Bethesda Softworks announced today that their MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online will be phasing out subscription fees.
The publisher’s plan is to re-launch the PC and Mac versions (the only two versions currently available) as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited. This will happen on March 17th.
The chronically delayed console versions on the Playstation 4 and Xbox One will be coming out this June, and will also be subscription-free under the Tamriel Unlimited moniker.
Any current accounts on the PC versions, regardless of their status, will automatically be upgraded to Tamriel Unlimited status. Any new players wishing to join in on the fun will have to make initial purchase to “play, without restrictions, for as long as they like.”
There will still be paid DLC in the future, but The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited will also have “regular updates and new gameplay” for free for all players after that first purchase.
Additionally, a premium subscription-based membership will be available for those who are interested, dubbed “ESO Plus.” The fee will be $14.99 a month, which comes with access to all DLC, a monthly drop of the new currency, Crowns, and certain “in-game bonuses.” Crowns will be used to make purchases at the aptly-titled Crown Store.
Check out the epic cinematic trailer, called “Confrontation,” below: