ESO Writing Team: Please...stop it.

Rohamad_Ali · December 2025

Spot on assessment.

xbluerosesx · December 2025

PrinceShroob wrote: »

It's odd that you'd call "and stuff" millennial, given that, just off the top of my head, the phrase shows up in Merrily We Roll Along ("We'll have Bernstein play next on / The Bechstein piano— / And Auden read poems and stuff") written by the celebrated Stephen Sondheim for a show that premiered in 1981. I even did some brief research and there's examples of the phrase being used back to at least the 16th century. The phrase tends to show up in Online (yes, and in the base game from back in 2014), but even Arena had "I cook and stuff" as a possible greeting for a chef.

I really, truly do not care a whit about vernacular, since this ain't period, pals--it's a medieval aesthetic but not literally medieval. If vernacular breaks your immersion maybe your impression of what's immersive is infinitesimal.

"duuuuurrr the writing was always like this. leave the billion dollar company alone!!!!111 how dare you demand quality in the writing, don't ask questions just consoom the eso cringeslop then get excited for next season!!!1111"

it's okay you spacebar through quests but the rest of us who can read don't want to be reading Forspoken tier dialogue

MasterSpatula · December 2025

On a related topic, the SHEER NUMBER OF TYPOS that made it through to Live in the dialogue transcriptions is disheartening. I know ZOS/Bethesda/Zenimax/Microsoft currently has a mania for cutting jobs despite being spectacularly profitable, but copy editors actually matter. They keep you from looking unprofessional.

xbluerosesx · December 2025

I'll never complain about AI writing again if they get rid of this

ZOS_Icy · December 2025

Greetings,

We have recently removed some unnecessary back and forth in addition to some off-topic posts from this thread. This is a reminder to keep the discussion civil and constructive. Please keep our Community Rules in mind moving forward.

The Elder Scrolls Online Team

NotaDaedraWorshipper · December 2025

Is it really millenial writers doing this? Always feel like millenials are blamed for everything, especially since many I see complain about writing like this are millenials. Myself included. Like they can't have more bad writers than other generations. All must have good and bad writers.

mdjessup4906 · December 2025

NotaDaedraWorshipper wrote: »

Is it really millenial writers doing this? Always feel like millenials are blamed for everything, especially since many I see complain about writing like this are millenials. Myself included. Like they can't have more bad writers than other generations. All must have good and bad writers.

I find it both funny and sad how many people my age and even younger are all "back in my day...". Or "xyz gen" whatever. Why does humanity have such short memories.

Syldras · December 2025

cyclonus11 wrote: »

Is this the first time "laid" was used in this context in the Elder Scrolls franchise? I can't remember.

Since I'm not a native English speaker, I have a question. This guy on the screenshot above shows up as a random encounter several times and asks you different questions, depending on how far you've progressed the main questline. To describe it in a spoiler-free way: After you've finished the whole story, he'll question you about the big final fight. If you say you're that hero he'll reply that he's met several individuals who have claimed the same. And:
"Am I the target of some sort of joke, or is everyone on this island just that desperate for clout?"
Didn't that meaning of the word just come up a few years ago online (along with YOLO, rizz and whatnot)? If so, why would a middle-aged playwright in a pseudo-medieval world, or specifically in Tamriel, talk like this?

spartaxoxo · December 2025

Syldras wrote: »

cyclonus11 wrote: »

Is this the first time "laid" was used in this context in the Elder Scrolls franchise? I can't remember.

Since I'm not a native English speaker, I have a question. This guy on the screenshot above shows up as a random encounter several times and asks you different questions, depending on how far you've progressed the main questline. To describe it in a spoiler-free way: After you've finished the whole story, he'll question you about the big final fight. If you say you're that hero he'll reply that he's met several individuals who have claimed the same. And:
"Am I the target of some sort of joke, or is everyone on this island just that desperate for clout?"
Didn't that meaning of the word just come up a few years ago online (along with YOLO, rizz and whatnot)? If so, why would a middle-aged playwright in a pseudo-medieval world, or specifically in Tamriel, talk like this?

No. Clout has had a recent resurgence and is used a bit differently. But it's definitely way older than that.

The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang suggests it was in New York, citing an 1868 letter Walt Whitman received from his brother, Thomas Jefferson Whitman, about some Brooklyn guys who “always think they are going to be deprived of office and ‘clout.’” But it’s curious that the term barely surfaced at all for another eighty years.

Really one of those everything old becomes new again but slightly different things.

ArchMikem · December 2025

NotaDaedraWorshipper wrote: »

Is it really millenial writers doing this? Always feel like millenials are blamed for everything, especially since many I see complain about writing like this are millenials. Myself included. Like they can't have more bad writers than other generations. All must have good and bad writers.

