Question: Why Consoles?

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

I'm having trouble rationalizing why ZOS has gone through ALL this trouble and money and time, to make the game for console?

How's it going to work? If there are separate servers for each console, aren't those server's going to be woefully empty?

Or are they going to do it like FFXIV did it - with PS4 and PC players on the same Megaservers? Or will each platform have it's own set of Megaservers? IE: PC and console players will never ever see one another.

If so why was so much effort put into putting this MMO out on consoles?

I never saw the point of doing that, I'm hoping someone can supply me with some information that will make me go, "Oh, that's why."

Can anybody help with that?

Nestor · February 2015

With at around half, if not more, of the gamers not being on PC, why not chase the potential.

While the there are a large number of gamers who have both PCs and consoles, I would imagine that a large number of PCs are not up to snuff with modern game content, so that is why I say about half the gamers are console only as being able to play the game.

Vulix · February 2015

Consoles will be separate because ZOS lacks the foresight/skill to have the consoles and PC play on the same server. Word is Microsoft is very restrictive when it comes to XBox Live, but there is no reason ZOS couldn't bridge PC + PS4 to play on the same server.

Anyway, I think they intend to have ESO be a more casual experience here on out. I think that's the incentive for going B2P and releasing it to console. I am doubting we will see the game significant changed after 1.6 for the rest of it's life, but maybe that's my pessimism speaking. I just can't see them developing the game too much further unless the console release is a blockbuster hit and ESO suddenly has a few million players

Dominoid · February 2015

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

Vulix wrote: »

Consoles will be separate because ZOS lacks the foresight/skill to have the consoles and PC play on the same server. Word is Microsoft is very restrictive when it comes to XBox Live, but there is no reason ZOS couldn't bridge PC + PS4 to play on the same server.

Anyway, I think they intend to have ESO be a more casual experience here on out. I think that's the incentive for going B2P and releasing it to console. I am doubting we will see the game significant changed after 1.6 for the rest of it's life, but maybe that's my pessimism speaking. I just can't see them developing the game too much further unless the console release is a blockbuster hit and ESO suddenly has a few million players

That's what Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn did, PS4 and PC characters can play together. This amount of separation is just not at all healthy for the longevity of the game.

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Greywolf_McGrowler · February 2015

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

yup yup, plus I'm more of a console person myself. Even though I've been playing on the PC I'm going to get the X1 version cause I like relaxing on my couch in front of a big screen instead of on my laptop.

Dekkameron · February 2015

The fact ESO wont be played on the same servers by console players as PC players is probably due to MS and Sony more than anything else. As other games have shown it isnt impossible.

One thing to consider though is that most console games have limited player numbers compared to PC games.
Battlefield 3/4 for instance had far less maximum players on a map because of hardware limitations compared to PC.

Kartalin · February 2015

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Skryim promised...what, 300 hours of game play? Basically 13 days of game time is what that works out to be. On my main character alone in ESO I have 43+ days of game time. I think even if they focused on the main story and didn't rush through it like some people, did all the side quests for their alliance, etc, they would get maybe 7 days of game time? Not even considering Cadwell's quests and the other alliances. That's pretty good already, especially when you consider a lot of triple A console titles top out at around 40 hours of game play (depending on how much you get into multiplayer). And since there won't be a monthly fee and occasional paid DLC, the experience they have will be more similar to what they had with Skyrim.

I think there's already a lot more stuff to do in ESO than Skyrim. Decent replayability too if you want to try out different classes and different factions and skip the Cadwell's stuff. They may see it as the cooperative Skyrim game they were hoping for. Others that are more interested in the MMO side of things, they can get into high level PVE (pledges and trials) or PVP. I think there will be plenty to do. Yes, they will leave when they lose interest, but for a dedicated Elder Scrolls fan that might not be for quite a while.

Funkopotamus · February 2015

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Well not everyone is a "Skyreemkiddie" Some of us old timers would love to play on our consoles in front a big screen.

I paid a subscription to EQOA For PS2 for over 7+ years.

Snit · February 2015

Money.

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

Funkopotamus wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Well not everyone is a "Skyreemkiddie" Some of us old timers would love to play on our consoles in front a big screen.

I paid a subscription to EQOA For PS2 for over 7+ years.

