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My Hopes for the Future

C0wrex
C0wrex
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Hey guys!

Just wanted to post my overall experience and hopes for the future with Elder Scrolls Online after two months of rigorous playtime. I'll divide this post into different sections for ease of read. Hope you guys enjoy the read! :)

Also, I prefer dividing the sections by chapter because of how cool it sounds :)


Chapter I: My Experience So Far

I first logged on Elder Scrolls Online with low expectations two months ago after reading all the negative reviews on it from launch - disregarding the news on updates and changes in the process. I went through the character creation screen already expecting a boring game with barebones features and lackluster aesthetics.

And so I made my very first character... a Breton Nightblade. I've spent an hour or two making him because the character customization allowed so much changes but at that point, my low-expectations and expected-disappointment still didn't change.

So I log on the game... I went through the first "dungeon" and went to a house in Daggerfall, Glenumbra. All those initial thoughts I had about the game not being Elder Scrolls enough or being too much of an MMO (Making it a game far from what Elder Scrolls stands for)...

I'm glad I was so wrong about what I first thought about the game. Lo and behold, the game was really good. I'm a huge fan of the Elder Scrolls series ever since my father showed me Morrowind at a very young age of 8 (A story for another time) and the moment I stepped out of that house in Daggerfall. Lots of the old feelings came back: the feeling of wonder and excitement and it's been a while since I felt that way in an MMO - hell, in an Elder Scrolls game since Skyrim.

The point is, ESO is an amazing game which I grew to love and care about.

Which is why it pains me to hear about ZOS just dropping hot topics and issues off - leaving caring players hurt and cheaters largely unpunished in the process. I really do believe that you - ZOS - should listen more to your players because we enjoy the game you passionately made for seven years! I can understand the passion from all the love and attention put into it as I explore Tamriel in all of its glory. Looking back on one of your old manifesto, I could tell how passionate you guys are in making this amazing game and believe me, I can relate how it feels in making something truly wonderful - with players sharing and experiencing the game with others; to have your story be the stories of millions of others. Looking back on this video, one can see the amount of work they put in a game like this and it's a shame that the players didn't receive it well on launch.

An Introduction to Elder Scrolls Online by Zenimax Online Studios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxJTsq2XeKY


Chapter II: My Thoughts on Zenimax

If you aren't aware by now, I am a staunch supporter of Elder Scrolls Online - especially as an extension of the Elder Scrolls Series - as the game did well enough - in gameplay, community and ambience - to garner my loyalty. And believe me, it's hard for a game to do that, and when it does - it's even harder to make it last for more than a month as my interests normally die out when the game no longer has anything to offer. Fortunately, ESO is an Elder Scrolls game first and foremost so exploration and questing will be no problem for me as time passes by. And with the addition of yearly DLCs, I'll be playing this game for a very long time.

Just to make it clear though, it does not mean that I'll be playing Elder Scrolls Online forever as we all know that we all have to move on in the future. However, until that time comes, I'll be here enjoying the damn game.

But I digress.

As I spend time in both the forums and the game - communicating with others and sharing experiences - I've been growing rather unhappy by how Zenimax communicates with its players - leaving them mostly in the dark in a lot of situations or just outright being quiet about certain hot topics. I do understand that there are community moderators who are actively browsing the forums for breaches of conduct or points of inquiries - and I am happy that there are moderators doing that - but I do not understand why the moderators are mostly leaving us in the dark in certain topics and discussions - wherein the only time they post a reply in those certain topics is when there is a breach of conduct. I won't name another MMO - in fear of breaching the name & shaming rule of the forums - but all I can say is that it ends with wars wherein its community moderators and developers went in to answer the inquiries and fears of players. All in all, the community in the other MMO has their suggestions actually being taken into account and made into the game; the community in the other MMO has their fears relegated and improvements were put into the game.

