Elder Scrolls Online smashes expectations with 24 million players worldwide

Elder Scrolls Online developer, ZeniMax Online Studios, revealed the game’s playerbase has reached 24 million players worldwide since its release in 2014.

Elder Scrolls Online fans have a lot to be celebrating this weekend. The ESO Global Reveal event showcased what’s in store for players this year in Tamriel. There’s a new story, trial, and a new game system on the way with the next chapter, Gold Road, arriving in June.

But there’s another reason fans can celebrate too. The game has capped an important milestone and reached an impressive 24 million players worldwide since its launch — just in time as the game celebrates its tenth anniversary.

During the 2024 Global Reveal session, Studio Head, Matt Firor talked about how the game has “grown over the years,” reaching players across the world. “Originally in English, French, and German, we now offer localization in Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.”

Since its initial release, the game has seen plenty of updates and expansions in the form of new chapters. Each is set in a different part of Tamriel; the wider world of Elder Scrolls games like Skyrim and Morrowind. Gold Road will return players to the setting of an old favorite in the series — The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

But the Elder Scrolls Online is more than just a nostalgia trip for fans of the franchise. The MMO has been largely communicative and receptive to the player base and their wishes. Game Director, Richard Lambert, recently went on the record saying the community played a large part in helping make ESO what it is today.

On top of this, ESO has struck out to tell its own stories set in the world, such as the cliffhanger revelation of a new Daedric Prince in Necrom. Gold Road is set to pick up the threads of this story, beginning by sending players on a search for this forgotten prince. Ithelia, the former prince of Mirrormoor, is a brand new character in the expansive canon of the Elder Scrolls franchise.

And its new Scribing system will only deepen the game’s lore further. Offering players a chance to explore the history of spell crafting through the system’s quest line.

For the players already enjoying everything Tamriel has to offer, the Global Reveal no doubt helped assure them the future of ESO is in safe hands.