The Elder Scrolls Online is going to try to make a comeback.

The massively multiplayer online role-playing game is getting rid of its mandatory subscription service. Starting March 17, anyone who owns or buys it (redubbed the Tamriel Unlimited version) can play without paying a monthly fee. The Tamriel Unlimited version is also coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on June 9.

This isn’t a surprising move, since The Elder Scrolls Online didn’t make a huge splash when it launched last April. It’s hard for a new MMO to compete with established games like World of Warcraft, which has a staggering 10 million subscribers as of November. Getting rid of the monthly fee will make The Elder Scrolls Online a more attractive option.

Of course, the game isn’t technically going free-to-play. You still have to buy a copy of Elder Scrolls Online. Other MMOs, notable Guild Wars 2, have used a similar service with success.

Event

GamesBeat Next 2023

Join the GamesBeat community in San Francisco this October 24-25. You’ll hear from the brightest minds within the gaming industry on latest developments and their take on the future of gaming.


Learn More

A premium subscription service will also still exist, called ESO Plus, which gives you in-game benefits and a monthly allotment of crowns, an in-game currency.

GamesBeat's creed when covering the game industry is "where passion meets business." What does this mean? We want to tell you how the news matters to you -- not just as a decision-maker at a game studio, but also as a fan of games. Whether you read our articles, listen to our podcasts, or watch our videos, GamesBeat will help you learn about the industry and enjoy engaging with it. Discover our Briefings.