Cross platform play/ account transfer platform

Stewart1874 · April 2019

I know this has been done to death, but I feel like until it happens its not been done enough.

Sony and Microsoft are children and the likelihood of cross platform play is slim at best but allowing players a one of purchase to shift their data across from Playstation to PC must surely be something that is doable.

I don't know how many other players are in a similar situation to me but all of my ESO friends now play PC and having had a sub for well over 2 years plus both expansions and the odd crown purchase I cannot justify starting again which leaves me with the unenviable situation of having to quit altogether until this feature is added. I would love to continue to support this game but until this feature is implemented I'm throwing money away each month.

I'm aware WoW allow realm switches for a fee - IIRC somewhere around £40-50?, Nothing is free and I personally wouldn't have an issue paying this fee to continue playing the game.

My understanding on the previous time this happened was that PC- console happened because the console database was blank. It sounds like this problem is *** and a justification for not offering this service. If this is a genuine issue then surely with the resources at ZOS's disposal it should be a problem that could be remedied through having such talented staff at their disposal?

Do players feel that having the option to transfer their account across to another platform for a set fee should be an option?

idk · April 2019

Stewart1874 wrote: »

allowing players a one of purchase to shift their data across from Playstation to PC must surely be something that is doable.

None of us know what the contract between Zos and Sony/MS looks like. It could very well be that there is a clause that prevents Zos from allowing this with at least one if not both console hosts.

It is also common place to not throw your business partner under the bus and blame them (or the contract) for such actions.

Of course this is just a guess as to they why, but it is logical.

JKorr · April 2019

Okay, let's see.... You are Steward1874. On pc there is another player with the same account name. You willing to change names? The pc player had the name first [in this example], so they don't want to change. How would that be handled? Your characters have duplicate names because the server isn't blank. You okay with changing everything? The pc players who had the character names first don't want to change..... so....simple or not?

NewBlacksmurf · April 2019

The developer likes to deploy updates on PC without restrictions...

RebornV3x · April 2019

I'm hoping that when the next console gen comes out in the next year or so well be able to do a one time account transfer.

idk · April 2019

RebornV3x wrote: »

I'm hoping that when the next console gen comes out in the next year or so well be able to do a one time account transfer.

Extremely unlikely as there is nothing about new consoles coming out that would be a reason for Zos to offer this.

UnyieldingFlame · April 2019

When the next-gen console is released you'll still be stuck on the XB1 and PS4. No guarantee you would be able to play ESO on the next-gen console and PC transfer is very unlikely too. Better to start on PC again instead of waiting for something that may never happen due to Sony/Microsoft business practice.

PC is long term for MMO's. The console MMO market is a shortlived gimmick that will eventually die out when the console is replaced with the next version.

therift · April 2019

UnyieldingFlame wrote: »

When the next-gen console is released you'll still be stuck on the XB1 and PS4. No guarantee you would be able to play ESO on the next-gen console and PC transfer is very unlikely too. Better to start on PC again instead of waiting for something that may never happen due to Sony/Microsoft business practice.

PC is long term for MMO's. The console MMO market is a shortlived gimmick that will eventually die out when the console is replaced with the next version.

Lol. Not one word is true.

tinythinker · April 2019

There are (or at least were) some devs excited about the possibility of cross-platform play at one point, but the obstacles are substantial.

To look at a relevant example, you can play FFXIV on either PC or Playstation and do content with people on the other platform, sharing a game world. But, as I recall, you can't play on Xbox because Sony historically wanted exclusive console access. So beyond the technical work on the backend, you'd need cooperation between Microsoft and Sony. I've heard Sony may have loosened up on that stance recently, but there was talk about some Microsoft demands that SE wasn't happy about. Supposedly SE is talking to all the console makers to see if a deal is possible, but it ain't easy.

SoLooney · April 2019

If you could transfer your account to any platform, the eso on console would be dead. A bunch of my friends and guildies hate the trash frames on console along with not having the add ons. Just expect a lot of people on console to transfer to pc

Devil_Keyz · April 2019

JKorr wrote: »

Okay, let's see.... You are Steward1874. On pc there is another player with the same account name. You willing to change names? The pc player had the name first [in this example], so they don't want to change. How would that be handled? Your characters have duplicate names because the server isn't blank. You okay with changing everything? The pc players who had the character names first don't want to change..... so....simple or not?

