The Elder Scrolls Online’s free-to-play store doesn’t sound horrible

As you may be aware by now,  ZeniMax Online Studios' massively multiplayer online role-playing game, The Elder Scrolls Online, is dropping its required monthly subscription next month. Beginning March 17 (or in June for consoles), The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, as the free-to-play version is being called, will switch to a microtransaction system supported with "special, optional downloadable content" and "an in-game Crown Store for convenience and customization items."

Last week, ZeniMax Online Studios shed light on their philosophy behind the Crown Store. Surprisingly, it doesn't sound too horrible. According to the developer, the Crown Store will allow you to purchase things like potions, soul gems, mounts, vanity pets, costumes, and other completely option items. Perhaps most importantly, though, is that it will have no impact on the base game. Just because The Elder Scrolls Online is dropping the monthly subscription doesn't mean ZeniMax will make the content difficult in order to encourage you to spend money.

According to ZeniMax:

The most important thing to remember about Tamriel Unlimited's virtual currency system is that we're not adjusting the base game—it will be exactly the same game, with the same leveling pace, experience point gain, user interface, etc. that you have been used to since April of last year. We're adding customization and convenience items in the Crown Store, but those will be added to the game as it is now; we're not going to make it harder for you to enjoy the game you already play to encourage you to use the Crown Store.

I want to take a moment and talk about the philosophy we use to determine the types of items we put in the store—you've heard us refer to them as “customization and convenience" items before. Simply put, this means that an item in the Crown Store serves one of two purposes: it either provides a visual upgrade or distinction for your character, or it provides a way to save time at the expense of spending crowns. When it comes to this second category of items, we generally will make in-game variants of similar items available either as drops or as player-craftable items, as well.

The only item that could be called into question is an experience boost potion — a sort of shortcut that'll allow you to gain experience quicker — which ZeniMax classifies as "a convenience." Personally, I agree with them. While an experience boost does allow you to level your character faster, in no way does it give you an advantage gear-wise. The game doesn't immediately become "win mode" just because you're a higher level, so I'm okay with that.

I don't know about you, but I like what I'm hearing. Too often do we see free-to-play games instill a pay-to-win mentality. Same goes for subscription-based games that switch to a free-to-play business model. If ZeniMax can maintain consistency and truly stick to their word, I see no reason why The Elder Scrolls Online can't flourish as a free-to-play game.

For those doubting ZeniMax, most of the changes with the Crown Store are already in place on the playtest servers, so check it out.