Today ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS) hosted a Ask Us Anything on Reddit found here. I will copy and paste the entire article but I HIGHLY recommend you check out Xaraan’s post on Tamriel Foundry here. He goes through and cleans up the information in an easy to understand format with specifics. Thanks so much Xaraan, great work!
[–]Cubby94Daggerfall Covenant 14 points
Will you be changing the drop rates of items purchasable in the crown store (eg: potions, soul gems) so that it is more difficult to obtain these items in the world?
[–]ZOS_JessicaFolsom 23 points
We won’t be changing the drop rate of items that have Crown Store versions.
[–]Jamesetay1Fucking Emeric. 8 points
What is he approx dollar to crown conversion? Also, can you give us some examples of how much a mount or follower will cost?
[–]ZOS_Ridout 9 points
PTS will be up soon! You will be able to preview the offerings at that time.
[–]lvillanueva5 8 points
Will there be a Beta available for the console version prior to release? I was in the initial beta, however, found the keyboard controls too frustrating for me to handle. (more of a console gamer) so decided to pass on the PC release.
I’ve been waiting eagerly for the console version, but wanted to be able to test drive it before committing to spending the $60 for the game.
Yes, we’re absolutely planning to have a Beta available prior to console release. More details about it will be available as we get closer to launch.
[–]winter-rosesDaggerfall Covenant 8 points
Hello ZOS! Thank you for taking the time.
- Bantam guar pets?
- Will the stuffed guar ever come back in stock in your store, or is it a retired item now?
- Guildwide mail is currently only achieved by add ons which are a bit onerous to use. Are there any plans in the works for a guild mail system? I’m a GM who would like to send a weekly mail about events.
- Any ETA on a Purge making Wall of Elements tick fix?
- Any ETA on the Dark Brotherhood and Thieves Guild?
1) yes! they are awesome. They will be in the Crown Store at Tamriel Unlimited launch
2) I don’t know the answer to this, but bought two of them when they were available. I’ll see if we can get some more in stock.
3) Chris will answer this one in a minute
4) it’s in 1.6
5) Expect to see them in a DLC pack, details TBD
On 3, it’s something on our list but didn’t make it for 1.6. We did however, update the MOTD so that when it’s changed a notification is broadcast to members. Additionally, we’ve increased the character limit of the MOTD.
Greetings! Quick question in relation to the release on console:
Subscription for PLUS will be an option on PC, but will PLUS be offered to console players? What will be the equivalent option for them, or will there be no PLUS option?
Thanks!
Hi Browntown_07, we are currently working out the details of how membership will be handled on the console and will be releasing more information in the future.
[–]FallenSoldierC7 6 points
How much will each DLC pack cost if we do not have a subscription
[–]ZOS_Ridout 8 points
That has yet to be determined but we intend to price around standard DLC pricing.
Will you be splitting content again like Craglorn? For example the next zone that comes out, if Orsinium, will it be the whole zone or will it come (and be sold) in two parts like Craglorn did?
[–]ZOS_Ridout 11 points
XP was not adjusted down to push ESO Plus. Those bonuses are intended to be a ‘thank you’ for those committed players.
We have not broken the Imperial Race out of the Imperial Upgrade.
I too love cloaks but we lost them in exchange for other customizations. Would love to see them return but I dont know if that’s in the cards for us.
Expanding the dye system gets discussed internally a bunch. That’s a good sign!
Hi, thanks for doing this AMA. I have several quetions:
First, what is the plan regarding PVP, buff servers, and emperor flipping?
To be competitive at the highest level of PVE content, buff servers are essential. This also makes it so that cross faction alliances can team up and deny another alliance their buffs, thus making them less competitive with nothing they can do (not when 2 factions team up).
If I might make a suggestion to keep players vested in PVP: Tie buffs outside of Cyrodiil to PVP rank, incentivising PVP without letting troll-playing and cross-faction alliances preventing one alliance from being as competitive. Then, have some other kind of in-campaign buff for keep ownership to make it worthwhile to have a home campaign.
Second, why was the decision made to multiply attribute (and other) values instead of just rebalancing them with minor adjustments for 1.6? It’s a logical fallacy that % bonuses will be more powerful, as they’ll simply scale with the increased values, the numbers will look higher, but the relative value of a % increase with 150 health vs 100 magicka/stamina will be the same as with 1500 health vs 1000 magicka/stamina (or 160 vs 90, or 10,000 vs 700 or whatever different ratio was selected). By scaling the attributes so much, it just makes it confusing to players to readjust to what values of health/magicka/stamina etc are suitable for which content and goals.