Go on Youtube and watch any number of the Minecrafter channels and most of them will be Teens to early 20 somethings (so Gen Z mostly) and they talk EXACTLY like,

xbluerosesx wrote: »

I'll never complain about AI writing again if they get rid of this

So I don't know what's really happening. Millennials trying to write characters that sound like Gen Z, or Zoomers fresh into the work force writing Characters based on themselves.

Syldras · December 2025

spartaxoxo wrote: »

No. Clout has had a recent resurgence and is used a bit differently. But it's definitely way older than that.

The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang suggests it was in New York, citing an 1868 letter Walt Whitman received from his brother, Thomas Jefferson Whitman, about some Brooklyn guys who “always think they are going to be deprived of office and ‘clout.’” But it’s curious that the term barely surfaced at all for another eighty years.

Really one of those everything old becomes new again but slightly different things.

An older dictionary of mine gives 3 different meanings: a hit/blow (physical), political power, a piece of cloth used in archery. That character doesn't seem to mean "political power" though, but uses it the way it's all over Youtube right now, where it's basically a synonyme for "fame" (or more like "attention"). I've never seen it being used like that before (well, until it came up online few years ago), that's why I was asking.

LootAllTheStuff · December 2025

Syldras wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

No. Clout has had a recent resurgence and is used a bit differently. But it's definitely way older than that.

The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang suggests it was in New York, citing an 1868 letter Walt Whitman received from his brother, Thomas Jefferson Whitman, about some Brooklyn guys who “always think they are going to be deprived of office and ‘clout.’” But it’s curious that the term barely surfaced at all for another eighty years.

Really one of those everything old becomes new again but slightly different things.

An older dictionary of mine gives 3 different meanings: a hit/blow (physical), political power, a piece of cloth used in archery. That character doesn't seem to mean "political power" though, but uses it the way it's all over Youtube right now, where it's basically a synonyme for "fame" (or more like "attention"). I've never seen it being used like that before (well, until it came up online few years ago), that's why I was asking.

In SE London in the 60s/70s, clout could be used of political power, but it was also used in the sense of someone having influence or being able to sway opinion generally. And also physical clout, of course - sometimes the latter was a necessary precursor to the former, if you get my drift.

spartaxoxo · December 2025

Syldras wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

No. Clout has had a recent resurgence and is used a bit differently. But it's definitely way older than that.

The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang suggests it was in New York, citing an 1868 letter Walt Whitman received from his brother, Thomas Jefferson Whitman, about some Brooklyn guys who “always think they are going to be deprived of office and ‘clout.’” But it’s curious that the term barely surfaced at all for another eighty years.

Really one of those everything old becomes new again but slightly different things.

An older dictionary of mine gives 3 different meanings: a hit/blow (physical), political power, a piece of cloth used in archery. That character doesn't seem to mean "political power" though, but uses it the way it's all over Youtube right now, where it's basically a synonyme for "fame" (or more like "attention"). I've never seen it being used like that before (well, until it came up online few years ago), that's why I was asking.

Political power was a meaning but it was often used about influence in general for as long as I can remember. This could be from fame, fortune, political power, etc. If you had the ability to influence your community/trade/etc, then you had clout. It was a short hop from there to people who had attention, even if it's just 15 minutes, in more recent use.

Alinhbo_Tyaka · December 2025

LootAllTheStuff wrote: »

Syldras wrote: »

spartaxoxo wrote: »

No. Clout has had a recent resurgence and is used a bit differently. But it's definitely way older than that.

The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang suggests it was in New York, citing an 1868 letter Walt Whitman received from his brother, Thomas Jefferson Whitman, about some Brooklyn guys who “always think they are going to be deprived of office and ‘clout.’” But it’s curious that the term barely surfaced at all for another eighty years.

Really one of those everything old becomes new again but slightly different things.

An older dictionary of mine gives 3 different meanings: a hit/blow (physical), political power, a piece of cloth used in archery. That character doesn't seem to mean "political power" though, but uses it the way it's all over Youtube right now, where it's basically a synonyme for "fame" (or more like "attention"). I've never seen it being used like that before (well, until it came up online few years ago), that's why I was asking.

In SE London in the 60s/70s, clout could be used of political power, but it was also used in the sense of someone having influence or being able to sway opinion generally. And also physical clout, of course - sometimes the latter was a necessary precursor to the former, if you get my drift.

