Single Player Mode

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

Hi -

So, I really like single player RPGs, but playing MMOs has always left me... meh. I'm really excited about ESO Morrowind, but the opening few minutes really, really drove home what I don't like about MMOs. I doubt this is news to anyone, but the stream of immersion breaking aspects of an MMO just ruins it.

Is there ANY possibility of ever getting a "single player mode" or something similar? Basically, I just want to be able to flip a switch and not have to see or deal with other PCs. Don't load them, block messages, whatever is easiest technically. I don't want their textures loaded (so my first trip to the Vivec canton isn't just mushy textures that look worse than original Morrowind). I don't want to stand in a virtual line as I am the eighth person in a row handed a "chosen by Vivec" quest. Don't even get me started on Seyda Neen with dozens of jumping, twinkling, absurd PCs sitting in front of the bank with all of their pets.

Don't get me wrong - I love that people love their MMOs. I don't want to take anything away from their experience. I just want to be able to buy and play a game without what amounts to someone continuously passing gas in my face.

Am I the only one?

Merlin13KAGL · June 2017

No you're not the only one.

https://forums.elderscrollsonline.com/en/discussion/comment/4206596#Comment_4206596

And the answer's still "No."

Danksta · June 2017

Why buy an MMO if you don't enjoy them?

Uncle_Sweetshare · June 2017

MNsnowtaTy · June 2017

Actually there is, and it's called Skyrim.

lygerseye · June 2017

Danksta wrote: »

Why buy an MMO if you don't enjoy them?

OP, correct me if I'm wrong... I think it's something along the lines of: "I really enjoy the story in this book, but I don't like reading books in a library." And it just so happens that this book can't be checked out of the library.

Sorry if that's a bad analogy... My caffeine levels are a bit low at the moment.

Shardan4968 · June 2017

You can wait for Skywind If you want "new" Morrowind.

Merlin13KAGL · June 2017

lygerseye wrote: »

Danksta wrote: »

Why buy an MMO if you don't enjoy them?

OP, correct me if I'm wrong... I think it's something along the lines of: "I really enjoy the story in this book, but I don't like reading books in a library." And it just so happens that this book can't be checked out of the library.

Sorry if that's a bad analogy... My caffeine levels are a bit low at the moment.

And for that there are several other 'books' in the series that can be checked out and read to your heart's content.

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

>Why buy an MMO if you don't enjoy them?

Fair enough.

I like the world, the quests, exploring, etc. ESO already kinda sorta lets you play single player, it's just a very halfway thing. I've been playing Elder Scrolls games since Morrowind, so obviously I like the setting. I mean, getting to check out Morrowind when they are still building the cantons? Completely new quest lines? Upgraded graphics without a million mods? What's not to like about that?

Even my hardcore MMO friends like the idea of being able to play through the solo stuff once in a while in a Zen mode when there is a launch and core areas are flooded with noobs.

NewBlacksmurf · June 2017

Never say never as the severs keep messing up every week more than once so IF they did something extreme....who knows.

No idea how to make that change tho from a marketing and PR standpoint.

I would suggest to expect more of a server based game to be realistic

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

MNsnowtaTy wrote: »

Actually there is, and it's called Skyrim.

I have played the hell out of Skyrim, and Special Edition in 4K with a bunch of mods and a good video card is awesome.

I want new questlines, new stories, etc. I don't mind paying for them.

Obviously, I want TES6, but who knows when that will come out? I am fine with the economics of a F2P MMO, I want the quests, stories, exploration, etc. Just not rest of it.

kirk_lewis_ESO · June 2017

I can't begin to image what they would charge for all this content in a single player version. Storylines per zones per faction, all these side quests, dungeons, trials, overworld bosses etc... The file would be massive and they would charge out the leg. Not to mention, they would have to make all the crown stuff accessible through in-game content. As long people leave me alone, I could care less if I see them. I'm grateful I'm not forced to group up with people like in WOW to do story content (Every single dungeon in the game).

