The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) has been a staple of the PlayStation gaming community since its release in 2014. Developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, ESO has become one of the most popular massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) on the platform. However, with the recent acquisition of Bethesda Softworks by Microsoft, many gamers are left wondering: will ESO stay on PlayStation?
What’s Behind The Concern?
The acquisition of Bethesda Softworks by Microsoft has sent shockwaves throughout the gaming industry. The deal, which was announced in March 2021, is valued at a staggering $7.5 billion and marks one of the largest acquisitions in gaming history. While the move is expected to bring about significant benefits for both companies, it has also raised concerns among gamers about the future of Bethesda’s titles on non-Xbox platforms, including PlayStation.
At the heart of the concern is the fear that Microsoft, as the new owner of Bethesda Softworks, may decide to make ESO and other Bethesda titles exclusive to the Xbox and Windows platforms. This would mean that PlayStation gamers would no longer have access to the game, a prospect that has many fans of the series worried.
Historical Precedent
While Microsoft has not explicitly stated its plans for ESO on PlayStation, history suggests that the company may indeed decide to make the game exclusive to its own platforms. In the past, Microsoft has acquired several gaming studios and subsequently made their titles exclusive to the Xbox and Windows platforms.
For example, when Microsoft acquired Rare in 2002, it made several of the studio’s popular titles, including GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark, exclusive to the Xbox. Similarly, when Microsoft acquired Mojang, the studio behind Minecraft, in 2014, it eventually made the game exclusive to the Xbox and Windows platforms.
The Case For ESO Staying On PlayStation
Despite the concerns, there are several reasons why ESO may remain on PlayStation. Firstly, the game has a dedicated player base on the platform, with many gamers having invested countless hours and money into the game. Abruptly pulling the game from the platform would likely alienate this loyal fan base and damage the ESO brand.
Secondly, ESO is a live-service game, meaning that it requires continuous support and updates to remain viable. Pulling the game from PlayStation would mean that the development team would need to focus solely on the Xbox and Windows versions, potentially sacrificing the game’s overall quality and competitiveness.
Thirdly, the PlayStation platform is a significant revenue generator for ESO. According to a report by SuperData Research, ESO generated $123 million in revenue in 2020 alone, with a significant portion of that revenue coming from PlayStation sales. By keeping the game on PlayStation, Microsoft can continue to tap into this revenue stream.
Microsoft’s Stance On ESO Exclusivity
In a recent statement, Microsoft’s Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, addressed the concerns about ESO’s future on PlayStation. “We’re committed to supporting the gamers across all platforms,” Spencer said. “We’re not planning to pull any of the Bethesda games from other platforms.”
While Spencer’s statement provides some reassurance, it’s worth noting that Microsoft has not explicitly ruled out the possibility of making ESO exclusive to its own platforms in the future.
The Impact On The Gaming Industry
The potential exclusivity of ESO on Xbox and Windows platforms would have significant implications for the gaming industry as a whole. With the rise of platform exclusivity, gamers are increasingly being forced to choose between competing ecosystems, each with its own exclusive titles.
This trend has sparked a heated debate about the merits of platform exclusivity, with some arguing that it stifles innovation and limits gamers’ choices. Others argue that exclusivity allows companies to focus resources on creating high-quality, platform-specific experiences.
The Rise Of Cross-Platform Play
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards cross-platform play, where gamers on different platforms can play together seamlessly. The concept has gained significant traction, with several popular titles, including Fortnite and Rocket League, offering cross-platform play.
If ESO were to remain on PlayStation, it would be a significant win for cross-platform play advocates. The game’s massive player base and online features would make it an ideal candidate for cross-platform play, potentially paving the way for other titles to follow suit.
The Verdict
While Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda Softworks has raised concerns about ESO’s future on PlayStation, there are several reasons why the game may remain on the platform. The dedicated player base, revenue potential, and impact on the gaming industry all suggest that ESO will continue to be available on PlayStation.
