AshySamurai wrote: »

Well, only fluff related question. More PR than really answering questions.

Hello. In the light of recent events I have few questions.

Now it's obvious that removeing 180 days subscription was first step in plan to go to B2P. So here is question. Why you didn't tell to players all truth from the beginning? You can't avoid rage topic anyway, but at least players don't feel themself abandoned. You can avoid speculation topics. You can tell truth. We mostly here adult people. But what you did is like a backstab. At least for me.

Also, recently you have a problem with player's trust. You change your mind too often. And now you don't telling truth, but just wait in silence. Any plans to change that pattern of behavior?

And the last one. How long players need to be subbed to get super reward you mentoined on Live Show (I mean 12 months loyalty reward)? I already asked this question on forum, but get only Mod answer like we don't know for now. I ordered imerial edition box and missed first month of playing only because of shipping time. And last time you were rewarding players with dwemer sphere I felt myself penalized for being loyal enough to order physical box with statue and other stuff. So, will I feel myself penalized in future when you will award 12 month loyalty reward? I'm not the only one. If you remember, there was a lot of problems with loyalty reward.

No answer

I don't know if you've ever had a corporate job, but compromises are made. It's not that these guys are schemers and liars. There are these people called "lawyers" and they tend to have an influence on corporate communications.

Were all these guys supposed to quit their jobs and the game they've been working on because they work for the fans? Because they are pure artists? Because they are rich and don't need the money from a stinking job? I mean we live in the real world, right? That's how it works.

They are just guys who have a job. They are creative professionals but they are not the money guys. The money guys (investors and people who manage the investments) have different priorities. They hire the creative types. The creative guys wind up also facing the fans, but no one ever knows who the legal counsel is who advises them on what to say or not say.

If you have a job and you understand this stuff, cut these guys some slack. It's not their fault. The system does kind of suck, but that's how it is.

I think they did a good job and said what they could.

Nikolas

Blud wrote: »

AshySamurai wrote: »

Well, only fluff related question. More PR than really answering questions.

Hello. In the light of recent events I have few questions.

Now it's obvious that removeing 180 days subscription was first step in plan to go to B2P. So here is question. Why you didn't tell to players all truth from the beginning? You can't avoid rage topic anyway, but at least players don't feel themself abandoned. You can avoid speculation topics. You can tell truth. We mostly here adult people. But what you did is like a backstab. At least for me.

Also, recently you have a problem with player's trust. You change your mind too often. And now you don't telling truth, but just wait in silence. Any plans to change that pattern of behavior?

And the last one. How long players need to be subbed to get super reward you mentoined on Live Show (I mean 12 months loyalty reward)? I already asked this question on forum, but get only Mod answer like we don't know for now. I ordered imerial edition box and missed first month of playing only because of shipping time. And last time you were rewarding players with dwemer sphere I felt myself penalized for being loyal enough to order physical box with statue and other stuff. So, will I feel myself penalized in future when you will award 12 month loyalty reward? I'm not the only one. If you remember, there was a lot of problems with loyalty reward.

No answer

I don't know if you've ever had a corporate job, but compromises are made. It's not that these guys are schemers and liars. There are these people called "lawyers" and they tend to have an influence on corporate communications.

Were all these guys supposed to quit their jobs and the game they've been working on because they work for the fans? Because they are pure artists? Because they are rich and don't need the money from a stinking job? I mean we live in the real world, right? That's how it works.

They are just guys who have a job. They are creative professionals but they are not the money guys. The money guys (investors and people who manage the investments) have different priorities. They hire the creative types. The creative guys wind up also facing the fans, but no one ever knows who the legal counsel is who advises them on what to say or not say.

If you have a job and you understand this stuff, cut these guys some slack. It's not their fault. The system does kind of suck, but that's how it is.

I think they did a good job and said what they could.

Ok I can see your point. I agree in general. Even so, are we supposed to put money before ethics in our job? And, most importantly, since the gamers and the developers are NOT the ones that making the decisions, what are WE have to do? Stay in a game thats killing itself in every move? I am sure Blizzards have investors too. CCP have investors too. Square Enix have investors too. Besides investors the above three also have the BALLS to stay with subscription. Square Enix even has subs in PS4.

VileIntent

grimjim398 wrote: »

What a surprise. A bunch of white guys.

What a racist...

Mojomonkeyman

Blud wrote: »

AshySamurai wrote: »

Well, only fluff related question. More PR than really answering questions.

Hello. In the light of recent events I have few questions.

Now it's obvious that removeing 180 days subscription was first step in plan to go to B2P. So here is question. Why you didn't tell to players all truth from the beginning? You can't avoid rage topic anyway, but at least players don't feel themself abandoned. You can avoid speculation topics. You can tell truth. We mostly here adult people. But what you did is like a backstab. At least for me.