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

Merlin13KAGL wrote: »

lygerseye wrote: »

Danksta wrote: »

Why buy an MMO if you don't enjoy them?

OP, correct me if I'm wrong... I think it's something along the lines of: "I really enjoy the story in this book, but I don't like reading books in a library." And it just so happens that this book can't be checked out of the library.

Sorry if that's a bad analogy... My caffeine levels are a bit low at the moment.

And for that there are several other 'books' in the series that can be checked out and read to your heart's content.

The analogy is fine.

To continue on and, uhh, kind of mangle it, I've read those books and want to buy the new one, but I can't get to the shelf to check it out because of the mob of people standing in front of the shelf, and they won't let me buy it unless I agree to have a bunch of other people talking about it with spoilers around me while I read it.

sarbonn · June 2017

kirk_lewis_ESO wrote: »

I can't begin to image what they would charge for all this content in a single player version. Storylines per zones per faction, all these side quests, dungeons, trials, overworld bosses etc... The file would be massive and they would charge out the leg. Not to mention, they would have to make all the crown stuff accessible through in-game content.

I could be wrong on this, but isn't that exactly what a Morrowind or Skyrim is? Those games are HUGE. Having said that, I'm actually okay with the game and don't have any complaints that go beyond that comment (which isn't a complaint either).

lygerseye · June 2017

.

kirk_lewis_ESO wrote: »

I can't begin to image what they would charge for all this content in a single player version. Storylines per zones per faction, all these side quests, dungeons, trials, overworld bosses etc... The file would be massive and they would charge out the leg. Not to mention, they would have to make all the crown stuff accessible through in-game content.

Does it need to be that complicated?

I picture something in settings similar to "hide helmet" except it's "hide other players" and let the solo player deal with a world of NPCs fighting invisible foes.

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

kirk_lewis_ESO wrote: »

I can't begin to image what they would charge for all this content in a single player version. Storylines per zones per faction, all these side quests, dungeons, trials, overworld bosses etc... The file would be massive and they would charge out the leg. Not to mention, they would have to make all the crown stuff accessible through in-game content.

The same thing they do today? I'm not asking for any changes to the economics - F2P, the store, etc. are all fine. Tons of mobile games do that today.

I just want a toggle switch that says "don't draw other PCs." Heck, even a slider that said "draw maximum of X PCs" would be great.

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

Shardan4968 wrote: »

You can wait for Skywind If you want "new" Morrowind.

Uhh, and that will be out when?

Don't get me wrong, glad they are working on it, but... https://tesrenewal.com/skywind-faq

kirk_lewis_ESO · June 2017

lygerseye wrote: »

.

kirk_lewis_ESO wrote: »

I can't begin to image what they would charge for all this content in a single player version. Storylines per zones per faction, all these side quests, dungeons, trials, overworld bosses etc... The file would be massive and they would charge out the leg. Not to mention, they would have to make all the crown stuff accessible through in-game content.

Does it need to be that complicated?

I picture something in settings similar to "hide helmet" except it's "hide other players" and let the solo player deal with a world of NPCs fighting invisible foes.

I was imagining a single player TES game. What the OP is looking is a dedicated server/ instance on a grand scale.

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

kirk_lewis_ESO wrote: »

I was imagining a single player TES game. What the OP is looking is a dedicated server/ instance on a grand scale.

Technically, I don't think I need a dedicated server/instance, just a filter/toggle for drawing PCs would be fine. Whatever is easiest is fine by me.

Morimizo · June 2017

It is a difficult thing to resist a game atmosphere/lore even though the style of game is not what you like. I also prefer a lot of the immersive aspects of a single player RPG in terms of story and quiet, but there are MMO-only aspects like Guild stores, co-op play, and getting to see what other folks come up with in terms of character looks and builds that I enjoy.