Now that is a reason. Being able to sit on your duff in a nice recliner, with the big screen, a nice cold beer. That I can get behind.

sk8ingeckoub17_ESO · February 2015

The idea that console players will not play a mmo is kinda flawed. Just needs the right mmo fully formated for a console. Dcuo on my ps4 is actually far more populated feeling then the pc version. Or at least it was last i played. And i cannot wait for this on xbox one with my family.

Consoles are a huge market that is warming to this type of game. Just look how many destiny players are logging in day in and out to play destiny raids.

Its actually a great move if they pull it off right.

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

I hope they do pull it off right.

I'd hate to see this game crash and burn. I really would.

Egonieser · February 2015

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Funkopotamus wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Well not everyone is a "Skyreemkiddie" Some of us old timers would love to play on our consoles in front a big screen.

I paid a subscription to EQOA For PS2 for over 7+ years.

Now that is a reason. Being able to sit on your duff in a nice recliner, with the big screen, a nice cold beer. That I can get behind.

Rofl @ those
One good thing about PC's.. I am not limited to 1 large screen, i can have 3

Well, in fact i have... Damn.. How did the sitting back on the couch bit slip by me...Oh hold on, it didn't... Did it? Nah..
Love it when people use the couch and big screen idology as strictly console-exclusive feature

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

Well it's more common for consoles to be hooked up to a TV than PCs. Or at least it used to be.

NewBlacksmurf · February 2015

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

I'm having trouble rationalizing why ZOS has gone through ALL this trouble and money and time, to make the game for console?

How's it going to work? If there are separate servers for each console, aren't those server's going to be woefully empty?

Or are they going to do it like FFXIV did it - with PS4 and PC players on the same Megaservers? Or will each platform have it's own set of Megaservers? IE: PC and console players will never ever see one another.

If so why was so much effort put into putting this MMO out on consoles?

I never saw the point of doing that, I'm hoping someone can supply me with some information that will make me go, "Oh, that's why."

Can anybody help with that?

Cause there are more buyers in the console depart than the PC alone.
The company creates a product to sale for profit but there just isn't enough PC buyers.

Also, consoles on this generation market games within their networks a lot better than PC

All in all its a great business decision...look at Destiny, GTA 5, Call of Duty, Battlefield profits

Also, I believe your lack of understanding of the console market limits your understanding....it won't be empty

sk8ingeckoub17_ESO · February 2015

Alot easier to pass off taking over the tv when the wife can snuggle into me and read a book. Keyboard and mouse makes that nigh impossible even if my computer is plugged into a big screen...

Makes wife agroe less likely too

Hawk269 · February 2015

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

This is the main reason. Consoles traditionally sell the most copies of games that are also on PC. The market and acceptance of consoles is huge and the fact that ZOS had the foresight to do this, even though they delayed it over a year, to me seems like a smart move.

Now the reason for the BTP can be argued back and forth, many blame the reason for it due to it going to consoles, well the game from announcement was intended for console so why was it not BTP back then? Then there are those that feel they were beta testers for the Console versions, which to me as a person that has been paying monthly since Beta I find laughable. I have enjoyed all the time I have had played the game and I don't for second think that ZOS owes me something or that I was used as a beta tester.

At the end of the day, the reason it is on consoles is because ZOS made that decision several years ago and come June it is finally happening. As far as the servers go, MS with Windows 10 and it's version for Xbox One will allow it, Fable Legends (a new game) will allow PC and Xbox One players to play together. It could be that this feature is not available as of yet and MS is very careful with having Xbox Live servers closed out, so that is another reason that cross play is not happening. I know Final Fantasy does have it with PS4/PC, so not sure .

Will the severs be ghost towns on both platforms? I don't think they will. The game will sell a large amount and there will be people just like the PC version that they will play for a little bit and move on then there will be those that continue to play on etc. With it being BTP however, those that do leave can come back without having to pay a monthly fee. I feel that it will be very populated and it will put more pressure on ZOS to have "NEW" content to keep people playing, especially if the Crown Store proves to be successful.

Hawk269 · February 2015

Egonieser wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Funkopotamus wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Well not everyone is a "Skyreemkiddie" Some of us old timers would love to play on our consoles in front a big screen.

I paid a subscription to EQOA For PS2 for over 7+ years.

Now that is a reason. Being able to sit on your duff in a nice recliner, with the big screen, a nice cold beer. That I can get behind.