Third, with regards to the Crown Store and the Buy-to-Play model, a common theme with Free-to-Play/Buy-to-Play models and content cash-gates with cash shops is that in order to remain competitive, the best gear/potions/etc are obtainable in the cash shop. This is likely the #1 cause for playerbase dissatisfactino with the model. Will you promise us, in writing that the Crown Store will have nothing superior to in-game acquireable goods?
Second, why was the decision made to multiply attribute (and other) values instead of just rebalancing them with minor adjustments for 1.6? It’s a logical fallacy that % bonuses will be more powerful, as they’ll simply scale with the increased values, the numbers will look higher, but the relative value of a % increase with 150 health vs 100 magicka/stamina will be the same as with 1500 health vs 1000 magicka/stamina (or 160 vs 90, or 10,000 vs 700 or whatever different ratio was selected). By scaling the attributes so much, it just makes it confusing to players to readjust to what values of health/magicka/stamina etc are suitable for which content and goals.
First: Our most important priority for the Alliance War is to keep working on improving performance. Next priorities include incentivizing players to play in smaller groups and we have considered making the Cyrodiil buffs only apply to Cyrodiil.
Second: This is mainly a display of progress. Not being able to see progression, even if it exists behind the scenes is often confusing to people. We made the decision so people can see their progress clearly.
Third: Our goal with the Crown store is to offer convenience and cosmetic items. Convenience will allow people to save themselves time. It will not allow people to get the best items or become more powerful in the game than another player could achieve. I will say openly that some people feel ‘time-saving’ items are buy-to-win such as being able to gain experience faster. But our perspective is that removing time barriers is something players want, without providing an unfair advantage in power.
[–]tinythinker 6 points
I hope this day finds you all well.
It was announced that DLC will be scalable to all levels to be accessible upon purchase, yet character progression is more meaningful when it unlocks new places to go and new things to do. At the same time, good end-game content requires more than just a difficulty slider (such as clever mechanics). Will there still be new zones that require level 50 or completion of certain quest lines? I am wondering, for example, what challenges Cadwell’s Silver and Gold were preparing us for in in-character/rp/lore terms.
Thanks for any information you can provide and for taking the time to answer such questions.
Certainly leveling is one clear way to provide accomplishment, but I think with the Champion System we’ll be looking at other ways to provide a great feeling of accomplishment. To be blunt, however, I think the days of gating content by level are probably behind us.
I’m a solo player, but I like the ability and option of grouping up with people to run dungeons / raids and whatever else. As it is I have to tip into Craglorn to turn in my blacksmithing daily. The zone is beautiful and I want to explore it but I can’t since it’s not very… solo friendly. Certainly I can get a group, but I like to take my time, read the stories, get immersed and explore; things that random people just really oftentimes have no patience for.
Do you plan on making more group-orientated content like Craglorn? If so, what would the draw be for someone like me to want to purchase this type of content? At this point when I dig into it I know it’ll be a rush to A, B, C as quick as possible – > turn in. I love dungeons, I love the mechanics, I love tanking, but there is not a SINGLE dungeon I have completed that I know WTF the story is all about, because I have overzealous people running ahead, or chiding me, “come on tank…..”
So can we expect to see solo content still? Content that is still challenging would be nice, but on the other end can we still see more raids and trials and dungeons (public / private) and over-land-type group events? (dolemans).
Secondly, I wrote a suggestion in the official ESO forums about companions. I know it was said there would NEVER be permanent combat companions in game, but could it be a consideration? This would also make a great item to sell in the Crown Shop, too (provided the companion you “hire” is not as powerful as the type you get in-game).
Just some musings. Thank you.
[–]ZOS_ChrisStrasz 9 points
We definitely are planning to support the game with solo content as well as group content. One of our future updates, Orsinium, will be providing solo content for players.
The DLC that is playable as soon as you purchase it: Do you scale to it or does it scale to you? How will this affect play with friends who buy the DLC together but are at differing points/levels of the game?
Thanks much
e DLC that is playable as soon as you purchase it: Do you scale to it or does it scale to you? How will this affect play with friends who buy the DLC together but are at differing points/levels of the game?
The player will scale to the content. Our hope is it will make playing with your friends even easier.
[–]LeiloniBreton Templar Healer 4 points
Whose the disheveled-looking handsome fella carrying the sign?
[–]KaladinarAlexious Targaryen 5 points
Can you tell us your target resolution and frame rate for PS4 & XB1 versions?
Also, is there a chance to see the console UI available on PC for those who want to play with a controller?
For your first question, the targets are 30 fps and 1080p resolution for both platforms.
For your second question, we’re definitely looking to add controller support to the PC game (including the same UI as console), but that won’t be available until after console launch.
Hi ZOS people!
Thank you so much for doing the AMA today, it is very positive that you are engaging the community as you are making some major changes to the game and it is much appreciated.