Just to be clear though, it doesn't mean that Zenimax doesn't listen to its community and shares with us. On the contrary, I can name a lot of situations where they do - and when they do, I can say with confidence that we can express our emotions to them - anger, joy and fear - because they're players just like us. But there are times where things start to derail like the times they leave us mostly in the dark - with why things are and how things are. For instance, on the case of the exploits in PvP and crafting in recent events. (Which by the way was handled poorly on my opinion)

That being said, I respect the developers for making an amazing game. I just don't wholeheartedly agree with how they treat their player-base thus far.


Chapter III: My Hopes for the Future

"We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

Tennyson, Ulysses



I've really loved that line from Tennyson's work, Ulysses. It always speaks to me about how things were and how things will be - only determined by the choice we make. And looking back into it, I really do think that this poem is in-line with how I feel about Zenimax and Elder Scrolls Online... because after months of walking with players and developers alike - in the forums and in the game - I still have high hopes for what the game will be - all in part because of its wonderful community and passionate developers.

The poem's last segment talks about Ulysses and the experiences he's had with the mariners - all the joy, pain and fears clumped up in a singular story - through storms unwinding and abyss unchained. He tells the mariners that despite all that they were before, they will always have the chance to be honorable, to leave a legacy before their deaths.

While it is a macabre discussion to put in line with the game, I really believe that such is the case wherein I still have hopes for Zenimax to make this game an even better game than I already think it is.

Zenimax, I truly respect what you guys did with the game and I hope this post of mine reaches you because I really do think you've made an amazing game. I hope that you will make it an even better one in the future by improving on your principles. I wish you all the best! :smile:


Thanks for the read guys! Have a good one!


Edit: Fixed a few grammatical errors and simplified a few sentences.
Edited by C0wrex on June 2, 2016 3:26AM
"We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

-Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Gidorick
    Gidorick
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    *bookmarks for later*
    What ESO really needs is an Auction Horse.
    That's right... Horse.
    Click HERE to discuss.

    Want more crazy ideas? Check out my Concept Repository!
  • C0wrex
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    Gidorick wrote: »
    *bookmarks for later*

    Teeheee thanks :3
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Altaire
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    I too love this game, but the Hopes for the Future hangs in the balance, as in how the programmers deal w/ the game at present.
    We have players the play the game w/ what ever they can beg/borrow/steal/craft from guildies/groups/friends. And we have players using #GODMODE exploits.
    Since the Developers @ESO seem not to care much about what happens in-game, I'm losing faith if they care anymore. But hears to 'Hopes for the future'...
  • C0wrex
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    Altaire wrote: »
    I too love this game, but the Hopes for the Future hangs in the balance, as in how the programmers deal w/ the game at present.
    We have players the play the game w/ what ever they can beg/borrow/steal/craft from guildies/groups/friends. And we have players using #GODMODE exploits.
    Since the Developers @ESO seem not to care much about what happens in-game, I'm losing faith if they care anymore. But hears to 'Hopes for the future'...

    I really do hope Zenimax improves their manifesto :) This game's too good to just let it all rot away :) That being said, I still have some hopes for Zenimax to do something surprising later this year :)

    Here's to our hopes for the future! :) Cheers!
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Jim_Pipp
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    A good read. It's always nice to hear someone else saying that the game is actually pretty good, not perfect, but good enough for "rigorous" playing.

    I read this rather long post because I expected you to talk about your hopes for the future of the game. I would have preferred it if you had shared any specific hopes for the future of the game.

    Hoping a game will vaguely get better, or the makers will improve their principles are somewhat vacuous and empty hopes because surely everyone hopes for those things. I'm sorry if that sounds critical as I don't mean to be, I really liked your post, but I would like it more if you elaborated more.
    #1 tip (Re)check your graphics settings periodically - especially resolution.
  • C0wrex
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    Jim_Pipp wrote: »
    A good read. It's always nice to hear someone else saying that the game is actually pretty good, not perfect, but good enough for "rigorous" playing.

    I read this rather long post because I expected you to talk about your hopes for the future of the game. I would have preferred it if you had shared any specific hopes for the future of the game.