. Lol afaik you cannot use a name on console if it already is Inuse on pc, I know because I started on pc and could not use the same name wen making my Xbox acc , until I changed my pc name so I could reuse it on Xbox so that’s not the issue here

Stewart1874 · April 2019

JKorr wrote: »

Okay, let's see.... You are Steward1874. On pc there is another player with the same account name. You willing to change names? The pc player had the name first [in this example], so they don't want to change. How would that be handled? Your characters have duplicate names because the server isn't blank. You okay with changing everything? The pc players who had the character names first don't want to change..... so....simple or not?

The platform you move to takes priority. Game alerts you that 'this name already exists' so you need to change it.

You've wrote a paragraph on probably the most cut and dry problem solve going.

So in other words, simple.

First reply has given probably the most feasible response.

Also, my name is Stewart1874, not Steward1874

frostz417 · April 2019

RebornV3x wrote: »

I'm hoping that when the next console gen comes out in the next year or so well be able to do a one time account transfer.

There is no new gen console being released next year. XbOne and PS4 still have a couple of years till the next gen is released

Katahdin · April 2019

They said they can not do it because of database issues

The only reason the could do the transfer for PC to console when console launched is because it was a new, empty database.

To make sure they don't corrupt the current database, they will not copy accounts over any more.

So if you want to switch platforms you have to buy a new copy and start over.
Plenty have done that for all platforms.

They have also said they also are not planning to do cross platform play. You can ask all you want, its not happening

JKorr · April 2019

Stewart1874 wrote: »

JKorr wrote: »

Okay, let's see.... You are Steward1874. On pc there is another player with the same account name. You willing to change names? The pc player had the name first [in this example], so they don't want to change. How would that be handled? Your characters have duplicate names because the server isn't blank. You okay with changing everything? The pc players who had the character names first don't want to change..... so....simple or not?

The platform you move to takes priority. Game alerts you that 'this name already exists' so you need to change it.

You've wrote a paragraph on probably the most cut and dry problem solve going.

So in other words, simple.

First reply has given probably the most feasible response.

Also, my name is Stewart1874, not Steward1874

Typo aside, that wasn't the point, but congrats on the proof-reading skill.

Would you be willing to change all your character names because the names are in use on the pc version? Some players would be okay with not having their names anymore, some would not.

I know I don't get why someone would bother investing time/effort on a game on console if there was the option for playing on a pc, so....personal preference for platform and deal with the choice? :shrug:

Tonnopesce · April 2019

Devil_Keyz wrote: »

JKorr wrote: »

Okay, let's see.... You are Steward1874. On pc there is another player with the same account name. You willing to change names? The pc player had the name first [in this example], so they don't want to change. How would that be handled? Your characters have duplicate names because the server isn't blank. You okay with changing everything? The pc players who had the character names first don't want to change..... so....simple or not?

. Lol afaik you cannot use a name on console if it already is Inuse on pc, I know because I started on pc and could not use the same name wen making my Xbox acc , until I changed my pc name so I could reuse it on Xbox so that’s not the issue here

Hmmmm... so why i have a copy of my toons on the ps4 with the exact same name?
When we where allowed i've done the ps4 copy (then i've left for good, 15-20fps? people playng music in zone chat? no thank you) i left that sccount there and i'm pretty shure that if i turn it on today i still have all the toons there (with my 300 something cp and terrible gear).

xAk_MoRRoWiNdx · April 2019

Stewart1874 wrote: »

Sony is a child that won't cooperate with anyone, especially Xbox and the likelihood of cross platform play is slim at best but allowing players a one-of-a-kind purchase to shift their data across from Playstation to PC must surely be something that is doable.

Fixed that for you

method__01 · April 2019

i dont think its possible to transfer all console purchases,acc names,achievements etc from one company to another-either MS or Sony wont allow to happen

iimo better get a sec copy and start a new pc account
benefits: you practice with controls (most difficult switch from gamepad but there is a gamepad mode many use),you can check the addons and the difference in game environment,start earning cp
after some time you can decide witch platform is better for you so focus there-i personaly cant,thats why i play only pvp on pc
and all rest at ps4

mikemacon · April 2019

Agreed one billion percent.