I would like to ask about PVP specifically as myself and many others almost exclusively play for this aspect of the game. In general, could you give us a sense of what you see as the road ahead for the pvp player?
If you are feeling like generous gods, you could answer some more specific questions that are burning away in /z chat constantly:
1) Have you thought about assigning a community manager to pvp specifically to streamline bugged issues like purge and unbreakable talons? 2) Is there any progress on the lag issue that would allow the population caps to be increased again? 3) Are there GMs in pvp during peak hours?
And a request: Could you send DC more Australians? We need more Australians.
Thanks for taking the time and your patience with what can be at times a tough crowd. I wish you all the best in the next year!
Eric here from the combat team. Can’t speak to all of your PvP questions, however the issue with the Purge ability is fixed in 1.6. Have not heard about the unbreakable talons issue but will research it when I get back to my desk. Please message me with any details you have 🙂
[–]Connorrness 5 points
what will happen to prepaid subscription cards? Will they be automatically converted into pro time?
[–]ZOS_JessicaFolsom 8 points
Any game time cards already applied to an account after the launch of Tamriel Unlimited will add the equivalent duration of ESO Plus membership to your account.
[–]steelblade66Stage 1 Dunmer Vampire 3 points
Does that apply to non-prepaid sub cards? Like, if I have a current sub that runs through March 17th will the remaining time I have be converted?
[–]ZOS_JessicaFolsom 4 points
Yep!
[–]GilmerInSpace 6 points
Will we ever be able to change our character names?
[–]ZOS_Ridout 7 points
This has come up enough times that we know its desired. We will be investigating how/if we can implement this feature.
[–]NathanDicksonThree Alliances 4 points
When do we get the option to keep our camera centered all the time?
[–]ZOS_ChrisStrasz 12 points
Hey Nathan, with 1.6 you will have options to change the camera in this way. You can change the horizontal position of the camera in 3rd person view.
[–]Cole-train99Orc 4 points
Will console have emote support?
[–]ZOS_GinaBruno 4 points
Yes, you will be able to use emotes on console versions. /cheer
So the other day a dev post on the forums talked about the changes to mounts, but I still find myself a little bit confused.
What’s going to happen to the +10 stat of the more expensive horses? Will that be transferred to all of my horses as well? Will it be trainable now? Or will I have to buy these more expensive horses now to still get a +10 to my preferred stats?
[–]ZOS_ChrisStrasz 12 points
Sure thing Jargo. So with the new system your character will have what we call Riding Skills that will replace what was previously tracked on each mount. This maps to the 3 attributes you had previously (speed, capacity and stamina). The highest value you have on your existing mounts will transfer over to the new riding skill system.
With this change, you can choose the look of the mount you want without sacrificing bonuses since that’s determined by your Riding Skill now.
I understand that much, but are the new riding stats higher than previous feeding stats? I’d imagine they’d have to go to at least 60 to make up for the more expensive mounts having a +10 bonus. Or is that +10 bonus just going to completely disappear? I’m curious because I’m wondering if I HAVE to buy two more of the expensive mounts NOW and feed them as much as possible before launch or get screwed.
EDIT: Thank you so much for doing this for everyone!
The Sticky B2W Comment
During the ESO Live show, you said that you will do your best to avoid the “buy to win” but commented that with new DLC, “Thematic Armor will be available for purchase”. Obviously this decision could have grave implications so it is very important to a lot of us.
Question
- Can you please clarify what you classify as “Thematic Armor”? Does this refer to DLC themed costumes? Are you planning to sell Motifs? Or are you talking actual armor sets with stats/set bonuses that will directly breach the Buy 2 Win model that you saying you will avoid?
Costumes
One of the newer additions with the B2P conversion is the new Costume Sets. While these are great additions, they will make more people look the same and defeat the purpose of the Update 1.3 Dye Systems.
Question
- Are there plans to allow us to dye costumes for a bit more versitility so that everyone doesn’t look “the same”?
Tabards
In addition to the Update 1.3 Dye System changes, Tabards have been a backburner item from the beginning. The current system slots tabards or costumes in the same spot, meaning you could never have them both at the same time. With the Enforcers Tabards coming with the Justice System, this adds even more issues as it means we are forced to remove any costumes or our guild tabards to participate in the Justice System as an Enforcer. So I have a two part question.
Question * Are there plans to slot Tabards separate from Costumes to bring back some usefulness with guild tabards?
- How do you plan to address the Guild vs Justice System Tabard conflict?
Three questions in 1!
