Any crossplay plans coming with the new servers changes?

boi_anachronism_

Twohothardware wrote: »

boi_anachronism_ wrote: »

Jaustink wrote: »

Hey friends!

1. I think cross play would be fantastic BUT similar to other games, sharding would likely be implemented to prevent server performance issues so I think the biggest thing would be that’s people on less populated servers like Xbox-EU would see more people more often AND you’d be able to play with friends on different platforms if that were the case
2. The issue of addons is, in my opinion, pretty negligible. They are FAR from cheating as some users have said - if they were, they wouldn’t be allowed by ZOS. Showing how much DPS you do, changing your UI or even streamlining your writs gives you no inherent power advantage over other players. Addons are meant to improve base gameplay for players, not enhance player power, so that notion is frankly silly.
3. This is directed at ZOS - players that say that they would quit without addons are a vocal MINORITY. Do I think the base game UI could use some updates and reimagining slightly? Sure. A built in minimap and more customization would be welcomed for sure! But it’s nothing to quit the game over … that’s very dramatic as I’m sure you’ve seen lots of forum posters have been.
4. There are plenty of players on PC that use minimal to no addons like me. The ones I do use could be implemented in game by the developers in a future update - lorebook locations, skyshard locations and DARKUI.

This would be a very difficult thing to do but overall I always stand by the fact that servers are made for ease of development by the company developing the game. Players would prefer one big server for everyone to play on.

The other big difficult hurdle would just be the economies because they are so vastly different, BUT we’ll cross that bridge if it ever comes to a PTR in the future.

Your kidding right? Combat add-on that tell you which mechanics are going to happen and count down to the actual mechanics? Changing room where you can literally swap your entire build mid raid to let you be optimized for every single trash pull and boss? Like your entire team. No inherent advantage? Really? Pc score pushers literally write entire programs specific to their team for a push. No. Sorry but you are very misinformed. Consoles could not possibly compete. Forget about the economic doomscape that is pc, console players wouldnt even be able to upgrade gear. If they did this i would quit.

Ps/xbox im all for. Pc is its own thing and should remain so.

You guys are preaching a lot of doom and gloom that would have no affect on 99% of the ESO player base lol. For starters the majority of players running Trials do it for the gear or the social aspect with their guild, not for score pushing.

And I'm all for mods that improve quality of life like displaying resources, lorebooks, ect and those mods would have no impact on console players. But if the mods on PC are literally playing the game for you and telling you which mechanic is going to happen and count down to when to block or whatever maybe those mods shouldn't be allowed. Maybe PC players should just get good.

As far as the trading economy differences it's like players on PC think every new player on PC is handed 10 million gold when they buy the game. New players on PC start out with zero gold just like new players on console. And console players that have been on the game a while have stockpiles of materials and gear worth 10x more on PC than what it is on console so if anything it will be the console players that will get rich quick.

Yes thank you for telling end game console players we dont count. Much appreciated.

SilverBride

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

ESO_player123

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

I would be very unhappy about the loss of add-ons and names too.

Twohothardware

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

SilverBride

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

What about players that choose to display Character Name rather than UserID? Will they just lose that choice?

Twohothardware

SilverBride wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

What about players that choose to display Character Name rather than UserID? Will they just lose that choice?

That's just a visual setting in-game. The database in terms of separating players should just have one unique ID username and all your character's names are attached to that.

Amottica

Blood_again wrote: »

Just my guess.
If I planned any crossplay (like merging at least two platform servers), why would I update servers for both platforms separately?

True. But also upgrading the servers was needed after 8 or 9 years just because it is needed. There is no reason to think crossplay was part of the plan.

Even then, crossplay has major drawbacks for console users. PC has addons that would give us a major advantage over consoles and Zenimax will not be taking those addons away from PC. It was be a pawn fest.

Bokila

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Or just have a platform icon next to the name just like so many crossplay games. Would need an option to select platform whenever we send a mail to someone but i think it s doable.

ZOS_Kevin

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

Twohothardware

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

Amottica

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

TaSheen

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

Well, the problem is if PC is required to cross play with consoles, the likeliest outcome is loss of addons to "level the playing field".