ZOS is really losing out on a huge profit source here; I for one would cheerfully pay All The Money to be able to port my Xbox account to PC.

Poncho28 · April 2019

Just curious, is there actually a game out there that cross-platforms? e.g. PCers vs Console players?

idk · April 2019

Poncho88 wrote: »

Just curious, is there actually a game out there that cross-platforms? e.g. PCers vs Console players?

There have been cross platform games for awhile, but there are not many. Fortnite and Rocket League are the only games I am aware of that are currently cross platform.

Besides the very clear and sound fact that PC would have a strong advantage over consoles in ESO due to add-ons which will not be taken away from PC, no one in this thread knows the technological costs and hurdles required to do it right in todays time.

As for transfers, we do not know the legal agreements between Zos and Sony/MS nor does anyone really know how lucrative it would be. Sure, some would transfer, but is it worth Zos building out a system to handle that? No one in this thread has the answer to it and it is not sufficient for them to say they would spend $$ on it.

So it is very much just a dramatic statement to day Zos is losing money when one does not understand what is needed and the associated costs.

BTW, I am not aware of a major MMORPG title that has cross platform ATM even if they are on multiple platforms. There is likely a reason for this and it is probably the strongest information that something stand firmly in the way with today's tech or business needs.

Stewart1874 · April 2019

idk wrote: »

Poncho88 wrote: »

Just curious, is there actually a game out there that cross-platforms? e.g. PCers vs Console players?

There have been cross platform games for awhile, but there are not many. Fortnite and Rocket League are the only games I am aware of that are currently cross platform.

Besides the very clear and sound fact that PC would have a strong advantage over consoles in ESO due to add-ons which will not be taken away from PC, no one in this thread knows the technological costs and hurdles required to do it right in todays time.

As for transfers, we do not know the legal agreements between Zos and Sony/MS nor does anyone really know how lucrative it would be. Sure, some would transfer, but is it worth Zos building out a system to handle that? No one in this thread has the answer to it and it is not sufficient for them to say they would spend $$ on it.

So it is very much just a dramatic statement to day Zos is losing money when one does not understand what is needed and the associated costs.

BTW, I am not aware of a major MMORPG title that has cross platform ATM even if they are on multiple platforms. There is likely a reason for this and it is probably the strongest information that something stand firmly in the way with today's tech or business needs.

I'm firmly in the camp that if cross play happens then PC can and should have add ons. Theres no reason to disadvantage one group for the sake of levelling the playing field. If cross play was to exist then surely console players would have the option to log in on PC any time they liked and make use of those add ons (I say this as a console player).

JKorr wrote: »

Stewart1874 wrote: »

JKorr wrote: »

Okay, let's see.... You are Steward1874. On pc there is another player with the same account name. You willing to change names? The pc player had the name first [in this example], so they don't want to change. How would that be handled? Your characters have duplicate names because the server isn't blank. You okay with changing everything? The pc players who had the character names first don't want to change..... so....simple or not?

The platform you move to takes priority. Game alerts you that 'this name already exists' so you need to change it.

You've wrote a paragraph on probably the most cut and dry problem solve going.

So in other words, simple.

First reply has given probably the most feasible response.

Also, my name is Stewart1874, not Steward1874

Typo aside, that wasn't the point, but congrats on the proof-reading skill.

Would you be willing to change all your character names because the names are in use on the pc version? Some players would be okay with not having their names anymore, some would not.

I know I don't get why someone would bother investing time/effort on a game on console if there was the option for playing on a pc, so....personal preference for platform and deal with the choice? :shrug:

Haha, yeah 100%. In a scenario where switching would be allowed, I'd be joining their party so its only fair to expect to change names if required. They got there first after all!

My particular case was that I've always played PS4 with my mates but as life has moved on most mates play less or have moved across to PC. It wasn't so much a I would rather play console as I would rather just play with my mates.

Really hoping the double quote hasn't screwed up my reply...

Chelo · April 2019

SoLooney wrote: »

If you could transfer your account to any platform, the eso on console would be dead. A bunch of my friends and guildies hate the trash frames on console along with not having the add ons. Just expect a lot of people on console to transfer to pc

Console versions of MMOs are like demos...

