Summary
The Elder Scrolls Onlinemay get crossplay after over a decade of service, according to game director Rich Lambert and Zenimax studio director Matt Firor. Although some work on the underlying technology forThe Elder Scrolls Onlineto support crossplay still needs to be done, Zenimax stated that Microsoft’s current multiplatform approach could make it easier for the feature to become a reality.
Originally launched in 2014 on PC before arriving on PS4 and Xbox One a year later,The Elder Scrolls Onlinetook players to an era set approximately 1,000 years before the events ofSkyrim. After a rough first year of service,The Elder Scrolls Onlinetransitioned to its current buy-to-play model with an optionalESOPlus subscription and various microtransactions for cosmetics. Since then,The Elder Scrolls Onlinehas released annual expansion packscalled Chapters that add new places for players to explore, includingGold Roadin June 2024.
Weeks afterThe Elder Scrolls Onlinerevealed its 2025 plans, the development team gave an update on a long-standing player request. Zenimax stated on the fourth and final episode ofThe Elder Scrolls OnlinePodcast that the development team is looking into ways that the long-running MMORPG could support crossplay after over a decade of service. Lambert and Firor stated that Zenimax is working on changing some of the underlying technology that would make crossplay between each current game version possible and confirmed that crossplay is something that the developers have wanted to do for some time. Firor added that Microsoft’s current approach to making its games playable on as many platforms as possible makes some of the work easier to manage, but stated that it will take a lot of development to make crossplay a reality.
The Elder Scrolls Online Wants to Add Crossplay to All Platforms
No timetable was given by Zenimax for whenThe Elder Scrolls Onlinewould support crossplay, so fans must temper their expectations. AlthoughThe Elder Scrolls Onlineis available on multiple platforms, each version uses dedicated mega-servers that are divided by platform and continent. Examples include PC North America, PlayStation Europe, and so on. WhileESOhas managed to maintain a dedicated audience on PCs and consoles,other MMORPGs likeFinal Fantasy 14have utilized crossplay as a main selling point to bring players together.
Despite these plans, Zenimax continues to make changes to the game’s systems, withScribing becoming part of the base version ofESOstarting in July. With any luck, Zenimax can bring its crossplay efforts to fruition.
The Elder Scrolls Online
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure.Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you’re able to switch adventures whenever you like.