I have a MAJOR problem with that. My addons go away, I go away, and it's entirely possible I wouldn't be the only one.

XSTRONG

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

Personally I dont mind playing with a PC gamer with addons as long as they do recognize im a console player without addons.

Now pvp is kinda tricky but if I was a pure pvp player I would rather have more players to play with/against then the opposite.

Twohothardware

TaSheen wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

Well, the problem is if PC is required to cross play with consoles, the likeliest outcome is loss of addons to "level the playing field".

I have a MAJOR problem with that. My addons go away, I go away, and it's entirely possible I wouldn't be the only one.

Quality of life addons would not be a problem and that’s what the majority are.

The only truly competitive player vs player portion of the game is in Cyrodiil and Battlegrounds and I haven’t seen talk of addons that give PC a noticeable advantage over a console player there. And a number of the top PvP players on PC came from console and still use a controller to play.

I’ve seen there are some combat addons that would probably need to be looked at in Trials but to be honest if you have an addon that tells you the mechanics to where you don’t have to communicate those mechanics with your team that’s basically cheating and should be disabled.

SilverBride

TaSheen wrote: »

Well, the problem is if PC is required to cross play with consoles, the likeliest outcome is loss of addons to "level the playing field".

I have a MAJOR problem with that. My addons go away, I go away, and it's entirely possible I wouldn't be the only one.

I would be right behind you.

Shagreth

Since when saving as much money as possible (and providing a bad service as a result) and retrofitting is considered 'new servers'? The situation got a little better, but this game needs new servers, then cool stuff may follow like new models, crossplay etc.

Amottica

XSTRONG wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

Personally I dont mind playing with a PC gamer with addons as long as they do recognize im a console player without addons.

Now pvp is kinda tricky but if I was a pure pvp player I would rather have more players to play with/against then the opposite.

True that for a lot of players the disadvantage would not be an issue and I know some that moved to PC who are incredible players but they were top few percent of the player on their former console.

The difference will occur in PvP and raid teams they can join since the more serious the raid team, the higher the requirements will be. Cyrodiil is more just about fun and most raid groups are more casual.

blktauna

Kappachi wrote: »

ummm, what? the purpose of cross-play means that all console players will be playing on PC servers, and there really aren't performance issues on the PC servers, what are you talking about?

LOLOL WHUT
Oh dear I do hate to break it to you but that statement is soooo not true.

I am against cross play because selfishly I want more improvements, and old generation consoles are really restricting what can be added to the game. I also don't trust ZOS to not screw up the DB migrations. And they seem tp be smart enoug to realise that [snip] up the player DB is not a thing they want to do.

[edited for profanity bypass]

blktauna

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

Amottica

blktauna wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

I agree with your comment in principle. However, I doubt the character name is the unique identifier as that would be an extremely poor db design.

If, and it is a monumental if, Zenimax decided to go crossplay it is doubtful we will be seeing multiple characters with the same name. It is more likely that older character or even older accounts will keep their names and newer ones will be forced to choose a new name.

Regardless, there is a reason why Zenimax has refused to create a tool to permit transfers and that reason is likely not their sole decision. It would be what stands in the way of Zenimax even considering the idea. After all, their replies in this thread do not suggest they are considering making such a change.

Twohothardware

Amottica wrote: »

blktauna wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

I agree with your comment in principle. However, I doubt the character name is the unique identifier as that would be an extremely poor db design.

If, and it is a monumental if, Zenimax decided to go crossplay it is doubtful we will be seeing multiple characters with the same name. It is more likely that older character or even older accounts will keep their names and newer ones will be forced to choose a new name.

Regardless, there is a reason why Zenimax has refused to create a tool to permit transfers and that reason is likely not their sole decision. It would be what stands in the way of Zenimax even considering the idea. After all, their replies in this thread do not suggest they are considering making such a change.

Transfers took place between PC and console when the game first released and most of the AAA multiplayer games releasing today on console are coming with Crossplay so it’s unlikely they’re held back by anything more than their database and the work that would need to be put in to not break things.

TaSheen

Twohothardware wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

blktauna wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

I agree with your comment in principle. However, I doubt the character name is the unique identifier as that would be an extremely poor db design.

