Studio Director’s Letter: ESO’s 2022 Retrospective & the Future

Punches_Below_Belt

Spellcrafting + Winterfell Mages College = 2023!

Elsonso

Tandor wrote: »

I'm fine with the proposed changes in principle, but as always the devil is in the detail. One person's quality of life improvement may be a game-breaker for other people (think account-wide achievements), while one person's much requested feature may be of no interest to other people (think card games). Meanwhile it's often not the idea that is unwelcome to some players but rather the way it is implemented (again, think account-wide achievements).

My concern is that they will continue to do "requested" things that break or sour the game for part of the community.

Anyway... nothing in Firor's letter to generate hype. Guess we wait for January?

emilyhyoyeon

I'm very very excited for the new year format. Anything related to performance and stuff, I will wait until I see it actually happening, but otherwise I'm really looking forward to the questing stories features etc stuff

spartaxoxo

Does this mean we won't get new systems with chapters anymore?? This sounds like they are cutting content in half and putting a pretty bow on it.

2 less dungeons, no new small zone, and the new system isn't in the chapter? We already had a new system every year with the chapter, that's not a new concept.

I am guessing it's a pvp system and it's coming at the end of the year because of all the performance server architecture stuff they have to do to get it ready.

I bet the chapter has a normal and vet mode, and the vet mode is the reason they cut content in half.

That's my guess.

WiseSky

Really excited about Q3: The bug fixes...

ESO has a bug of where the horses and ram left back leg twitches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-yTgsTuJk4

The bug has been there since release I believe.

It makes all walking around slowly on horses and ram unsightly.

Elsonso

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Does this mean we won't get new systems with chapters anymore?? This sounds like they are cutting content in half and putting a pretty bow on it.

2 less dungeons, no new small zone, and the new system isn't in the chapter? We already had a new system every year with the chapter, that's not a new concept.

I am guessing it's a pvp system and it's coming at the end of the year because of all the performance server architecture stuff they have to do to get it ready.

I bet the chapter has a normal and vet mode, and the vet mode is the reason they cut content in half.

That's my guess.

My expectation is that the Chapter will have the same price, but less in it. I am wondering whether the 4Q system will require purchase of the 4Q DLC, or ESO Plus.

Zachary_Shadow

Wow, I saw this letter thinking I would hear the same information that we've heard year after year, but hearing that the yearly arc is being changed AND it won't be the typical 4 quarter releases of DLC is big. I'm so happy to hear that Q3 will be more focused on QOL instead of adding more dungeons. I think the Chapter system is working and I'm happy to hear about a multi-year story arc, like we had with the base game + Morrowind + Summerset. Like Matt said, I think the year-long story worked for the first couple of years (namely Elseweyr and Skyrim); however, after having the same cadence for four years, it did feel like the content we were receiving was limited. The change from a zone DLC in Q4 for a new system sounds interesting and I'm super excited to hear about these "most requested" features. This letter really gives me more hope for the game once more and can't wait to see the Global Reveal Event next month!

Natakiro

Nyxenwhite wrote: »

Overland difficulty scaling would make sense with “reutilizing existing zones” and a new system.
Battle pass? Trial finder? Earnable mounts?

PLEASE no battle passes; I have had the misfortune of finally playing a game that had that feature last year and hate it; it's a trashy fake replacement for earnable rewards built around grinding and having a plus version that rubs in your face what you could be earning if you went with the better tier. I do NOT want loot boxes AND a battle pass feature.

A trial finder of sorts would be fun! I rarely do trials since organizing them in a little convoluted, but having an easier way to find a trial group would be great, even if just a way to get more people to try them out.

BUT I would be IMMENSELY excited for some sort of overland vet/difficulty; I love the zones but hate playing them since they are braindead easy to solo. As I said in a related thread:

"...I am dying for either replayable story quests on the same character (without rewards) or an option for vet overland/delves/pubdungeons. I know it was barren back on the Silver and Gold days, but I would LOVE some actual gameplay when dealing with overland enemies instead of avoiding them all; they are so basic that I get irritated when I actually have to interact with them, since the mobs all die in less than 3 seconds.

