The Elder Scrolls Online drops subs, console release date announced

By Stephany Nunneley

The Elder Scrolls Online is dropping a subscription requirement and a console release date has been announced.

Dubbed The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, it will release worldwide on June 9 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It will include all updates and content additions, including the new Justice and Champion systems.

Users will also no longer be required to pay a monthly game subscription. Instead, they only need to purchase the game and play it on consoles.

For PC and Mac users, the game goes subscription free on March 17.

All existing PC and Mac accounts, open or closed, will be updated to the Tamriel Unlimited edition and former players will be “invited back” into the game.

New players will only need to purchase the game and they will be able to play it without restrictions, for as long as they like. The sub-free version will be supported with “special, optional downloadable content available for purchase,” and through an in-game Crown Store which will include “customization items.”

Regular updates and new gameplay will be offered to all players for free.

For those who prefer to continue paying a monthly subscription, Bethesda will offer the ESO Plus option which is a premium membership service.

It comes with exclusive in-game bonuses, a monthly allotment of crowns to use in the store and access to all DLC game packs while a member.

PC and Mac players with active subscriptions come March 17 will be automatically enrolled into the ESO Plus membership service.

“Our fans are our biggest inspiration, and we’ve listened to their feedback on the entertainment experience they want,” said ESO’s game director Matt Firor. “We know that Elder Scrolls fans want choice when it comes to how they play and how they pay, and that is what they will get.

“We have made numerous changes to the game over the past year, and are confident this is a game that Elder Scrolls fans will love to play.”

The console version of the MMO was originally slated for release in April 2014 alongside the desktop versions, but was delayed to June 2014 before eventually being pushed into late 2014.

Eventually, ZeniMax Online announced the MMO wouldn’t be released in 2014.

More information on the new incentives and PS4 and Xbox One versions is available through an updated FAQ.

Eurogamer pulled some console gameplay footage from a Twitch stream today hosted by Zenimax. It’s below.