If, and it is a monumental if, Zenimax decided to go crossplay it is doubtful we will be seeing multiple characters with the same name. It is more likely that older character or even older accounts will keep their names and newer ones will be forced to choose a new name.

Regardless, there is a reason why Zenimax has refused to create a tool to permit transfers and that reason is likely not their sole decision. It would be what stands in the way of Zenimax even considering the idea. After all, their replies in this thread do not suggest they are considering making such a change.

Transfers took place between PC and console when the game first released and most of the AAA multiplayer games releasing today on console are coming with Crossplay so it’s unlikely they’re held back by anything more than their database and the work that would need to be put in to not break things.

Those transfers were done to EMPTY console databases. Messing with full, in-service databases is a totally different beast.

essi2

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

While we don't have any news to share about cross-play or cross-save functionality at this time, we want to acknowledge that we do see this request often. We'd like to hear your thoughts on the reasons why you would like to see this functionality in ESO. What pain points are you running into that this would help solve? The feedback here is helpful for us to share with the team.

Cross-/play/server/progress if ZOS where ever to do it;

Should unify all platforms and region(EU/NA) accounts(run by ZOS, afaik the JP accounts are run by a different company)

The game would be effectively platform agnostic, and would make playing with friends easier and playing anywhere would allow people to engage with the game more easily even when not on their preferred platform.

It would help ensure a healthier population in every zone old and new(Currently the population mostly moves with events/releases)

Unify collectibles and ingame purchases, atm if you own something on NA you don't own it on EU unless you bought it with real money outside the game.(Then add platform to that mix for people who play on consoles aswell)


Unknowns;

Unified Player economy - Not really good or bad

Guild Traders - There would be alot of upheaval and many guilds who currently struggle with holding on to traders would lose their spot. More traders spots similar to Balmora could be added to spots that currently only have 1 trader.


Potential issues;

PvP - Other games have already solved this issue by siloing of PvP by client or control method

Patch releases - Patches could be decoupled from content releases or PC and Console releases could be sync'ed up

Content Ownership - The game already has the ability to distinguish between who owns what where, presumably also checking for what platform the player is logging in from would not be much of a stretch.

Addons - Shouldn't really be an issue if PvP is separated

Grouping - With the new grouping tool there would be no reason not to implement a platform filter to use when grouping for Trials/vDLC if wanted. Personally I'd likely not use such a filter, but it would be better to have it than not since the pace of play would most likely be different.


EDIT: Added a section on Addons and Grouping

Tandor

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

And performance. The PC servers struggle as it is.

SilverBride

Tandor wrote: »

And performance. The PC servers struggle as it is.

I play on PCNA and I have never had performance issues.

Necrotech_Master

Tandor wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

And performance. The PC servers struggle as it is.

also never really had performance issues

the only time its even remotely noticeable is large fights in cyro with multiple ball groups present, ball groups are the only thing that really causes severe performance problems

Twohothardware

Tandor wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Bokila wrote: »

@ZOS_Kevin any news regarding this? Since you wanted a feedback from people. I personally would even be ok if you would allow us to at least transfer characters between platforms, even for a fee. Crossplay/cross save would be optimal though but that is up to you to decide.

Nothing to report at this time. We have sent along feedback listed in this thread, both for and against crossplay, to our teams. We want to make sure we are providing the player perspective for the teams consideration.

I’m just really glad you guys are looking into it! Crossplay would help a lot with player population on console, even if it were restricted to just Xbox and Playstation since almost all of the feedback against Crossplay has been from the PC side due to mods.

All he has said is they will pass the information on to the teams. I have not seen anything in this thread that actually indicates they are looking into cross platform play.

Also, PC has no issues with cross play. We merely point out the major advantages we would have over console players. I have no problem with that as it would not harm my game.

And performance. The PC servers struggle as it is.

PlayStation and Xbox have new server hardware that was recently upgraded as well. Crossplay doesn't mean everyone playing on one physical server, they expand the server infrastructure to support the load of however many players they're bringing in.

You also wouldn't suddently have like 1,000 players in one town or at one dolmen, ESO is an instanced game and it creates new instances when there's more than a certain number of players in that zone.

blktauna

Amottica wrote: »

blktauna wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

I agree with your comment in principle. However, I doubt the character name is the unique identifier as that would be an extremely poor db design.

