ZeniMax developers fill in some gaps in the latest The Elder Scrolls Online AMA

The "Ask Me Anything," or "AMA" for short, is all the rage these days. Originating over on Reddit, these crowd-sourced interviews allow players to, in effect, get up-close and personal with the developers of their favorite game by asking that burningly obvious question that's on everyone's mind, yet those silly gaming sites and magazines never seem to ask! What's up with that anyway?

Not one to be the wallflower at the dance, ZeniMax Online Studios recently decided to get in on the act by hosting an Ask Us Anything for their upcoming MMORPG The Elder Scrolls Online. You may have heard of it -- we even got the chance to play it!.

The subject matter hovers largely around the Ebonheart Pact - one of the game's three player factions - and lore nerds like myself get a good fix of the stuff here. 

One of the more interesting tidbits was about the Skyrim province. Since The Elder Scrolls Online takes place much earlier than Skyrim, familiar places will be there but perhaps a little less familiar - though fitting for the period:

"The Elder Scrolls Online is set 1,000 years earlier than Skyrim, so you may notice that some of the ancient Nord ruins are a little less worn and weathered than in Skyrim’s time. You’ll also find towns, like Nimalten in the Rift, that are gone and nearly forgotten by Skyrim’s Fourth Era, but are alive and thriving in ESO’s Second Era."

What about factional or cultural items? Surely there would be diverse, racial armor throughout the game?

"Armor in The Elder Scrolls Online is regionally appropriate, whether it’s a loot drop, merchant stock, or quest reward; however, with the right skills and materials, you’ll be able to craft items in any racial style."

It seems as though crafting will play a key role in the game. I think even grumpy cat would be pleased with this.

There is much more goodness to be had over on the official site, so head on over and give it a read.

Bill "Lethality" Leonard