“The physical console version of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited does not require a one-time game code, as with any other boxed PS4 / Xbox One game only the game disc is needed for verification. Any previous statements counter to this were incorrect.”
As the previous headline “Console gamers won’t be able to resell the elder scrolls online” isn’t factual, the headline has been updated.
Original story follows:
If there’s one major benefit to console gaming (because let’s face it, that “put the disc in and play” stuff is no more), it’s that gamers can sell of the games they no longer want or are unhappy with, and use that money to fund new game purchases. It’s the sort of thing that keeps places Gamestop and our own BT Games ticking. The Elder Scrolls Online – rebranded as Tamriel Unlimited – is soon coming to consoles. As a heads up, you won’t be able to sell it off.
This sort of thing would come as no surprise to the average PC gamer, who understands that when you buy a game – especially MMO ones – what you’re buying is actually the key on the box, and not the content on the disc. That will happen with the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the massively multiplayer Elder Scrolls: It’ll come with a one-time use key that can’t be transferred, rendering the disc useless to anyone else. Here’s what an admin on the Elder Scrolls Forum had to say about how the game’s licencing works.
To clarify, you will need a unique game registration code in order to play the game, and used copies will not be eligible to receive a key if the code has already been redeemed. It works the same way as the PC version in that the code included in the box is to activate your ESOTU account and the discs are for installation purposes. If you own the disc but don’t have a key, you’ll be able to install the game and reach the login screen, but you won’t be able to log in and access the game without an active ESOTU account.
As I said, this is essentially how PC games have worked for the past many years, but could end up being a bit of a shock to console gamers. Hopefully Bethesda mitigates this by offering 7 day trial accounts or something, that allow people to play for a bit before putting down their money. Since its rebrand, the game no longer requires a subscription, so you’ll be able to play it for as long as you like once you buy the licence.
Last Updated: May 15, 2015
Admiral Chief
May 14, 2015 at 10:03
I know I should laugh about this, but it’s quite sad, since console games are wayyyy more expensive than PC games.
So in the end, the gamer gets screwed. and that is just not cool
HairyEwok
May 14, 2015 at 10:27
This is going to make console gamers either a) wait for a GOTY to release on console or b) Move to greener PC pastures XD
Captain JJ Browman
May 14, 2015 at 11:47
A GOTY of Elder Scrolls online. That would be hilarious. Should be more like a DOTY. Disappointment of the Year.
Umar
May 14, 2015 at 10:03
I’ve always sold games and bought second hand ones as well, but it’s a point now where we’re supposed to feel bad for doing so. The crackdown on the second hand market is becoming more and more apparent, and soon, games will be, without a doubt, a service.
Loftus
May 14, 2015 at 10:03
The fail continues for ESO !
Admiral Chief
May 14, 2015 at 10:04
Sadly, I think that this is only the beginning of the end for the second hand market
Umar
May 14, 2015 at 10:05
Agree.
Hammersteyn
May 14, 2015 at 10:18
Only if all publishers starts using activation keys. I sure as hell hope that never comes to pass.
Admiral Chief
May 14, 2015 at 10:27
Might be a good time to invest in PC hardware stocks…
Hammersteyn
May 14, 2015 at 10:27
Bah
Admiral Chief
May 14, 2015 at 10:33
YOU HAVE TO SPEAK UP SONNY, I CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER ALL FNB NOTIFICATIONS COMING THROUGH ABOUT STOCK PROFITS!!!
Ottokie
May 14, 2015 at 10:06
I actually dodged the game as well when I was in BETA but went back with this new Tamriel update. And it is actually very decent and keeps me entertained.
Only big thing that still gets me is that there Europe Megaserver is also in the US so latency at prime time is crazy.
Lothy
May 15, 2015 at 10:19
I have had no latency issues and my ping to the ESO servers are always round the 190ms mark. Are u sure the servers are still located in the US?
Lothy
May 15, 2015 at 10:18
Lol and what fail is that? Started playing the game again since it went B2P and its awesome. The changes made over the last year are really good, there are NO bots and NO gold spammers. Anyone that says the game is fail clearly hasn’t spent anytime playing it since it went B2P.
FoxOneZA
May 14, 2015 at 10:06
Haven’t purchased or traded anything from BT Games since the XB1 launched. I rather just wait for a good sale on XBL.
WitWolfy
May 14, 2015 at 10:19
Thats going to be a loooooooooooooong wait man…
FoxOneZA
May 14, 2015 at 11:50
Not really. I picked up Titanfall, Sunset OD and AC:Unity for under R300 each. There’s also EA Access and some freebies like Forza Horizon Fast and Furious to keep me busy.
