It is quite a bold move, considering the trend of MMOs like Star Wars:The Old Republic, Tera and Rift giving up on the subscription model in favor of the free to play options early this year. Matt Firor, General Manager of Zinmax Online explained that “The Elder Scrolls games are all about allowing the player to go where they want, be who they want, and do what they want. We feel that putting pay gates between the player and content at any point in game ruins that feeling of freedom, and just having one small monthly fee for 100% access to the game fits the IP and the game much better than a system where you have to pay for features and access as you play.”
As for the PS4 version of TESO, Firor stated that there would be few differences between the PC version and console version. “Graphics, engine, content, etc., are all the same.” And “the only differences you can expect between the PC and console versions is playing with a controller and player-to-player communication (no keyboard).”
Players will be able to enjoy an ultimate play for the first 30 days with the base purchase of the game. After the first month, if they want to continue to play, they have to pay a flat fee which is about $14.99/€12.99/￡8.99 a month. Discounts or other payment methods will be discussed later. In addition, the game will keep a 4 to 6 week update cadence once it is launched.
Unfortunately, the launch date and whether the open beta will be exclusive for the PS4 still remain unknown.