Also, recently you have a problem with player's trust. You change your mind too often. And now you don't telling truth, but just wait in silence. Any plans to change that pattern of behavior?

And the last one. How long players need to be subbed to get super reward you mentoined on Live Show (I mean 12 months loyalty reward)? I already asked this question on forum, but get only Mod answer like we don't know for now. I ordered imerial edition box and missed first month of playing only because of shipping time. And last time you were rewarding players with dwemer sphere I felt myself penalized for being loyal enough to order physical box with statue and other stuff. So, will I feel myself penalized in future when you will award 12 month loyalty reward? I'm not the only one. If you remember, there was a lot of problems with loyalty reward.

No answer

I don't know if you've ever had a corporate job, but compromises are made. It's not that these guys are schemers and liars. There are these people called "lawyers" and they tend to have an influence on corporate communications.

Were all these guys supposed to quit their jobs and the game they've been working on because they work for the fans? Because they are pure artists? Because they are rich and don't need the money from a stinking job? I mean we live in the real world, right? That's how it works.

They are just guys who have a job. They are creative professionals but they are not the money guys. The money guys (investors and people who manage the investments) have different priorities. They hire the creative types. The creative guys wind up also facing the fans, but no one ever knows who the legal counsel is who advises them on what to say or not say.

If you have a job and you understand this stuff, cut these guys some slack. It's not their fault. The system does kind of suck, but that's how it is.

I think they did a good job and said what they could.

I pity you then, I`ve left companies were I was forced to act against my own personal moral compass. Do you think the non-decision making guys such as Gina et al earn far more than lets say 60-80k US a year before tax?

I couldn`t bring myself to blatantly being dishonest to my customers and betraying their trust for double that salary. I like being able to look in the mirror. You always have a choice.

Yes, I do have a corporate employment. Try to act like ZOS does in any B2B industry, your company will crash and burn and the names of the decision making guys will be shamed forever.

Sometimes I wish we wouldve customers like you are, tho. Would make things much easier.

Blud

You are pretty judgy, @Mojomonkeyman, and you know nothing about me or what I do. Try to read and understand more and assume less.

I don't need your pity. Keep your condescension to yourself, please.

Blud

Nikolas wrote: »

Blud wrote: »

AshySamurai wrote: »

Well, only fluff related question. More PR than really answering questions.

Hello. In the light of recent events I have few questions.

Now it's obvious that removeing 180 days subscription was first step in plan to go to B2P. So here is question. Why you didn't tell to players all truth from the beginning? You can't avoid rage topic anyway, but at least players don't feel themself abandoned. You can avoid speculation topics. You can tell truth. We mostly here adult people. But what you did is like a backstab. At least for me.

Also, recently you have a problem with player's trust. You change your mind too often. And now you don't telling truth, but just wait in silence. Any plans to change that pattern of behavior?

And the last one. How long players need to be subbed to get super reward you mentoined on Live Show (I mean 12 months loyalty reward)? I already asked this question on forum, but get only Mod answer like we don't know for now. I ordered imerial edition box and missed first month of playing only because of shipping time. And last time you were rewarding players with dwemer sphere I felt myself penalized for being loyal enough to order physical box with statue and other stuff. So, will I feel myself penalized in future when you will award 12 month loyalty reward? I'm not the only one. If you remember, there was a lot of problems with loyalty reward.

No answer

I don't know if you've ever had a corporate job, but compromises are made. It's not that these guys are schemers and liars. There are these people called "lawyers" and they tend to have an influence on corporate communications.

Were all these guys supposed to quit their jobs and the game they've been working on because they work for the fans? Because they are pure artists? Because they are rich and don't need the money from a stinking job? I mean we live in the real world, right? That's how it works.

They are just guys who have a job. They are creative professionals but they are not the money guys. The money guys (investors and people who manage the investments) have different priorities. They hire the creative types. The creative guys wind up also facing the fans, but no one ever knows who the legal counsel is who advises them on what to say or not say.

If you have a job and you understand this stuff, cut these guys some slack. It's not their fault. The system does kind of suck, but that's how it is.

I think they did a good job and said what they could.

Ok I can see your point. I agree in general. Even so, are we supposed to put money before ethics in our job? And, most importantly, since the gamers and the developers are NOT the ones that making the decisions, what are WE have to do? Stay in a game thats killing itself in every move? I am sure Blizzards have investors too. CCP have investors too. Square Enix have investors too. Besides investors the above three also have the BALLS to stay with subscription. Square Enix even has subs in PS4.

What I would like to say here is, it's just a game. We don't need to get worked up over this issue like it's the end of the world.

Wouldn't it be better, instead of crucifying the poor guys at ZOS, to go after some nasty oil company that supports human rights violations and environmental destruction? They lie plenty, too, but I think the stakes are much higher in that case. Why don't we care so much about that?

Maybe I should take my own advice.

No hard feelings, all. I'm out.