Todd Howard seemed to shy away from the question of introducing an online multi-player element into the Elder Scrolls franchise because it would dilute the single-player experience. That might be why they’ve apparently gone and created a new spin-off IP: The Elder Scrolls Online. I don’t know how Todd was able to keep this all a secret even under the scrutiny during the dozens of interviews from last year for Skryim, but you have to admire him for it.

The Elder Scrolls Online is to be an MMO, a fact that is sure to split the fans into two or three major camps. Perhaps the doubtful will find comfort in the fact that a Dark Age of Camelot veteran, Matt Firor, is directing the game. He seems to be quite optimistic about the game: “The entire team is committed to creating the best MMO ever made – and one that is worthy of The Elder Scrolls franchise.” The team developing the game is Zenimax Online Studios.

As for gameplay details, players can expect solo quests and public dungeons. There will also be a massive open-world PvP conflict with three factions vying for supremacy in Cyrodiil. It will be interesting to see if the PvP is able to be played separately for those who don’t enjoy that type of gameplay.

It will take place a millennium before Skyrim, the focus being on Molag Bal, a daedric prince who attempts to pull all of Tamriel into his demonic realm.

More information on The Elder Scrolls Online can be found in the June 2012 issue of Game Informer. We’ll be posting a teaser trailer up tomorrow.

Source: Game Informer

Ryan Southard

Ryan Southard is a video game enthusiast, dissecting games down to their tiniest details. Whether it’s new or it’s old, as long as it’s awesome, he’ll play it. Follow him on Twitter at @Ryan_Southard

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