The Elder Scrolls Online
| The Elder Scrolls Online | |
|---|---|
| Developer | ZeniMax Online Studios |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Director | Nick Giacomini |
| Producer | Ala Diaz |
| Designers |
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| Programmer | Daniel Dunham |
| Artists |
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| Writers |
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| Composers | Brad Derrick Jeremy Soule |
| Series | The Elder Scrolls |
| Engine | Improved Gamebryo engine |
| Platforms | |
| Release |
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| Genre | Massively multiplayer online role-playing |
| Mode | Multiplayer |
The Elder Scrolls Online, abbreviated ESO, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by ZeniMax Online Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. The game is a part of the Elder Scrolls series. It was released for Windows and macOS in April 2014, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in June 2015, and for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in June 2021.
The Elder Scrolls Online is set on the continent of Tamriel and features a storyline indirectly connected with the other games in the Elder Scrolls series. The game was in development for seven years before its release in 2014 and launched with a mandatory monthly subscription model.
The Elder Scrolls Online initially received mixed reviews from critics. Reception improved significantly with the March 2015 re-release and rebranding as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, transitioning to a buy-to-play model with microtransactions and an optional subscription. The game had sold over 15 million units by 2020 and generated over $2 billion in revenue by 2024.
In December 2024, ZeniMax Online Studios revealed a major shift in content delivery for The Elder Scrolls Online. Beginning in 2025, the game moved away from its traditional annual chapter releases in favor of a seasonal content model. This new structure is designed to offer players more frequent and consistent updates throughout the year.