I know I am in the minority, but I am one of those people that maxes out the difficulty and installs mods to make the game harder in the single player games, so I would appreciate having the overland stuff (which is pretty much solo content anyway) that is actually engaging to SOME degree. I love ESO, but it's a little disappointing as a mostly-solo player that the only good hard content is group content. I would love some actual story content that isn't braindead difficulty; it is laughable when you are playing a zone story and you get to the main villain, just for them to die so easily and you don't even get to hear their whole speech. it would be great if they actually had mechanics and the potential to die to them. As I said, OPTIONAL so that those that like it as it is can still have fun, but those that want a little more out of it can also enjoy themselves without just hanging around target dummies and sticking solely to Trails and PVP, which means missing the story content. There is so much more variety in the overland stuff but it is sadly unengaging. I would be happy with just a damage/health boost to enemies, since a lot of bosses DO have mechanics but they go unseen since they die too fast. Nerfing myself to have fun just feels counter productive, since then I can't even engage in the game properly, like not using certain skills, or companions/summons."

Also, hopefully they won't cut back on the dungeons too much; the 4-person group dungeons are one of my favorite things in ESO, I prefer them more than zone chapters (due to zones being so unengagingly easy); they are always great quality with fun mechanics and I have been getting into soloing normal dungeons, very enjoyable!

Overall, I am looking forward to 2023 and hope to enjoy ESO more than this year. I am very curious what the "most requested new feature"/system is. Hoping it is something I will actually partake in, unlike Tales of Tribute, which was the only chapter feature that I disliked and avoid at all costs.

gronoxvx

Looks like ill be extending my eso break for another year.

Ngl, its great to hear about q3 being bug fixing etc (albeit years late as people have been requesting this since 2017/2018 at least) and getting rid of the year long stories, but like a lot of other people ill believe it all when i see it.

As others have said in earlier comments, zos needs to prove to us (especially end game console raiders) that they deserve our time and money... and that is going to need to be something BIG and after reading this i have little faith after being burned so many times.

Also, still no update on where combat is headed. So ESO in a serious way for me is still a hard pass.

BlissfulDeluge

Neat to know they are moving on from the year-long adventure format.

Too bad I have lost all faith the ZOS team after this year. They claimed they would prove Bretons were interesting, and instead of expanding on them to make them stand out, they reaffirmed just how stale and uninspired they are. As someone who was extremely hyped for 2022, who WANTED Bretons to actually stand out and be unique and interesting? I cannot bring myself to care. There are other games out there which do what ZOS does far better.

So I have no faith in ZOS' endeavors anymore. Until ESO takes the time to actually expand on the Bretons beyond knightly customs (which are not even a Breton concept) and a bamboozling deep dive into communes of hippies living on an archipelago who are only Breton in name and reject the mainstream Breton culture, I am not interested.

Snamyap

Not a fan of repetitive content, but I guess I'll have to wait and see what they'll come up with. Like others said: sounds like a lot less content.

Faulgor

Despite stil having to address the combat changes implemented since Update 35, the changes to the content cadence and the focus on new systems leave me surprisingly optimistic. Of course all of this has to be followed up by actions, and first and foremost I still expect some better communication, e.g. delivering the promised Q&A.

Still, it should be appreciated that obviously we were listened to in some regards.

It's just too bad everyone will be playing Starfield next year!

Danel_Vadan

Why not self-contained Chapter storylines like the only two good ones: Wrothgar and Murkmire?

robwolf666

I have mixed feelings about it to be honest. Personally I like the year long story thing, it's nice to have two story chapters to look forward to. But, if reducing it to one allows them to make something bigger and better, the OK I guess. I like the idea of having a quarter dedicated to QoL and bug fixing, hopefully this also means they'll finally do something permanent about farming bots. Not the biggest fan of more "repeatables" if it means dungeons and pvp, I personally have no interest in that side of things and prefer stories and quests, so it's not something I would buy (assuming the dungeons weren't free) - I hope to god they don't bring pvp outside of Cyrodiil/IC. I have no idea what this new system will be though, I don't keep up to date with what people are asking for the most... other than bugs to be fixed.

Carcamongus

I feel like I'm one of the few who actually liked the year-long adventures. Besides, it's still possible to link several of those adventures in an arc. I'll miss the small zone DLCs, they can be so nice and comfy, such as Galen, Murkmire or Clockwork City (I know, three very disparate examples). I'm impressed the idea of releasing less content and focusing more on improvements is to become reality.