However, until Microsoft makes a definitive statement on the matter, the uncertainty will linger. One thing is certain: the gaming community will be watching closely as this situation unfolds, and the implications will be felt across the industry.
| ESO’s PlayStationRevenue (2020) | $123 million |
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In conclusion, while the future of ESO on PlayStation remains uncertain, there are compelling arguments for and against the game’s exclusivity on Xbox and Windows platforms. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the gaming community will be closely watching Microsoft’s next move, and the implications will be felt for years to come.
Will ESO Be Removed From The PlayStation Store?
ESO is not expected to be removed from the PlayStation Store. ZeniMax Online Studios, the developer of ESO, has not announced any plans to remove the game from the PlayStation Store. In fact, the game continues to receive regular updates and new content, indicating that it will remain available on the platform for the foreseeable future.
It’s worth noting that even if ESO were to be removed from the PlayStation Store, players who have already purchased the game would still be able to play it. The game would simply no longer be available for new purchases. However, as mentioned earlier, there is no indication that this will happen.
Will ESO Players On PlayStation Lose Their Progress?
There is no reason to believe that ESO players on PlayStation will lose their progress. Even if the game were to be removed from the PlayStation Store, players’ progress and characters would still be tied to their Bethesda.net accounts. This means that players would still have access to their characters and progress, even if they were to switch to a different platform.
It’s also worth noting that ZeniMax Online Studios has a history of allowing players to transfer their progress between platforms. For example, when ESO was released on Stadia, players were able to transfer their progress from other platforms to the new platform. This suggests that even if ESO were to be removed from PlayStation, players would likely be able to transfer their progress to a different platform.
What Will Happen To ESO’s PlayStation Community?
The ESO community on PlayStation is likely to continue thriving, even if the game faces uncertainty on the platform. The ESO community is known for being active and dedicated, with many players forming close-knit groups and participating in various in-game events. While the community may face some disruption if ESO were to be removed from PlayStation, it would likely find ways to adapt and continue to thrive on other platforms.
It’s also worth noting that the ESO community extends beyond the PlayStation platform. There are active communities on PC, Xbox, and other platforms, and many players are active across multiple platforms. This suggests that even if the PlayStation community were to be impacted, the overall ESO community would still be strong and active.
Will ESO Continue To Receive Updates On PlayStation?
Yes, ESO is still expected to receive updates on PlayStation. While there may be some uncertainty surrounding the game’s future on the platform, ZeniMax Online Studios has not announced any changes to its update schedule. In fact, the game has continued to receive regular updates in recent months, including new content and bug fixes.
It’s worth noting that even if ESO were to be removed from the PlayStation Store, updates would likely continue to be available for players who have already purchased the game. This would ensure that players continue to have access to new content and bug fixes, even if they are no longer able to purchase the game from the PlayStation Store.
Can I Still Purchase ESO On PlayStation?
Yes, ESO is still available for purchase on the PlayStation Store. Players can purchase the base game, as well as various DLC packs and other content, directly from the PlayStation Store. There is no indication that the game will be removed from sale, and players can continue to purchase and play the game as normal.
It’s worth noting that even if ESO were to be removed from the PlayStation Store, players may still be able to purchase the game from other retailers, such as Amazon or GameStop. However, this would depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the game’s removal from the PlayStation Store.
Will ESO Be Released On Next-Gen Consoles?
There has been no official announcement from ZeniMax Online Studios regarding a release of ESO on next-gen consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. However, it’s possible that the game could be released on these platforms in the future, given the game’s popularity and the growing trend towards cross-platform play.
If ESO were to be released on next-gen consoles, it would likely offer improved performance and graphics, as well as new features and content. However, this would depend on the specific details of the release, and would require an official announcement from ZeniMax Online Studios.
Is ESO Still Worth Playing On PlayStation?
Yes, ESO is still worth playing on PlayStation. Despite any uncertainty surrounding the game’s future on the platform, ESO remains a popular and engaging MMORPG with a dedicated community and regular updates. The game offers a rich storyline, extensive character customization, and a vast open world to explore, making it a great option for fans of the genre.
In addition, ESO continues to receive new content and updates, including new zones, quests, and game mechanics. This ensures that the game remains fresh and exciting, even for veteran players. Overall, ESO is still a great choice for players looking for a deep and engaging MMORPG experience on PlayStation.