The Future of The Elder Scrolls Online: Navigating Change and Opportunity

Following Microsoft's recent cuts, ZeniMax Online Studios has undergone significant changes, including the cancellation of the long-in-development MMO codenamed Blackbird and the departure of studio president Matt Firor. Rich Lambert, formerly game director on The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), has taken on the role of studio game director, while Jo Burba has become studio head. Lambert emphasizes that his focus will be on studio-level planning and future development, while Burba will handle operational aspects. Nick Giacomini, who started as a senior product manager at ZeniMax in 2019, has stepped into Lambert's former role as game director. Giacomini, an avid MMO player with thousands of hours of experience, is excited about the opportunity but acknowledges the challenges that come with being the public face of a popular game, including dealing with criticism from players. The studio is currently transitioning from a 'chapter' model, which involves large content updates every 18 months, to a 'season' model, aiming to release smaller, more frequent updates. This change is intended to make the game more reactive and responsive to player feedback. Lambert highlights the difficulties of game development, citing the time required to build art, code, and stories. He also mentions that the studio is exploring the use of AI, although it is not currently a significant part of their development process. Looking to the future, Lambert has ambitious goals for ZeniMax Online Studios, aiming to make it the most successful studio within the organization. He envisions the studio expanding beyond ESO, with plans to develop new games, although he acknowledges the risks of competing with their existing title. Giacomini notes that the studio works closely with other Microsoft studios, including Blizzard, and that they are aware of the need to balance internal competition with the goal of delivering the best possible experience for players. As ESO approaches its 10-year anniversary, the studio faces technical challenges, including the need to update outdated systems and keep pace with changing player expectations. Lambert and Giacomini recognize the importance of respecting players' time and preferences, striking a balance between satisfying dedicated players and appealing to new, potentially younger, audiences. Ultimately, the studio's goal is to ensure the long-term success of ESO, while also exploring new opportunities for growth and development.