This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:07:29
The video addresses the frequently requested feature of cross-play functionality in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), highlighting the technical and infrastructural challenges that make it difficult to implement. The absence of cross-play is attributed to the game’s original design over a decade ago, which did not account for such a feature. The complexities include divided servers and economies across six different game states (US, EU for PC, PS4, and Xbox), and the game's substantial player base complicates the unification process. Rich Lambert, ESO's creative director, provides insight into these considerations and future prospects.
Additionally, the video discusses server issues that currently take precedence, especially in PvP zones like Cyrodiil. Although improvements have been made, recent expansions have strained the servers further, prompting future patches for better stability. The concept of cross-save, allowing players to transfer progress between platforms, is also explored. However, it shares similar challenges due to the game's complex database and was not prioritized during initial development. The speaker remains hopeful that these features will be addressed in the future to enhance the multiplayer experience.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the host addresses the frequently asked question of cross-play functionality in Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). It is clarified that cross-play is not currently available, meaning players on different platforms (PC, PS4, Xbox) cannot play together. The primary reason for this is the game’s infrastructure, which was designed over a decade ago without cross-play in mind. The host explains the technical challenges, including the division of servers and economies across platforms and regions (US and EU), resulting in at least six different game states that would need to be unified. Additionally, the substantial player base, with over 15 million accounts, adds to the complexity of implementing cross-play. The segment also includes an upcoming reference to an interview with Rich Lambert, ESO’s creative director, who provides further insights into the considerations and potential for future cross-play developments.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the discussion centers on the possibility of implementing cross-play for a game across Xbox, PS4, and PC. The developers acknowledge it’s a frequently requested feature, but they point out the significant challenges in integrating different ecosystems and economies inherent to each platform. While they talk about it often, there’s no concrete plan to develop cross-play currently.
Addressing server issues takes precedence as the game already faces latency problems, particularly in PvP zones like Cyrodiil. Although improvements have been made, the recent game expansion has put more strain on servers. Future patches aimed at improving server stability are in the works.
The video also touches upon the idea of cross-save integration, allowing players to move their progress between platforms. However, the developers find this equally complex due to the way the game’s database system works, making it as challenging as implementing cross-play.
00:06:00
In this segment, the speaker explains the complexity involved in transferring save files between different platforms for games that run on servers, highlighting the intricate details and interdependencies among characters, quests, and items. They acknowledge that this feature was not a priority during the game’s initial development five or six years ago due to its unforeseen cross-platform success. However, the speaker expresses hope that the development team will consider addressing this issue in the future to enhance the multiplayer experience across platforms.