If, and it is a monumental if, Zenimax decided to go crossplay it is doubtful we will be seeing multiple characters with the same name. It is more likely that older character or even older accounts will keep their names and newer ones will be forced to choose a new name.

Regardless, there is a reason why Zenimax has refused to create a tool to permit transfers and that reason is likely not their sole decision. It would be what stands in the way of Zenimax even considering the idea. After all, their replies in this thread do not suggest they are considering making such a change.

It would be exceptionally poor design indeed, but I don't put anything past anyone.
I'm sure the actaul reason has more to do with the internal structure of the game, which is old and cranky at this point. I'm glad they haven't done it and hope they do not.

Amottica

Twohothardware wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

blktauna wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

I agree with your comment in principle. However, I doubt the character name is the unique identifier as that would be an extremely poor db design.

If, and it is a monumental if, Zenimax decided to go crossplay it is doubtful we will be seeing multiple characters with the same name. It is more likely that older character or even older accounts will keep their names and newer ones will be forced to choose a new name.

Regardless, there is a reason why Zenimax has refused to create a tool to permit transfers and that reason is likely not their sole decision. It would be what stands in the way of Zenimax even considering the idea. After all, their replies in this thread do not suggest they are considering making such a change.

Transfers took place between PC and console when the game first released and most of the AAA multiplayer games releasing today on console are coming with Crossplay so it’s unlikely they’re held back by anything more than their database and the work that would need to be put in to not break things.

You are absolutely correct. Zenimax did copy accounts from PC to console before consoles went live. That is an entirely different ballgame than moving accounts between live servers. It is a significantly more involved process and no reasonable IT professional would transfer data into a live server willy nillly.

Further, in my comment you quoted, I noted that there is a reason why Zenimax has been firm in not creating a tool to facilitate transfers. This is likely contractual as that is all that would make sense. If this is the case then Zenimax does not seem very interested in renegotiating such a clause. Without actually knowing why Zenimax has refused to budge on this issue we are really spinningning our wheels. That reason is the core of any real discussion to bring about change.

Also, Zenimax does not care what other MMOs do as they are not managing those MMORPGs.

Amottica

blktauna wrote: »

Amottica wrote: »

blktauna wrote: »

Twohothardware wrote: »

SilverBride wrote: »

If it means I lose my add-ons on PC then absolutely not. And how would duplicate names be resolved? I would be livid if I lost any of my characters' names.

There are just too many drawbacks to this suggestion, especially this late in the game.

What they would need to do when merging the databases is come up with a unique identifier attached to each players username and that would be what's yours instead of character names. Like SilverBride#1234. You can then name your character whatever you want but someone else can use that same name as well. I don't know why that's not the way it's done already.

Unless you are clued in to the DB schema they use, you can not assume adding/changing anything is easy or even doable.

I agree with your comment in principle. However, I doubt the character name is the unique identifier as that would be an extremely poor db design.

If, and it is a monumental if, Zenimax decided to go crossplay it is doubtful we will be seeing multiple characters with the same name. It is more likely that older character or even older accounts will keep their names and newer ones will be forced to choose a new name.

Regardless, there is a reason why Zenimax has refused to create a tool to permit transfers and that reason is likely not their sole decision. It would be what stands in the way of Zenimax even considering the idea. After all, their replies in this thread do not suggest they are considering making such a change.

It would be exceptionally poor design indeed, but I don't put anything past anyone.
I'm sure the actaul reason has more to do with the internal structure of the game, which is old and cranky at this point. I'm glad they haven't done it and hope they do not.

You are correct that the architecture of the game could be what is holding things up. It is another possibility. Games like WoW and FF14 live on extremely small servers/shards compared to what Zenimax designed for ESO. While GW2 also runs a mega server the architecture is extremely different in many ways. It would be difficult for Zenimax to rework ESO in such a manner. So if the architecture is what prevents Zenimax from offering crossplay then it is likely not worth the money and time to rework the game to such a degree.

As I have already stated, while there clearly a reason why this is not happening, we can only surmise the reason why. We would need to know why to have a meaningful conversation on the topic. This is more than just character names.