Tandor · April 2019

Stewart1874 wrote: »

I know this has been done to death,

The thread ends there. It's not going to happen (a) because of technical issues, (b) because of developer resource/priority issues, and (c) because of contractual issues that will very likely stand up in a court of law (and in respect of which ZOS are unlikely to want to take on Microsoft and/or Sony from a purely financial point of view, regardless of the legal merits of the case).

Select your choice(s) from the above and you will understand why this thread ended with your opening phrase.

Stewart1874 · April 2019

Tandor wrote: »

Stewart1874 wrote: »

I know this has been done to death,

The thread ends there. It's not going to happen (a) because of technical issues, (b) because of developer resource/priority issues, and (c) because of contractual issues that will very likely stand up in a court of law (and in respect of which ZOS are unlikely to want to take on Microsoft and/or Sony from a purely financial point of view, regardless of the legal merits of the case).

Select your choice(s) from the above and you will understand why this thread ended with your opening phrase.

Nah. I'm quite okay asking the question. Its a feature that would improve my experience and likely many others. Quite entitled to question its absence.

Firmly believe this is a case of can but won't. ZOS have an extremely talented team that are more than capable of solving this issue for players. As has already been hypothesised there MAY be contractual issues which are hindering this, but until they are confirmed then we have a right to continue to question why this feature does not exist.

If the database issue is such a problem, surely creating a new database that is capable of handling transfers would be a solution. I find it improbable that people that passionately study games development, computer science and have years of experience in this field can't find a tangible solution to remedy this problem.

Heres another hypothesis, the time commitment from developers required to address this is considered too much versus the potential for monetisation which means they are reluctant to do it. Banging on the door enough might create the necessary force to remedy the problem. - Again means nothing until ZOS confirm their reasoning for the inability to transfer platform.

Also, don't like you selectively quoting me. Needlessly antagonistic for a very legitimate question. Asking questions of the developers is a positive and shouldn't be discouraged. Perhaps if we all thought we had all the answers like you seem to we could all be enjoying a loot crate extravaganza of P2W nonsense.

Tandor · April 2019

Stewart1874 wrote: »

Tandor wrote: »

Stewart1874 wrote: »

I know this has been done to death,

The thread ends there. It's not going to happen (a) because of technical issues, (b) because of developer resource/priority issues, and (c) because of contractual issues that will very likely stand up in a court of law (and in respect of which ZOS are unlikely to want to take on Microsoft and/or Sony from a purely financial point of view, regardless of the legal merits of the case).

Select your choice(s) from the above and you will understand why this thread ended with your opening phrase.

Also, don't like you selectively quoting me. Needlessly antagonistic for a very legitimate question. Asking questions of the developers is a positive and shouldn't be discouraged. Perhaps if we all thought we had all the answers like you seem to we could all be enjoying a loot crate extravaganza of P2W nonsense.

As with this reply, I only quoted the part of the comment I was replying to because it saves the topic becoming too long with long quotes that are mostly nothing to do with the response being made. Nothing remotely antagonistic about it, and no offence intended.

The question has been raised so many times before - or as you yourself have said, "this has been done to death". The developers have said there are technical reasons for not being able to do it, but even if it were technically possible to rewrite an entire megaserver database it's most unlikely that the level of demand would justify it resource-wise, and while plenty speculate like me as to the likely contractual problems with it you're unlikely to get a developer commenting on the company's legal position or sharing contractual information that is confidential between the parties. While asking questions of the developers can be a positive thing, flogging a dead horse isn't.

MrSinister213 · April 2019

ZOS are to lazy and don't care about the community enough to do this. Reskinning mounts makes them enough money it seems. Sad because PC NA is dead for daily dungeons, PvP, trials, every aspect of the game. Consoles must be that much more worse. What was once a truly unique and skill based combat system, and to some degree still is, is a shell of its former self. To bad.

deadjesterkingb14_ESO · April 2019

*Sony is Childish
Microsoft has been all for Cross Platform with everything even working with Nintendo and others in bringing their games to work with others. I’m pretty sure if asked Microsoft would be all about cross-platform, but Sony would never allow that.