And you thought Bethesda’s epic Elder Scrolls franchise couldn’t get any better. But apparently it can, because the Scrolls are going online in 2013 as a MMOG courtesy of Zenimax Studios.
The Elder Scrolls, which commands an enormous cult following due to each game’s incredibly vast environments, unparalleled storytelling, and addicting in-world mechanics, has remained a single-player affair since its debut 18 years ago.
However, Elder Scrolls Online will allow players to explore a new period in Elder Scrolls history, reportedly set a millennium before the events of Skyrim.
“The Elder Scrolls Online merges the unmatched exploration of rich worlds that the franchise is known for with the scale and social aspects of a massively multiplayer online role-playing game,” a Bethesda rep told GameInformer.
“Players will discover an entirely new chapter of Elder Scrolls history in this ambitious world, set a millennium before the events of Skyrim as the daedric prince Molag Bal tries to pull all of Tamriel into his demonic realm.”
Game director and MMO veteran Matt Firor, whose previous work includes Mythic’s well-received Dark Age of Camelot, told the publication it would be “extremely rewarding” to unveil what the studio has been (quietly) developing over the last several years.
“The entire team is committed to creating the best MMO ever made – and one that is worthy of The Elder Scrolls franchise.”
Additional details, such as adherence to Elder Scrolls canon and possible future tie-ins, remain scarce. However, we do know Bethesda will be posting a brief teaser on May 4, along with first screenshots of the game.
Elder Scrolls Online is scheduled to go live in 2013 for both the PC and OS X.