It is possible to isolate yourself in a lot of ways; after all, much of the game is quite soloable, you can close the chat window, not use voice chat or join a guild, toggle on auto-decline duels, and do your best to put blinders on when in crowded areas; just go about your business as if you were the only one really there. Vvardenfell is obviously very busy at the moment and can be understandably overwhelming in activity, but I think you'll see that many of the other zones are a less jarring transition for single-player veterans.

My opinion is that the story, atmosphere, music, voice acting, character customization, and combat are well worth ignoring the obnoxious antics of a minority of players. Especially if you love the Elder Scrolls mythos.

wiversonb14_ESO · June 2017

Morimizo wrote: »

My opinion is that the story, atmosphere, music, voice acting, character customization, and combat are well worth ignoring the obnoxious antics of a minority of players. Especially if you love the Elder Scrolls mythos.

Oh yeah, I've been doing that for a bit now. I've been playing MMOs off-and-on since Ultima (yeesh). I know the drill.

Even if you love MMOs, if you've ever watched your rig lag out due to a ton of logged in rando other PCs, esp during launch I think you can still see the appeal of a solo zen mode or a "draw max PCs" option (that maybe just happens to go to zero)...

If you wanted to get fancy, let it prioritize group/guild/friends, and/or default to drawing rando PCs in a reduced fashion over, say, the big environment textures.

idk · June 2017

Danksta wrote: »

Why buy an MMO if you don't enjoy them?

That's a good question.
Besides, there is plenty of content in the game designed for solo and much of the group content can be done solo. Heck, some have cleared many of the 4 man dungeons solo on vet difficulty so the normal should not be to much of a challenge.

Kiralyn2000 · June 2017

I enjoy single player RPGs (and the TES games) a great deal. And I play MMOs 99.9% entirely solo.

That said.... no, they won't make you a single player mode, and there's no reason for them to do so. It's not that kind of game. If you want to play solo, that's fine, you can do that. But you can't have the worldspace all to yourself. It's an MMO. Deal with it.

Jollygoodusername · June 2017

wiversonb14_ESO wrote: »

Hi -

So, I really like single player RPGs, but playing MMOs has always left me... meh. I'm really excited about ESO Morrowind, but the opening few minutes really, really drove home what I don't like about MMOs. I doubt this is news to anyone, but the stream of immersion breaking aspects of an MMO just ruins it.

Is there ANY possibility of ever getting a "single player mode" or something similar? Basically, I just want to be able to flip a switch and not have to see or deal with other PCs. Don't load them, block messages, whatever is easiest technically. I don't want their textures loaded (so my first trip to the Vivec canton isn't just mushy textures that look worse than original Morrowind). I don't want to stand in a virtual line as I am the eighth person in a row handed a "chosen by Vivec" quest. Don't even get me started on Seyda Neen with dozens of jumping, twinkling, absurd PCs sitting in front of the bank with all of their pets.

Don't get me wrong - I love that people love their MMOs. I don't want to take anything away from their experience. I just want to be able to buy and play a game without what amounts to someone continuously passing gas in my face.

Am I the only one?

I know your pain so well. The absolute best example I can give, of an online game that had offline mode with perfection, was Diablo 2. Even years after the popularity was gone, I was playing it offline. There's no doubt, if ESO went offline for $500 today, I'd be one of the first in line. Same goes for Path of Exile, Black Desert, The Secret World--ANY mmo/online game. Outside of PvP, I don't care to have a wall of text streaming in the lower left corner, about who is selling what, or DTrump did with his Alienware. Finding the banker amidst a sea of people lost it's charm immediately.

Eirella · June 2017

No.

Uriel_Nocturne · June 2017

wiversonb14_ESO wrote: »

MNsnowtaTy wrote: »

Actually there is, and it's called Skyrim.

I have played the hell out of Skyrim, and Special Edition in 4K with a bunch of mods and a good video card is awesome.

I want new questlines, new stories, etc. I don't mind paying for them.

Obviously, I want TES6, but who knows when that will come out? I am fine with the economics of a F2P MMO, I want the quests, stories, exploration, etc. Just not rest of it.