Having gotten used to the year-long system, this shift naturally makes me somewhat anxious. Nevertheless, the pledge to dedicate more time to work on quality of life and bug fixes is relieving. I just hope, however, it's done better than this block debacle.

Being able to reinvent itself and change course for the better is something ESO needs to remain alive. I hope these changes take it in the right direction.

PS: can we please get more Rigurt the Brash next year, pretty please?

I_killed_Vivec

Dark_Lord_Kuro wrote: »

Im not happy
Now i get interesting content only once a year now.
Im in the camp of dislike repeating content so only the q2 chapter will be interesting.
This is a nice way to say "we are cutting the ne content by 50%

Oh well, more time to play something else

Content cut by 50%, and you still have to pay for bug fixes!

When I paid for the game I didn't get a discount because there were bugs in it, so how come I have to pay for them to be fixed?

Punches_Below_Belt wrote: »

When I originally subscribed I expected all future content to be free. That was quickly dashed against the semantics of chapters vs dlc’s. Then ZOS started giving away the fourth quarter content to everyone. Now the third quarter content is free for everyone? So the only content my subscription makes me eligible for is two dungeons in the first quarter?

Subscription gets you two dungeons, paying for the chapter gets you half the usual content... instead of getting the Q3 DLC we get some bugs fixed (maybe) and some nebulous, undefined QoL improvements - but ZoS are promising nothing.

And for Q4 we get "something" exciting! Oo, oo, can we get a card game please! Please!! Or maybe the ESO themed snakes and ladders, Guar and Clanfear!

Billium813

https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en-us/news/post/63363

Now that we have hundreds and hundreds (and hundreds!) of hours of questing content, enough for four or five regular RPGs, we are hearing from our new players that the sheer number of zones and stories and characters is intimidating. And, on the other hand, our veteran players consistently tell us that they would like more content that isn't played through just once—they would like more content they can enjoy for years; content that utilizes our already existing zones to add new things to do, and most importantly, introduces some new gameplay.  

This statement has left me feeling mixed. On one hand, it IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT! But on the other hand, I'm worried how badly it could be messed up...

When I think of "content that utilizes our already existing zones", the first and best thing that comes to my mind is: Antiquities! I love Antiquities and how it gets players to experience old zones and content (WBs, dungeons, pvp) through LEADS! Awesome system and just amazing! If they made a new system like Antiquities, I would be SO on board.

However, they could also be totally overselling themselves. What if they mean they just plan on creating an option to redo old quests? Or just refresh servers? That isn't very creative or interesting. Plus, they created ToT as repeatable "content they can enjoy for years" and they failed to see how parasitic that game design was, and how that's the reason for the mixed reviews.

So, I'm realllllly hopeful. But, I'm kinda worried too cause the track record is leaning negatively.

At best, I think we could see new PvP content or a new Antiquities type system! At worst, I think we will just see the ability to redo old quests and refresh servers...

amapola76

I am not one of those who was clamoring for the end of the year-long stories, as that formula brought some great content that I have personally really enjoyed. That being said, I'm not upset about the change, either; it's always nice to shake things up from time to time.

So I wish I could say that I was cautiously optimistic, but like others here, some of the phrasing in the letter set off alarms that we may end up getting less content for the same amount of money, and/or that things may be tapering off into maintenance mode. I would be pretty unhappy with either of those outcomes. I'm intrigued by this mention of a new system, but have some concerns there, too. I mean, I was pretty upset about ToT, but then ended up really enjoying it, but I don't think we need another system like it.

Long story short, I could see some good coming out of these changes, or some not-so-good things. Most likely, a mixed bag. But I'm still onboard to see where it goes, for now.

SkaiFaith

Loved the letter.

I wouldn't think of it as a reduction in content: Morrowind or Summerset alone were way more full of content than an entire year like 2022 was with 2 regions.
Content was already cut this past year compared to those expansions. So it's just condensing two DLCs in one Chapter. Will it be less content than 2017/2018? Maybe but not less than 2022 - my point of view.
Also, I'm really glad year long adventures are ended and multi year chapters becomes a thing.

About the tent-pole Q4 system I would theorize that since players have asked for long to revisit-upgrade old regions, perhaps every Q4 going forward a part of Tamriel will see graphical reworks and new quests/activities.

Happy to hear about servers coming soon, and work still in progress code-rewritingwise.

