Elder Scrolls Online (MMO)

[skeptical.platypus]

Does anyone know what type of DRM the retail boxed version of The Elder Scrolls Online will have?

TESO doesn't appear to be offered on any non-TESO service, like steam. I can't find anything that says it won't be anything other than standard MMO drm -- a license key and a persistent internet connection to the servers (when playing).

It'll be interesting to see what kind of retail presence it has. I'm sure they'll be a boxed version, but how much are they gonna have to pay the best buys and the walmarts for competing shelf space with the console games, and will those fees would justify what I imagine is an increasingly number of small number of physical media consumers? The 25+ gig download may increase the number of those consumers, but I don't think there are a lot of consumers buying the physical media of computer games any longer.

[Greybriar]

You're probably right right about the non-TESO service. As for the retail versions, The Elder Scrolls Online official site has links to Wal-Mart, BestBuy, and Target in addition to the webshops Amazon.com and GameSpot; however the only places I've found the retail boxed Imperial Edition is at the last two.

[skeptical.platypus]

You're probably right right about the non-TESO service. As for the retail versions, The Elder Scrolls Online official site has links to Wal-Mart, BestBuy, and Target in addition to the webshops Amazon.com and GameSpot; however the only places I've found the retail boxed Imperial Edition is at the last two.

Purely a hunch, but if the imperial edition is a collector's edition / a non-standard retail package, I bet it won't be showing up on a lot of retail store shelves.

Regardless, drm for an MMO seems like a non-starter, particularly if it's the ownership issue that so many have. What is the point of owning a client if there isn't a server?   

[son_of_montfort]

You're probably right right about the non-TESO service. As for the retail versions, The Elder Scrolls Online official site has links to Wal-Mart, BestBuy, and Target in addition to the webshops Amazon.com and GameSpot; however the only places I've found the retail boxed Imperial Edition is at the last two.

AFAIK, you would be buying a "key" from online retailers like Gamefly or Greenmangaming and then use that key to download and activate the client from TESO's site. It does not seem to be Steam-attached, like Skyrim was, which is nice. I didn't even see Steam offering it for sale.

The retail box will likely just be a key and a shortcut to the Client. Most MMORPs no longer require the DVDs to be in the drive to play and almost all the actual install is done via the internet. There is really no reason to add DRM to an MMORPG, considering the entire game is account-based.

[skeptical.platypus]

The retail Imperial Edition includes a 12 inch statue of "Molag Bal" in 1:1 scale, or as he is locally known, "Gusington."

[Greybriar]

....The retail box will likely just be a key and a shortcut to the Client. Most MMORPs no longer require the DVDs to be in the drive to play and almost all the actual install is done via the internet. There is really no reason to add DRM to an MMORPG, considering the entire game is account-based.

Not the retail Imperial Edition:

[Kushan]

Played the beta for a few hours yesterday and today. Not sure how it will hold up in the long run, but subscription or not, I think I'm going to take the plunge and get it. Several things like being able to cast spells with a sword and shield, the skills/perks and the UI, I hope make it into TES 6.

[son_of_montfort]

....The retail box will likely just be a key and a shortcut to the Client. Most MMORPs no longer require the DVDs to be in the drive to play and almost all the actual install is done via the internet. There is really no reason to add DRM to an MMORPG, considering the entire game is account-based.

Not the retail Imperial Edition:

Although the client will likely be on that disc, I still think you are largely buying the code. Right now, you can DL the client from Bethesda's TESO website, but it won't do anything without that code. At least that is how it was with every other MMORPG I have purchased physically.

Played the beta for a few hours yesterday and today. Not sure how it will hold up in the long run, but subscription or not, I think I'm going to take the plunge and get it. Several things like being able to cast spells with a sword and shield, the skills/perks and the UI, I hope make it into TES 6.

I agree. My first foray into beta left me with a decidedly "meh" feeling. But this second beta weekend I got a lot more fired up and it all seemed to come together a lot more. One thing, the intro vignette is extremely boring and does not make a good first impression. Once you get past that, the game opens up quite a bit.

I grabbed a code from Gamefly.com using their FEB20OFF code to get 20% off (pretty sweet deal). I could have gone with Greenmangaming.com but I just decided not to because I prefer Gamefly's customer service. That code may still be valid, if anyone is interested (and you can use it with multiple orders).

[Greybriar]

Although the client will likely be on that disc, I still think you are largely buying the code. Right now, you can DL the client from Bethesda's TESO website, but it won't do anything without that code. At least that is how it was with every other MMORPG I have purchased physically.

I agree. That has been my experience with MMORPGs, too.

[Kushan]

I agree. My first foray into beta left me with a decidedly "meh" feeling. But this second beta weekend I got a lot more fired up and it all seemed to come together a lot more. One thing, the intro vignette is extremely boring and does not make a good first impression. Once you get past that, the game opens up quite a bit.

That starting area has got to be the most boring starting area I've ever seen in an MMO. Thankfully its not very long.

[SgtRock]

Here's a web site that provides guides to  (GW2, SWTOR, ESO) MMO content, I use it for Guild Wars 2 living world content.

Note: The guides are like a walkthrough.

ESO guides
http://dulfy.net/category/eso/

ESO Skyshards guide
http://dulfy.net/2014/02/28/eso-skyshards-guide/#more-77789

[Bison]

Yup use that one for swtor.

[Tpek]

I've got 2 spare Beta Keys (which can be used this weekend) if anyone is interested.

[Tpek]

Early Access was opened today! :)

[Staggerwing]

Is there a Mac client?