    Hoping a game will vaguely get better, or the makers will improve their principles are somewhat vacuous and empty hopes because surely everyone hopes for those things. I'm sorry if that sounds critical as I don't mean to be, I really liked your post, but I would like it more if you elaborated more.

    Ahhh yes.. My hopes for the game were rather too broad - leaving out all the specifics. But other than that... just wanted to add that my time playing the game and memory of Tennyson's work drove me to write up this post :)

    And no worries on that comment :) I'm rather honored to see that you liked my post. Will keep that into consideration the next time I write something similar to this!

    Thanks :)
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Tommy1979AtWar
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    It's cool that you're enjoying it and hopefully you'll continue to do so.
  • C0wrex
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    It's cool that you're enjoying it and hopefully you'll continue to do so.

    I'm sure I will :) I just hope Zenimax improves the game because it'd sadden me if this game just goes to waste!
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • phaneub17_ESO
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    At least you know how to paragraph, reading online can be cumbersome when everything is stuck together in one big mass.
  • C0wrex
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    At least you know how to paragraph, reading online can be cumbersome when everything is stuck together in one big mass.

    Thanks! Flattered to hear that :)

    Not a big fan of walls myself! :)
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Gidorick
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    I love what you had to say @C0wrex . It very much falls in line with my feelings about ESO after the first year or so. The Elder Scrolls Online is a truly beautiful game and a wonderful idea that, in my mind, cannot carry the weight of the franchise it is based upon.

    I too came from the Elder Scrolls side of the customer base and there are so many things about ESO that has built up for me to create a problem that is larger than the sum of it's parts. I still love ESO but I don't see ZOS moving ESO to be more of an Elder Scrolls experience. They seem to be content on making it more akin to an Action RPG or even just a straight action game.

    I hope the best for ESO and I've tried to communicate with ZOS the ways in which players like myself would like to see the game grow and develop. It's a beautiful game and an amazing world. I would just like to be able to play without feeling that there's something missing or that this feature or that one was implemented half-heartedly.

    It's great to hear you're having so much fun! I hope it continues for you. I know my fun has been impeded by things like invisible walls, furniture I couldn't use, ladders I couldn't climb, and crown store fodder... hopefully you don't mind those things and can love ESO for what it is and are able to look beyond what it isn't.
    What ESO really needs is an Auction Horse.
    That's right... Horse.
    Click HERE to discuss.

    Want more crazy ideas? Check out my Concept Repository!
  • C0wrex
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    I appreciate the thoughts @Gidorick :) I really do. I'll admit that it's been awhile since I felt this way in a game - even more so in an MMO - seeing how I grew to care about the game itself and its community.

    And speaking of community, this is the best community I've been into by far! And I've been in a lot!

    Note: There's still a few salty bits here and there but a better overall experience than the last ones I've been into.

    Here's to the year of 2016 for ESO, Zenimax and us! :)

    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Burning_Talons
    Burning_Talons
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    *Reads first sentence*
    Awesome bro read whole thing grade A article
    *Runs off*
  • nimander99
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    Gidorick wrote: »
    *bookmarks for later*

    I know right?

    The formatting, the punctuation and paragraphs with videos and chapters slipped in, sexy page breaks. Your post has it all.

    And that much to say after two months playing, wow! I've been playin since launch and I'm pretty sure I still have the same opinion I've had since then.

    I like game, I play things I like, and I like game.
    Edited by nimander99 on May 31, 2016 1:58AM
    I AM UPDATING MY PRIVACY POLICY

    PAWS (Positively Against Wrip-off Stuff) - Say No to Crown Crates!

