Less Than 5 Days To Early Access…I’m Still Not Pumped For Elder Scrolls Online

When Zenimax Online Studios announced that Tamriel would finally open to a multiplayer experience, I was ecstatic. The thought of diving into one of the most immersive franchises in video-game history alongside my closest of friends was a dream that first took routes back during my exploration of Daggerfall. With each passing Elder Scrolls game my desire for a multiplayer experience grew alongside the huge leaps in features and mechanics but as my dream nears fruition I find myself...wanting.

From announcement to launch, I've followed The Elder Scrolls Online every step of the way. I was mesmerized by the concept, thrilled by the potential and in awe of the possibilities, so much so that I even went against my very core as a gamer and purchased the Imperial Edition. For the record I'd like to add, whether ESO delivers the epic experience it promises or trips into a free-to-play freefall, charging players for content that should be available for everybody is not good practice.

So why now, when we're so close to release, do I find myself less interested than ever before? Despite my excitement for the game I'm probably one of the least experience in regards to beta time. I was lucky enough to get access for most of the weekend events but I've learned my lessons with my past MMO experience. Partaking in the same content time after time in the interest of "beta testing" is not something I'm happy to do if I truly believe I'll enjoy the game. Hence I resisted from seriously indulging during the beta periods but instead of leaving me more excited for the official launch, I find myself more concerned at the more Elder Scrolls related elements that will undoubtedly suffer in order for the MMO elements to thrive.

There isn't a competitive MMO player out there that will choose first-person over third-person on the battlefield and instead of exploring Tamriel at my own pace, I'm sure I'll find myself rushed through instances as people run to end-game - which has never been a feature in previous titles. Mainly because Elder Scrolls has never had an "end-game". Sure, it has main protagonist and end goals but the joy of Elder Scrolls has always been the journey but sadly that element of the MMO world died many moons ago.

People no longer enjoy the experience. They don't appreciate the level of dedication and hardwork that goes into delivering a meaningful leveling experience. Instead they want to rush through any content as quickly as possible to get the best equipment in the game, complete all the scripted content and then proceed to moan on the forums about the lack of thought that went into end-game content 2 weeks after release.

I'm not suggesting there's anything wrong with that in the MMO sense. We all choose to game for different reasons. That escape from the struggles of daily reality, the moments of peace away from a hectic home life, or just an experience in a world outside our own - we all have the right to game and the reasons for doing so are our own. However, when certain players are forced to forget the appeals of a certain franchise in order to meet the requirements of another, it becomes a different matter.

Will The Elder Scrolls Online deliver an experience deserving of its title? I'm not sure. Although one thing is certain, it will not survive as a pay-to-play game on the support of MMO players alone. If the game is to survive the monthly financial model for more than 12 months it's the long-term fans of the franchise that will make that possible, but I'm not entirely confident that they've been given enough attention during the development process.

What are your thoughts? Will we see Tamriel thrive in the online space or will long-term fans be left in the wake of the endless waves of MMO players that are almost certain to move on once the next big thing arrives? Leave your thoughts below.