The Elder Scrolls Online finally gets a console date - and drops subscription fees

Bethesda Softworks has announced that The Elder Scrolls Online will finally arrive on consoles on the 9th June, 2015 - and when it lands, it will do so without a subscription fee or commitment attached, instead adopting a buy-to-play model similar to the one used by Guild Wars. 

The new console version of the game is titled The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited, and seems to mark a complete change in focus for the team at Bethesda. The press release sent through to make the announcement seems to deliberately try to put some distance between the game and its initial perception, dropping the 'MMO' genre, simply referring to it now as an "online role playing game." 

PC players will get the same treatment - the disc will remain on store shelves and digital storefronts for those wanting to pick it up, but no subscription will be necessary to pay. Current subscriptions will run until the 17th March, when the game will open its doors to anybody who has purchased the game without extra charges.

The new 'Tamriel Unlimited' branded version of the game includes everything from the original release plus all of the updates and content added to the game since. All existing PC accounts will be updated to that version, as will any purchases going forwards. Regular updates and new gameplay will also be offered to players regularly, and without additional cost.

The game will be supported by premium downloadable content of a special but optional nature and an in-game shop for character customization items. Much as with The Old Republic a subscription option, ESO Plus, will remain - and those who subscribe to that will get access to exclusive bonuses and additional credit for use in the in-game store. Current subscribers will automatically be enrolled into the ESO Plus program when their subscriptions expire.

Bethesda has also released a new trailer to mark the occasion - check it out below.