    ∽∽∽ 2 years of Elder Scrolls Online ∼∼∼
    "Give us money" = Box sales & monthly sub fees,
    "moar!" = £10 palomino horse,
    "MOAR!" = Switch to B2P, launch cash shop,
    "MOAR!!" = Charge for DLC that subs had already paid for,
    "MOAR!!!" = Experience scrolls and riding lessons,
    "MOARR!!!" = Vampire/werewolf bites,
    "MOAARRR!!!" = CS exclusive motifs,
    "MOOAARRR!!!" = Crown crates,
    "MOOOAAARRR!!!" = 'Chapter's' bought separately from ESO+,
    "MOOOOAAAARRRR!!!!" = ???

    Male, Dunmer, VR16, Templar, Aldmeri Dominion, Master Crafter & all Traits, CP450
  • Lysette
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    This is exactly why people are that concerned and speak out loudly in the forum - because they care for a game, which is on one side awesome and it is Elder Scrolls, it feels like it, even it is different from a single-player game obviously. But it is huge and it is beautiful - and if it would work properly it could be around for many years to come.

    I think, that is why we are that much into getting it done properly and make ZOS aware of some short comings - that is not, because we would not like the game - if we wouldn't like it, we would just be gone for good - we want it to succeed and that is why there is this outcry over an issue, which is really endangering the game, and this is what these many threads are basically pointing out - this time it cannot be simply ignored or be pushed under the rug - it has to be addressed properly.
  • Lysette
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    i took a look at Black Desert - in videos - and even it looks nice and has a lot of stuff, which I would love to do, it came to mind, why I will not try that game - it looks too much like an anime - ESO is different, it has class and style and it has tradition.

    Elder Scrolls is a long term love - and I am getting used to the new bride (which is ESO) and we might get along well enough for years to come, if some issues can be worked out - like bug fixing in a timely manner, making costumes and armor sets look good on female and male characters (some are awesome, others are ... well, crap, like night mother's embrace set). I really want to love ESO for it's own value - so far I am infatuated, but this might cease, if issues are not addressed. I want this to become a deep love like for the other TES games - since Morrowind for me - a long-lasting enjoyable relationship.
  • C0wrex
    C0wrex
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    *Reads first sentence*
    Awesome bro read whole thing grade A article
    *Runs off*

    @Burning_Talons Hehe thanks a lot man :) I'm honored :) Happy to hear you liked it!

    nimander99 wrote: »
    Gidorick wrote: »
    *bookmarks for later*

    I know right?

    The formatting, the punctuation and paragraphs with videos and chapters slipped in, sexy page breaks. Your post has it all.

    And that much to say after two months playing, wow! I've been playin since launch and I'm pretty sure I still have the same opinion I've had since then.

    I like game, I play things I like, and I like game.


    @nimander99 Thanks! I'm flattered! :) Glad to see people liked the post :)

    Also... I've been playing Elder Scrolls Online nonstop since I bought the game. So far, my only regret right now is not buying the game sooner! I wouldn't have mind the subscription fee (As I don't mind paying for ESO+)!
    Lysette wrote: »
    This is exactly why people are that concerned and speak out loudly in the forum - because they care for a game, which is on one side awesome and it is Elder Scrolls, it feels like it, even it is different from a single-player game obviously. But it is huge and it is beautiful - and if it would work properly it could be around for many years to come.

    I think, that is why we are that much into getting it done properly and make ZOS aware of some short comings - that is not, because we would not like the game - if we wouldn't like it, we would just be gone for good - we want it to succeed and that is why there is this outcry over an issue, which is really endangering the game, and this is what these many threads are basically pointing out - this time it cannot be simply ignored or be pushed under the rug - it has to be addressed properly.

    @Lysette Exactly my feelings! :) It would be fantastic if this game improves on so many aspects because let's admit... this game is sort of a rough diamond. All you need to do is chisel out the finer details and everything should go well :)

    Again, I really wish the best for Zenimax for 2016. Hope we get to see some changes in their Manifesto!
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Lysette
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    @C0wrex have you had a look at Orsinium and thief guild DLC yet - that are awesome territories, I just love the art work of these DLCs and it is breath-taking to see all the wonders of the landscape. Both are very different from each other, but I love both in their own right. I traveled a lot in real life and earth has fantastic places, which can look quite outer-worldly at times. ESO is combining some of these real world areas in truely fantastic looking landscapes - I love the art work on this - and that is why I cannot understand, why they cannot do costumes and armor sets with the same love for detail - that is frustrating.