I expect that now that MS owns ESO, they really want to keep this game alive and well running, cause it makes so much profit for them. I extremely doubt this game will ever be put to rest, at least until there will be other MMOs under MS with so much more population and at that point ESO should have almost no players for they to decide to "kill" it. It's likely something way far in the future, no need to worry. ESO will be better/good these coming months, and I'm happy to see it is heading in the right direction.

Too soon to speak? We'll see, I remain hopeful. Looking forward to new year's reveal.

P.s. I'm ok with less content DLC but now I want the Chapters to be absolute bangers, top notch quality in every aspect. If you push for hype you better meet expectations.

Kingsindarkness

spartaxoxo wrote: »

Does this mean we won't get new systems with chapters anymore?? This sounds like they are cutting content in half and putting a pretty bow on it.

2 less dungeons, no new small zone, and the new system isn't in the chapter? We already had a new system every year with the chapter, that's not a new concept.

I am guessing it's a pvp system and it's coming at the end of the year because of all the performance server architecture stuff they have to do to get it ready.

I bet the chapter has a normal and vet mode, and the vet mode is the reason they cut content in half.

That's my guess.

And no matter how hard they make any "Vet" mode it will still be too easy for the constant complainers...they are going down a road I can't follow, and what I mean by that is after they run off the huge silent majority that enjoyed the year-long story they won't be back to save them after the hardcore MMO players run off to AoC or Blue Protocol or any number of the hardcore MMO's in development.

in an odd way, he is doing Trials Of Atlantis all over again only in reverse.

Lydawobbles

I’m have high hopes for this! Thank you!

Marcusorion1

Thanks for the interesting read and responses - some very good points have been made.

Overall, it was more than expected in some ways, less so in others. My big takeaway is that it sounds like a "shake up" of how things will proceed on multiple fronts and that is good news. There is much work to do and small shifts would not get it done.

Meaningful communication will make a huge and positive difference. Happy holidays to all.

boi_anachronism_

Tentatively hopeful. I saw a lot of very specific things about player feedback. Please stick to your word. Y'all got an opportunity to win some trust back from your player base. I hope you take the opportunity seriously.

JoeCapricorn

This game needs more bugs.

Literal bugs. I want that pet giant mantis darnit xD!

WildRaptorX

So happy that the year long adventure era is over!

However, ESO + are about to go from 1 DLC + 2 dungeon DLC, to a single dungeon DLC. Will anything be done to add value to ESO plus?

Malthorne

The writing has been on the wall for the reduction in content to be released. I’m surprised they offered that information to us this far in advance to be honest. I’m in wait and see mode, but if next year is another flop it will not be a good sign for ESO’s future.

Tendrielle

Mhh, the next chapter "will contain one of the most requested new features". What might that be? Curious here!

Tommy_The_Gun

jaws343 wrote: »

" will contain one of the most requested new features."

Interesting, only a handful of things to choose from I think.

- Spear weapon skill line.
- One hand & spell weapon skill line.
- Spell crafting.
- Arena / Trial group finder.

^ If it is none of the above I would be disappointed. I don't know what they would have to show us to make us think it is a good trade-off.

Malthorne

Tendrielle wrote: »

Mhh, the next chapter "will contain one of the most requested new features". What might that be? Curious here!

The fact that he is getting out in front of the release and claiming it’s a “most requested new feature” is interesting. Is he trying to build hype for something the majority will love and want to purchase? Or is he using that phrase in an attempt to combat potential criticism if it’s a watered down main feature that won’t sell a ton of chapters, such as ToT?

cuddles_with_wroble

Too little too late unfortunately, 80% of the player base is gone and never coming back no matter what you do. I appreciate the last ditch effort to finally listen to the players tho… unfortunately there aren’t many left to listen to.

This game has less active players than new world and lost ark and isn’t something you can recommend your friends unless you know they only need something to do for a month or so and not long time.

This game is great for people who don’t play mmos all the time but just casually once or twice a week, for everyone else it’s pretty much unplayable and frustrating with issues such as: lack of content, lack of class balance and lack of basic mmo features Such as lfr or party finder.

With the whole game homogenized and build and class variety all but removed from the game, as well as mythics becoming more and more pay to win with less and less fun and more time consuming leads to acquire them the game is in a state that’s not really very fun to anyone but the lowest teir of player who just does quests and logs off.

Not even gonna meantion pvp balance or content Bcs all of that has been said for years and no one cared so…