Clout's use during that time frame here in the States was primarily for someone with influence or who had the ear of those in power. Thinking back its use was not uncommon but I don't recall it really being used by the time the 1980's rolled around.

emilyhyoyeon · December 2025

Honestly, especially based off the overall quality in recent ESO years, I just don't believe clout was used by that writer for that NPC for any other reason than its popularity recently. If it weren't I'd be shocked

LalMirchi · December 2025

Apollosipod wrote: »

I'm currently playing through eastern Solstice and I am struggling due to the writing decisions this team has made. At one point you actually have our character make the comment "How did the assault go? I was busy rescuing prisoners and stuff."

Am I the only one that really hates this? I don't find it clever or funny. It's just immersion breaking. Why can't any of the dialogue be written like it's not an episode of a sitcom?

. nm

Miragent · December 2025

Tanlorin after completing a Harrowstorm: "And this is why I don't date witches."
Me: And this is why in this date and age (2E 582), Tanlorin, with that language you're going away to guard a certain veil with HR managers from Black Gem Foundry in the room, never to be seen in Tamriel again.

Elvenheart · December 2025

liliub17_ESO wrote: »

Gabriel_H wrote: »

The average age of an MMO player is 26 with 25% of players being teenagers. Most formal definitions of "young adult" are 25 and under.

Age demographics can vary, but in the EU about 17% of the population is aged 15 to 29 - a larger bracket than just "teenagers".

So if 25% of teenagers are playing MMOs but make up less than 17% of the population, then yes in fact MMOs are favoured by young gamers more so than older ones.

Ye gods, this makes me feel like an antiquity.

We’re called “legacy players.” I know this because I’ve worked for the same hotel chain since the late 1980s and recently found out that the corporation that owns the Hotel chain calls us “legacy general managers.” 😂

Frayton · December 2025

Apollosipod wrote: »

I'm currently playing through eastern Solstice and I am struggling due to the writing decisions this team has made. At one point you actually have our character make the comment "How did the assault go? I was busy rescuing prisoners and stuff."

Am I the only one that really hates this? I don't find it clever or funny. It's just immersion breaking. Why can't any of the dialogue be written like it's not an episode of a sitcom?

"... and stuff."

That made me literally lol, not bc it's funny but bc it's so out of place with the ESO theme lol.

Soarora · December 2025

Here and there humor and silliness is fine but I really do wish ZOS took itself more seriously. I want deep, emotional stories that touch on dark topics and expand the lore in beneficial ways. Most players of ESO are in their mid twenties or over, as far as anecdotal evidence goes. We don’t need childish things, we can handle adult topics if ZOS handles the topics like an adult would.

spartaxoxo · December 2025

I don't even think that there was too many jokes in the writing. I just think that too much of that humor is relying on sass and modern references. Elder Scrolls has always had these and should always have these. But not in this constant way from regular NPCs.

Also there's just a lot of inattention to detail. Is Solstice isolated or is it not? Was the Stirk Fellowship well funded or barely a concern?

edward_frigidhands · December 2025

Apollosipod wrote: »

I'm currently playing through eastern Solstice and I am struggling due to the writing decisions this team has made. At one point you actually have our character make the comment "How did the assault go? I was busy rescuing prisoners and stuff."

Am I the only one that really hates this? I don't find it clever or funny. It's just immersion breaking. Why can't any of the dialogue be written like it's not an episode of a sitcom?

A literal writing crime in terms of ES lore and proof that this stuff isn't being proofread and policed by leadership.

Syldras · December 2025

ArchMikem wrote: »

So I don't know what's really happening. Millennials trying to write characters that sound like Gen Z, or Zoomers fresh into the work force writing Characters based on themselves.

What ever is happening, the strange thing is that this is happening in a game taking place in a different era in a different universe with completely different cultures, beliefs and habits.

ZeeGoddess · December 2025

In my opinion the writing for this entire expansion (?) could have been better. That said, issues with the romance and RP are subjective. These things will most likely differ from person to person.

I played BG3 and loved it because of the lore, of course, and the romance part if the game.

I just came back from a long break. So absolutely yes, for me personally, I'd love to see romance options introduced.

BewareTheSea · December 2025

Writing is too safe these days, that's the problem. Gone are the days of dark, repressive but liberating stories, the kind of stories that would draw you in and lead you to become attached to the characters, because that's how the world works, whether it's fantasy or real world story telling.

Apollosipod · December 2025

BewareTheSea wrote: »

Writing is too safe these days, that's the problem. Gone are the days of dark, repressive but liberating stories, the kind of stories that would draw you in and lead you to become attached to the characters, because that's how the world works, whether it's fantasy or real world story telling.

Agreed! One of the things that I think draws a lot of people to the world of TES is the various cultures within it. But these days going into ESO everything has become incredibly watered down. The newer DLCs have so many cultures that are very alien and different to one another becoming so similar that all of the cultures have just become a large boring one. There are outliers, of course, but by and large there is very little confrontation between the races. The EP exists (somehow), but this is a still a time where racism and slavery exists between the Dunmer and Argonians. That's only one example. I feel like the writing could do a lot more to show there are a lot of cultures that are very different while still maintaining the lore of the world.