    Edit: I just wish I would have a glider like in Archeage to see all these fantastic landscapes from the air - I love flying and gliding, I am a real world private pilot, and I would so enjoy this in ESO as well - gliders were one of the awesome tools in Archeage - could be used for short cuts, for relaxation and as well as a tool in fast paced combat. Just imagine it, it is like that ...

    Archeage%20glider.jpg
    Edited by Lysette on May 31, 2016 2:57AM
  • C0wrex
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    @Lysette I haven't been to Abah's Landing yet! I've heard that Abah's Landing has a really beautiful cityscape where thieves get to move around seamlessly (Allt he while avoiding the city guards)!

    However, I've been to Orsinium and I have to say... it's easily one of the best areas I've been into because of how it was designed. The entire place just feels... ancient! I love it! :) Not to mention that Orsinium is a really big zone with a plethora of nooks and crannies to explore!

    And I agree with you! ESO does a fantastic job in making the landscapes (Which made me tear up everytime I get to see a vista)!

    Speaking of costumes and armor... I do wish they'd release the Breton Hero Costume soon! :)

    Edit: In response to the edit just recently, wow pretty amazing job you got there! And I agree! It would make ESO much more a sight to see (Especially from a bird's eye view)! Would be nice if we can get rid of the distant fogs in ESO though (Without using the ESOLauncher) :)
    Edited by C0wrex on May 31, 2016 2:56AM
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Lysette
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    See, that is the problem with Archeage and this is why I fear these hacks now in ESO - Archeage is a beautiful game, but it is so [snip] up by hacks and exploits, that it is not enjoyable to play it any longer. It has other issues, but that is the main one.
    Edited by ZOS_KatP on February 6, 2018 8:43PM
  • C0wrex
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    @Lysette I agree! The hacks are a huge problem in ESO (Especially with PvP being one of the main highlights of the game)! But I think I saw a forum post a while ago that talks Zenimax already taking action against the recent hacks!
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Lysette
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    ZOS will iron it out in one way or the other - it is not that ZOS would not listen to the feedback from the community, they are just doing a poor job to communicate their efforts to the community as well - and so it seems, as if they would do nothing. This is a communication problem they have - but I hope they will learn that over time, that communication and community management should not be a one-way-road - but somewhat interactive. At least with some feedback to us as well.

    Edit: it sometimes appears to me as if they do not know the most basic business rules - like "do good and tell everybody about it" - this is what is missing, they do good things, but they do not communicate what they do and are missing out on the bond this would create.
    Edited by Lysette on May 31, 2016 3:15AM
  • Lysette
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    @C0wrex you can visit Abah's landing as well without to join the thief guild, if you are not into this kind of gameplay. Just use the wayshrine there, it is just about 100m away from the main gate to Abah's landing. Quen is waiting there as well, if you want to do the quest to join the guild - but you can as well just visit Hew's Bane and have a look.
  • C0wrex
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    @Lysette Sorry late. Just got back home. Anyways, I'm severely interested in that kind of playstle and I can't wait to start Thieves Guild :) Just finishing out Cadwell's Silver before I can go with the DLCs :)
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
  • Rva_Kun
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    wc1s0z.jpg

    ^ Nuff said.
    Edited by Rva_Kun on May 31, 2016 10:52AM
    Actions Speak Louder Than Words.
    Fear Over The Internet = Priceless.
    Correcting Ego's Since 03'
    NA > EU

  • C0wrex
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    @Rva_Kun /GASP


    They haz?!?! :OOO


    Impossibru! :open_mouth:



    (Seriously though, really?) :)
    "We are not now that strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will, to strive, to seek and not to yield."

    -Tennyson, Ulysses
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