Elder Scrolls Online to use microtransactions

The Elder Scrolls Online will feature microtransactions despite adopting a monthly subscription model.

Speaking to EsoHub, as translated by AusGamers, Zenimax Online game director Matt Firor said the title would include a shop in which people could buy items and other services, such as name changes.

He said however that such offerings were not necessary to purchase, as the core game would be included within the subscription price. Firor also stressed the shop wouldn’t include bonus points for players to level up with.

Earlier this week Firor revealed that The Elder Scrolls Online would focus on subscriptions rather than free-to-play, a model which has been increasingly adopted by MMO developers over the last couple of years.

He said basing the game around free-to-play would have led to compromises on the developer’s original vision, something the studio wasn’t prepared to do.

“It’s important to state that our decision to go with subscriptions is not a referendum on online game revenue models,” said Firor.

“F2P, B2P, etc. are valid, proven business models – but subscription is the one that fits ESO the best, given our commitment to freedom of gameplay, quality and long-term content delivery. Plus, players will appreciate not having to worry about being "monetised" in the middle of playing the game, which is definitely a problem that is cropping up more and more in online gaming these days.”