Can Elder Scrolls Online be free to play?
It is a serious question. If we assume that TES MMORPG will be a huge and long term project the answer is “
No”.
Elder Scrolls Online will hardly use F2P model. There are several reasons:
Subscription-based games can generate more revenue in long term but such projects must also be huge and interesting. Only interesting game can stimulate players to pay regular fee. Players have to feel that it worth paying. Elder Scrolls Online will be a huge long term project. There is no doubt that the game will also be interesting. If it is true the game will not be F2P.
F2P model is often used because it is easier to attract new players using F2P. It is obvious that FTP model is a little bit more attractive for players. But we do not think that TES Online will have problems with new subscribers. TES is popular and many people around the world will buy a subscription. Popularity is one of the main reasons for using Subscription model in TES MMO.
If Elder Scrolls Online uses subscription-based model we will see quality updates and interesting content. Developers will be able to create high quality updates because subscription-based games generate more revenue. More revenue means better content and updates. The MMO leader, World of Warcraft, is not free to play. That’s why new WOW updates are usually great.
Final overview Elder Scrolls will most likely use Subscription method because it generates more revenue and allows to maintain and develop high quality game. But Bethesda and ZeniMax will have to do all their best to stimulate players to pay regular fee. What is your opinion?