Rofl @ those
One good thing about PC's.. I am not limited to 1 large screen, i can have 3 Well, in fact i have... Damn.. How did the sitting back on the couch bit slip by me...Oh hold on, it didn't... Did it? Nah..
Love it when people use the couch and big screen idology as strictly console-exclusive feature

I don't get that as well. I have my monster PC hooked up to a 4k 65" Panasonic TV that I game with on my recliner. I have a wireless keyboard/mouse and a Xbox 360 controller so to me it like having a console, but with the power of a PC. I don't play competitive, so recliner PC gaming is perfect for me.

dylanjaygrobbelaarb16_ESO · February 2015

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

its a business not a public service. console market is a billion dollar market does that make it clear enough for you?

Funkopotamus · February 2015

Egonieser wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Funkopotamus wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

Well not everyone is a "Skyreemkiddie" Some of us old timers would love to play on our consoles in front a big screen.

I paid a subscription to EQOA For PS2 for over 7+ years.

Now that is a reason. Being able to sit on your duff in a nice recliner, with the big screen, a nice cold beer. That I can get behind.

Rofl @ those
One good thing about PC's.. I am not limited to 1 large screen, i can have 3 Well, in fact i have... Damn.. How did the sitting back on the couch bit slip by me...Oh hold on, it didn't... Did it? Nah..
Love it when people use the couch and big screen idology as strictly console-exclusive feature

I think we all have a friend like you. You know the guy with computer parts all over the house/room... Fans here/Processors over there/ Wires hanging out the back of a half built PC here...

I am not saying it is wrong... But like SK8 said when playing on a console we seem more "Social" than hunched up on a computer. MOST PC players are bent back-bent wrist holding a mouse when playing games on a pc.. Not all but most..

WraithAzraiel · February 2015

dylanjaygrobbelaarb16_ESO wrote: »

WraithAzraiel wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

That's great. But this is an MMO. I get all the Skyrim solo players will be ecstatic to run around on their PS4's and XBone's and get all Skyrim-nostalgic, but eventually they will run out of stuff to do. And then they will leave. Soooo how's this a rational excuse?

its a business not a public service. console market is a billion dollar market does that make it clear enough for you?

Whoa, attitude there, killer. Did somehow offend you with my statement? Take a breath, then type.

NewBlacksmurf · February 2015

When they sale 1 million copies in the first week it'll all make sense.

Hawk269 · February 2015

NewBlacksmurf wrote: »

When they sale 1 million copies in the first week it'll all make sense.

Can the servers handle it though? Not saying it will sell that many in Week 1, but I am curious how the servers will hold up.

Gidorick · February 2015

Why?

Cause...

Funkopotamus · February 2015

With the combat system and the skill-button layout I find it hard to believe that anyone did not see console coming. This game reeked of console 5 minutes after I started playing..

Keep in mind I still have my money sitting on a preorder from last may for ESO lol.. I just left it there waiting.

Valen_Byte · February 2015

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

True but, the people still playing Skyrim, are on PC. I started out playing Skyrim on console. Then I discovered mods. After that, I logged 600+ more hours playing a game that I had already beat several times.

Fact is that PC players are in general, a more mature demographic. PC players spend a lot more money than console players. We build our rigs. We optimize and upgrade them, and we are the ones, for the most part who have the resources to keep up with a game that wants to live on for years to come.

Soulshine · February 2015

The game has always been planned for console since inception, this is not something new. And yes the reason is based on obvious success of the TES series on consoles dating back far earlier than just Skyrim. Bethesda has more than provided details on the figures. Considering they want to tap into that market for broadbased MMO sales, it stands to reason that Zenimax chose THIS particular IP at this time, since MMOs on consoles are now becoming more popular. Whether they manage to make good on this opportunity remains a gray area.

Funkopotamus · February 2015

Valen_Byte wrote: »

Dominoid wrote: »

Why consoles? Because 86% of Skyrim sales were on consoles. It's that simple.

True but, the people still playing Skyrim, are on PC. I started out playing Skyrim on console. Then I discovered mods. After that, I logged 600+ more hours playing a game that I had already beat several times.

Fact is that PC players are in general, a more mature demographic. PC players spend a lot more money than console players. We build our rigs. We optimize and upgrade them, and we are the ones, for the most part who have the resources to keep up with a game that wants to live on for years to come.

Five years ago when consoles could not run the best games I would agree with you, but not now.

Also after watching people pay $70.00 for console games then paying $20-$40 a pop for DLC on those console games I would say that the console players have grown into a hungry player base that is ready to belly up to the bar when it comes to quality games.

GreySix · February 2015

Because....