And what you want isn't possible.

If it were, then the game would cease to be an MMO, and would simply become another run-of-the-mill Single-Player RPG.

Kiralyn2000 · June 2017

Jollygoodusername wrote: »

wiversonb14_ESO wrote: »

Hi -

So, I really like single player RPGs, but playing MMOs has always left me... meh. I'm really excited about ESO Morrowind, but the opening few minutes really, really drove home what I don't like about MMOs. I doubt this is news to anyone, but the stream of immersion breaking aspects of an MMO just ruins it.

Is there ANY possibility of ever getting a "single player mode" or something similar? Basically, I just want to be able to flip a switch and not have to see or deal with other PCs. Don't load them, block messages, whatever is easiest technically. I don't want their textures loaded (so my first trip to the Vivec canton isn't just mushy textures that look worse than original Morrowind). I don't want to stand in a virtual line as I am the eighth person in a row handed a "chosen by Vivec" quest. Don't even get me started on Seyda Neen with dozens of jumping, twinkling, absurd PCs sitting in front of the bank with all of their pets.

Don't get me wrong - I love that people love their MMOs. I don't want to take anything away from their experience. I just want to be able to buy and play a game without what amounts to someone continuously passing gas in my face.

Am I the only one?

I know your pain so well. The absolute best example I can give, of an online game that had offline mode with perfection, was Diablo 2. Even years after the popularity was gone, I was playing it offline. There's no doubt, if ESO went offline for $500 today, I'd be one of the first in line. Same goes for Path of Exile, Black Desert, The Secret World--ANY mmo/online game. Outside of PvP, I don't care to have a wall of text streaming in the lower left corner, about who is selling what, or DTrump did with his Alienware. Finding the banker amidst a sea of people lost it's charm immediately.

The difference there is that ARPGs like Diablo or PoE are balanced/designed to be playable by 1 player. MMOs, while they do have a lot of solo content, are designed around a server full of people - there's lots of things that take a group, the economy is designed for it, etc.

(And yeah, I understand completely being annoyed how all the ARPGs are "always online" now. But again, they're not MMOs.)

QUEZ420 · June 2017

O yea bruh theres a huge chance of gettin a single player version. It released yrs ago n still available on pc enjoy.

ArchMikem · June 2017

wiversonb14_ESO wrote: »

Hi -

So, I really like single player RPGs, but playing MMOs has always left me... meh. I'm really excited about ESO Morrowind, but the opening few minutes really, really drove home what I don't like about MMOs. I doubt this is news to anyone, but the stream of immersion breaking aspects of an MMO just ruins it.

To be honest, the game has been out for years now, and the word "Online" is in the title. Being surrounded by a hundred other players doing stupid immersion breaking stuff should be expected. That's why I try to play in the late hours when everyone else is asleep. (The one bonus to living on the west coast and everyone else on the NA server being ahead of me)

Xodarap777 · May 2018

Sorry to necro, but is this a thing, yet?

And also: Some of you are making this WAY too complicated. You know how you spawn into a solo *instance* when you're playing the "Main Quest" storyline or other solo quests like Mages Guild quests? That's not complicated from a server/programming standpoint, and it's already in the code. To go into "solo mode" or (I love the name) "Zen mode," you would just spawn into a solo instance of the overworld map.

If they haven't already done this, they REALLY should! There's a whole world of gamers who would vastly prefer this, myself included. As another reason I didn't see mentioned in this thread, the game is often too easy to be fun in solo content, so I like to do things to make life a bit more challenging. E.G. public dungeons, running a train into a boss and taking them all on. This gets ruined by the next 760-CP superhuman who runs by and zaps everything. Solo Mode would make a lot of people happy, and probably be worth the influx of cash to Zen (see? ZEN mode?) if they would bother working it in. It's a hell of a lot less work than One Tamriel!

VaranisArano · May 2018

Despite the necro, no its not a thing yet.