- Some of the costumes in the Crown Store look like some of the most favorite armor sets in the game, turned into a costume. There are a few lower level armor “looks” in the game right now that are pretty cool, and we’ve gotten some commentary that players sometimes don’t want to upgrade to a new armor piece in the game because they like the they way they look. So, we have several costume packs that basically give you the look of some in-game full armor sets (Lion Guard, for example). We have no plans to sell armor or armor pieces in the Crown Store, just costumes that look like them.
2) We are looking into dyeing costume functionality, but it won’t be available at Tamriel Unlimited launch.
3) Tabards and costumes will take up the same slot, for now. We are looking into ways to split them apart so you can have a costume with a Tabard over it, but we aren’t going to support it at Tamriel Unlimited launch.
Can we hope for a PVP arena DLC?
We are still looking at plans for possible ‘battlegrounds’ being introduced to the game. Whether such content would be DLC (paid for expansion) or something we deliver in a normal update is not known at this time.
Are you talking WoW style battlegrounds or DAoC style battlegrounds?
During the ESO Live show, you said that you will do your best to avoid the “buy to win” but commented that with new DLC, “Thematic Armor will be available for purchase”. Obviously this decision could have grave implications so it is very important to a lot of us.
ESO Style battlegrounds. Currently looking at defined play times (12 minutes for example) with objectives centering around varying play-styles. Capture the flag, kill the Emperor, etc. These are all still in the exploratory phase.
With the release of consoles in June, do you plan on giving the PC version a controller implementation option?
I currently use Xpadder to play ESO with an Xbox controller because I love the feel of kicking back while playing, but also love the addons and graphics PC offers.
[–]ZOS_ChrisStrasz 11 points
This is something we are shooting for and it’s a goal to have gamepad support for the PC version of the game, but this won’t be available at the same time as the console release.
I hear you on the enjoyment of using a controller with the game. I go back and forth myself!
[–]stronkjoeEbonheart Pact 7 points
Can i obtain the content of ‘Explorer’s Pack’, if i buy ‘Tamriel Unlimited’ Edition?
Will there be ‘Tamriel Unlimited Imperial Edition’? Any chance to get to play as Imperial w/o ‘Imperial Edition’ (box or upgrade)?
You will be able to purchase the digital Imperial Edition upgrade bundle in the Crown Store. It is the same one that is on the ESO website right now – but after Tamriel Unlimited launches, it’ll be available in the Crown Store.
And yes, there will be physical ESO: Tamriel Unlimited Imperial Editions available.
[–]Korith_EaglecryEbonheart Pact 4 points
What will be your process for deciding if an item should or shouldnt go into the store?
[–]ZOS_Ridout 6 points
Convinience and Customization is our goal
If it shortcuts some time, it can get considered. If it makes you look cool, it will get considered!
[–]TheBethkeKhajiit Nightblade 4 points
Are you planning on implementing PvP balances/fixes?
This includes WoE broken, snipe strength, and the usual problems (dark cloak, etc.).
The combat team is continuing to support all current abilities with future updates for free to all customers.
With update 1.6 we’ve made a number of balance fixes to all abilities, as well as bug fixes for abilities such as Dark Cloak. In Cyrodiil we’ve updated the Battle Spirit buff to give players a buff that adds more health and damage reduction.
First; Nice restyling, this is waaaay better than the last one. Much better for smartphones, thank you :).
There’s two big major disappointments.
1: That “If” on the PVP justice system response. (really did he just say if?) That IF for Justice System PvP made me worry, a lot.
2: No more updates post 1.6 until after Console “Settles Down”… really? That means post june release, 2-3 months more? So 5-6 months without content?… Mid year with Craglorn/DSA?
The way I see it, being optimistic means trusting that good will come of the situation, it is not the case. To be optimistic that shit can be done?
I hope I misunderstood his explanation, because it sucks a lot.
I would like to know what you think about it Deltia!
Basically I see a complete lack of content on the PC until June. If you don’t like PvP, get use to doing the exact same dungeons and trials for a very long time…
I love PVP, but pve too.
Oh well, time to starting with alters and level up through Champion System. Finish achievments, improvings times on DSA and Trials, etc.
But I hope they still suporting AdvZones with trials/arenas styles (they are reeeeeealy fun) and content like Imperial City.
Will see..,but I’m really sad (and a litle mad tbh) today. Tomorrorw will be another day, but right now, oh crap. I can’t think properly. Too many hours here, too many new friends and hundreds of hours with companions fighting and talking and laughing and…. 🙁 this game for me is more than a simply game, it’s a community/free space while I’m not working, time with my girl or whatever.
Deltía you really need to fix a couple of things on yuor new theme:
1. That’s ugly: http://puu.sh/eXI8F/fa645aa388.png
2. There’s no way to see if a post have a new replay or not without going to the post.
3. 2nd columnd Categories are repeated and not fit very well.
Thanks still working on it.
That’s great!! Thank you for sharing.