Hell, maybe I've just been too far removed from some of the quests that show that better, but I feel like the last several years the writers have gone from "some Dunmer houses treat other races as lesser" for gameplay reasons and just made every bad part of society be blamed on whatever new cult happens to be there as a bland bad guy.

Syldras · December 2025

I even go one step further: I think it's a problem that real world morals are even applied to this fictional world which has its completely different cultural norms and morals. There's no arguing that some aspects that are seen as normal in some of Tamriel's cultures are horrible from a real world perspective - no matter if we look at slavery, writs of lawful assassination, Altmer eugenics, or whatever - but I want to look at this fictional world and learn about their cultures, including all "good" and "bad" aspects, without it becoming a moral lecture. And if I interact with npcs in this world, I want to see them written in a way that reflects Tamriel's ideas of morality and lawfulness, not the real world's.

What I found almost silly in the latest content was (to describe it as spoiler-free as possible) how the fact that the past Corelanya took artifacts from Argonian temples is one aspect that's used to define them as having been evil. Completely leaving aside the real world debates about this: How does this fit a TES game?! Fetching artifacts from ruins is a huge part of gameplay and happens all the time. It's always been a completely common thing, many quests are exactly about that, the player character does it all the time, but now suddenly it's used to define the past Corelanya as bad?! Don't get me wrong: Argonian characters criticizing this makes sense. It being a scandal in Tamriel in general does not.

Apollosipod · December 2025

Absolutely agree with that criticism. It's poor and lazy writing. They could have even repeated similar steps to those that happen in Murkmire showing how past generations of Altmer slaughtered Argonians to take their relics and enslave their people. THAT'S a solid way to show them as evil. Or hell, show them taking Argonians and using their belief in Sithis to be used in their own necromancy. There are so many ways to show the clash of these cultures without making it some message about OUR world. Writing Tamriel morality and culture to fit real world culture and morality is not only boring, it's uncreative and terrible writing. If they announce next year's premise is some new cult with world ending plans having to be defeated by yet another rag tag group of heroes I'm pretty much done.

I get that Microsoft has decided to just drain the remaining blood from the stone here, but I don't have to contribute to it if I'm going to replay yet another story where we do the same five things again while listening to real world moralizations for our actions instead of Tamriel's. God, it's boring.

spartaxoxo · December 2025

Syldras wrote: »

And if I interact with npcs in this world, I want to see them written in a way that reflects Tamriel's ideas of morality and lawfulness, not the real world's.

Same. I'm cool with their being some differences in the morals compared to the mainline games going on right now because of the alliances, personally. So, I actually do like that there's an anti-slavery thing happening because of them. But I don't get why other things like taking artifacts would be a problem.

Let's take a look at Bandits/Cultists, for example.

With Bastian, he hates killing civilians but likes hunting down bandits. I've seen people consider that inconsistent. And I think it would be in the real world. But in Tamriel, bandits are bounties and they're legal kills. This is generally viewed as a morally good thing because bandits kill civilians and merchants. This is an example of actually depicting a character as good based off the morals of Tamriel rather then IRL.

And then, let's look at Solstice. There's an plainly evil cultist who you have to interrogate for evidence. If you rough him a bit, you immediately get a lecture about how it's evil from a respected NPC. Why? Jailers are seen in ES games with devices intended for hurting prisoners, presumably for information. The little harm you do him completely pales in comparison to official practices. Yet, your character doing this is treated as shockingly awful. This seems much more grounded in RL than Tamriel.

Waits_Behind_Walls · December 2025

spartaxoxo wrote: »

For me, the quirky character thing is not a matter of having them in the game. This is the franchise that gave us Sheogorath, a literal god of nonsense. It's moreso the frequency. A few of these characters adds some much needed spice. But when all of the characters have these moments, them it begins to feel like I'm in a marvel movie.

I expect this kind of dialogue for Raz. I love Raz. Why am I teasing Prince Azah about his phrasing?

Also loving Raz, I appreciated the opportunity to flirt back, but really had to force myself to click the 'playing games' line to continue with it because I think only Jakarn would have appreciated it. I chose the "fissure" response to Prince Azah, but purely out of morbid curiosity. These lines are the kind of things people regret saying at bar time when they're desperate to go home with someone and they (mistakenly) think they haven't been clear enough about it.

Either they need to make these lines good enough that no one is going to be embarrassed to use them, or maybe they offer branching options from romance to choose the flirty line you want for your character. These aren't voiced lines, so I wouldn't think it would be too burdensome.