BurnZ
May 14, 2015 at 11:17
Dude our local Cash Crusaders has more than double the amount of XB1 games than PS4, and they are good games as well! very crazy considering i live in East London! dam man they have DIablo 3 / Dragon age / thief / Metro etc just to name a few. The PS4 side has fifa 14 x 1 billion and Injustice x 2 billion. All the games go for around R350, so the price is good. Still waiting for Diablo 3 for the PS4! Damit i want that game!!!!
FoxOneZA
May 14, 2015 at 11:51
Where I stay there’s mostly PS3 gamers but I’ll check out my nearest Cash Converters 🙂
Pariah
May 14, 2015 at 10:06
And so yet another reason why consoles are losing their pros. More and more it seems like PC is just the better choice, and that actually makes me sad. It’s nice to have options, but when the options’ benefits keep declining they become less and less viable. 🙁
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 14, 2015 at 10:07
Of course you can’t resell your MMO game code.
Also, “so you’ll be able to play it for as long as you like once you buy the licence.” – until they shut down the servers.
Pariah
May 14, 2015 at 10:08
At least in this case, there’s no longer a sub. When WoW’s servers go down (and they will) – the crazy amount of money people have spent on it is going to leave a sour taste in many people’s mouths.
WitWolfy
May 14, 2015 at 10:21
I think after Home shut down too it probably pissed off quite a few people who actually spent real money for pixelated cosmetics they’ll never be able to use or see again… Thats life, I guess…
Ranting Raptor
May 14, 2015 at 11:49
I was thinking this as well. I mean
WitWolfy
May 14, 2015 at 10:15
Saw Angry Joe’s 10 most disappointing games of 2014 and saw this was on the list… I really cant see why anybody would want to own this game, it isnt even made by Bethesda…
It’s broke, unbalanced and not to mention glitchy… Well what I saw on that video.
Brady miaau
May 15, 2015 at 09:14
My friends played it.
t’s broke, unbalanced and not to mention glitchy was the feedback, although with latest patches was ok
Hammersteyn
May 14, 2015 at 10:16
Who’s buying this s**t on console anyways???
Krabby Paddy
May 14, 2015 at 10:22
Yip for those who don’t know. Run it’s a trap! A non resellable one! Haven’t heard anything good about this game.
BurnZ
May 14, 2015 at 11:20
Im a big TES: Skyrim fan! put at least 300 hours into it over a few months. I would never get this, like Krabby said, i have not heard anything good about it, nor do the vids look any good. Im out!
Hammersteyn
May 14, 2015 at 11:35
CONFIRMED
Captain JJ Browman
May 14, 2015 at 12:29
I got two free weekends and put 12 hours into it, trying to convince myself otherwise, but it’s total crap.
40 Insane Frogs
May 14, 2015 at 17:24
Definitely not this fella!
Hammersteyn
May 15, 2015 at 03:51
hehe
Brady miaau
May 15, 2015 at 07:45
Dunno. How much is it? For the right price, sure, I will give it a spin. Under R300? Maybe
Hammersteyn
May 15, 2015 at 07:53
There are two versions on PSN Standard for R900 and the Imperial edition for R1000 O_o
Brady miaau
May 15, 2015 at 09:13
Um. Get knotted, then. Not you, them. You know, the mensch
Captain JJ Browman
May 14, 2015 at 11:46
Oh Bethesda, how far you’ve fallen.
The Sten
May 14, 2015 at 11:52
Bethesda didnt develop TESO, they only publish it.
CaptainNemo42
May 14, 2015 at 12:14
Still their name on the box.
Captain JJ Browman
May 14, 2015 at 12:27
Doesn’t change a thing. It’s their brand that they decided to drag through the mud.
Hermione Granger
May 14, 2015 at 13:06
“As I said, this is essentially how PC games have worked for the past many years”… and thats why i quit pc gaming in 2005…
also you just gotta ask why they waste the money on a physical release when mmos is a digital only product in the first place. its not like you get away from the 50gb download that is waiting, when you come home with the game in hand.
its ridicules to not make a product only digital when it makes sense to do it…
Tbone187
May 14, 2015 at 15:25
But we have console exclusives. That is the final drawcard left yeah?
40 Insane Frogs
May 14, 2015 at 17:20
Fortunately, my Bethesda Boycott keeps my wallet safe – It also helps that I have no interest in the Elder Scrolls online. #Dances
Hammersteyn
May 15, 2015 at 07:35
But you can create an ESOTU account for free?
Ranting Raptor
May 15, 2015 at 08:09
and now the comments don’t match the article anymore 😛