The Elder Scrolls Online console version announced, no subscription necessary

The Elder Scrolls Online will become free-to-play soon

Rumours about The Elder Scrolls Online going free-to-play have turned out to be true. According to a press release, developers Bethesda Softworks have revealed that the MMORPG will now require a single retail purchase with no mandatory subscription starting from March 17th. The company have also announced that the console version of the game will be available on June 9th and will not require a subscription fee.

Bethesda removed the six-month subscription option from the game in December and even recalled TESO boxes from Australian store EB Games earlier this month. These decisions hinted at the fact that the game could be going free-to-play. And even though it is not entirely free, the one-time purchase option is still better and far less pricey than a purchase and monthly subscription.

With the subscription-less model slated to hit this March, all existing TESO accounts will be updated with the “Tamriel Unlimited” edition. The press release has stated that the game will now be called ‘The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited’ and said to include “all the great gameplay from the original Pc/Mac game, plus all the updates and content additions, including the exciting new Justice and Champion systems.”

So how does Bethesda make its profits then? Well, they plan to do this by monetizing the game with optional DLC’s as well as customization and convenience items, all of which can be gained by purchasing the “ESO Plus” membership. Available in 30, 90, and 180-day durations, the ESO membership will give players access to all future DLC’s which will consist of “game packs with optional adventure content." ESO Plus memberships come with a lot of other advantages like “character progression bonuses,” and “crowns” (a new in-game currency). But players do not have to worry about regular updates, as they will be provided free of charge.