Grave Gamer News & Views — the elder scrolls

Concept imagery for Zenimax Studios’ The Elder Scrolls Online.

That Was Quick, Internet:  The Elder Scrolls Online Screens and Info Leaked

A PDF of Game Informer Online’s June edition looks to have been leaked early (and when I say “leaked,” I mean downright poured), unleashing the entire featured write-up on Bethesda’s run at the MMO market, Elder Scrolls Online.  Included in the article were several concept and in-game images from the game.  With the MMORPG’s announcement, Game Informer promised fans would get a singular glimpse at the new game today.  Instead, nineteen images surfaced.  That’s more than sneaking a peek; that’s lifting up the game’s skirt and snapping photos.

I don’t imagine Game Informer is anywhere within the realm of pleased regarding the leak.  If this was an accident, hopefully no one’s job security (or life) comes into harm’s way.  I can assure the magazine’s staff and Bethesda that we all feel really very guilty about all the screens our eyeballs are enjoying.  Sorry for the, uh, whole photo and skirts thing.

This Month’s Game Informer Reveals The Elder Scrolls Online

Oh, yes, the year’s long project has finally surfaced.  Created by Bethesda’s own Zenimax Online, the arena of massive multiplayer gaming is combined with the unprecedented scope of The Elder Scrolls, permitting you access to the entire land of Tamriel in one of the most ambitious RPG’s ever spurned forth from the flame.

Set 1,000 years before your exploits in Skyrim, Elder Scrolls Online pits three different player factions against one another as a terrible figurehead attempts to drag the land into a hellish demon realm.  Of course, you could ignore the PvP action and quest solo, or perhaps participate in public dungeons.  Like its fore-bearers, Zenimax’s effort let’s you do as you will, promoting player choice.

I’m going to break your heart, console people.  The game – scheduled for a 2013 release – will only see the light of day on the PC and Mac.  Have hope and stop slamming your keyboard with your face.

Tomorrow promises our first screenshot and a teaser for the game; stay tuned.

Prepare Yourself, ‘Dawnguard’ is Coming to Skyrim This Summer

A DLC expansion is finally on its way to The Elder Scrolls V, but unfortunately only one-third of the game’s fans will get to enjoy it.  An exclusive timed release for the Xbox 360 version of the game, Dawnguard is being made available for download this Summer off of Xbox Live.  PC and PS3 owners will still be privy to the content – just on a different time table.  The extra heat radiating from your computer is normal; it’s merely the collective scorn seething from the internet.

The announcement shouldn’t be that surprising, though.  Microsoft and Bethesda’s courtship has been long and storied, dating back to Morrowind’s exclusivity to the original Xbox and Windows PC, with recent examples cropping up like, say, today’s fresh Kinect compatibility update to Skyrim where you can harness shouts like a true dovahkiin and let neighbors loudly know how alone you are (I jest; but seriously, Apartment 310, keep it the fus down).

When it comes to details, Bethesda has gone only as far as making Dawnguard’s name public, pushing a full reveal to June’s E3.  During the stretch between now and then, the company says more free updates should be expected.

Dragonborn!!! by EGOR-URSUS