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[Confirmed] The Elder Scrolls Online Delayed For Xbox One, PS4
Update: Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls Online is delayed for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The company assures that it is working as quickly as possible to get the game to console players, but that it could take up to six additional months.
The delay stems from integrating the MMO systems with each of the online networks run by Microsoft and Sony. "We continue to work on the console versions of ESO, and game development has been progressing steadily, but we are still working to solve a series of unique problems specific to those platforms," a statement on the company's website reads. "Integrating our systems with each console manufacturer’s networks -- which are both different from the PC/Mac system as well as different from each other—has been a challenging process."
As a gesture of good will, Bethesda has made an arrangement with both Sony and Microsoft to get players into the game now on PC with a discount on console versions when they are released. If you purchase The Elder Scrolls Online before the end of June, you'll be eligible for a full version of the game on PS4 or Xbox One for only $20 (payable when those versions are available). This includes the ability to transfer characters over and another 30 days of game time.
Original Story:
Reports have surfaced of a since deleted update to the official The Elder Scrolls Online FAQ pointing to a delay for the console versions. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 players were previously scheduled to receive the game in June, but it could be up to six months longer before that happens.
The information was captured by a Reddit user before it was changed on the official site.
When does The Elder Scrolls Online officially launch?
The Elder Scrolls Online officially launched on April 4, 2014 on PC and Mac. While it has become clear that our planned June release of the console versions isn't going to be possible, we have made great progress, we have concluded that we'll need about six more months to ensure we deliver the experience our fans expect and deserve. For additional information on the delay, please see this blog post (link).
A screenshot of the FAQ with the language was also posted. Given the indication of a more in-depth blog post, it seems that this update may have gone live early. Joystiq dug into the Google cache, confirming the language did appear on the site (and that the screenshot isn't a clever forgery). The page does not currently reflect a delay, and we’ve reached out to Bethesda for clarification.
Retailer websites continue to list a placeholder date of June 30 for the title. PC players returned to Tamriel in April of this year. For more, you can read our impressions.
Our Take
A delay for an ambitious console RPG wouldn’t be entirely surprising, though an additional six months puts the title in the competitive holiday season or, worse from a financial perspective, following it.
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