Bethesda MMO The Elder Scrolls Online is setting the stage to add romance mechanics into the game with the introduction of its new companions. Developer ZeniMax Online Studios just hosted a digital reveal event that showcased the online game’s latest expansion, Gates of Oblivion, that brings players to the titular location of Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The reveal event was initially scheduled to take place back in January 21 but was delayed to give way to the US presidential inauguration.

During the reveal event of Gates of Oblivion, ZeniMax Online Studios announced that the new expansion will be a year-long adventure that will be divided into four DLC packs. It will begin with the Flames of Ambition DLC in March, which will set up the Gates of Oblivion storyline and prepare for the release of the game’s major update of the year and the second part of the expansion, Blackwood, which is scheduled for release in June 2021. The Blackwood DLC, introduced in a cinematic trailer, will add many of the new features of Gates of Oblivion, including a new zone, a new main storyline, new dungeons, and the new companion system. 

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In a Game Informer interview, The Elder Scrolls Online Creative Director Rich Lambert revealed that the return of the companion system is only the first part of eventually introducing romance mechanics into the MMO. According to Lambert, the new companions will have their own sets of likes and dislikes that players will be able to incorporate into their interactions with them. He further explains that “something special” unlocks when players are able to reach the end of the companion’s relationship spectru, but romance won’t be an option at first. However, it’s something that the developer plans to add in the future. Lambert adds that the introduction of companions lays down the groundwork for "more personal relationships" in future content.

When the Gates of Oblivion expansion launches, it will introduce two new companions players can recruit and accompany solo players into dungeons and other adventures. Players will also be able to level up their companions' skills, equip them with gear and combat abilities, as well as customize their actions. The last major installment in the series, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim also features a companion system and gives players a myriad of followers to choose from that each offer their own unique personalities.

Romance mechanics in video games have become increasingly popular, especially in MMOs and RPGs, with many AAA releases now offering romance options to players. Games like the recently released Cyberpunk 2077 or even CD Projekt Red’s previous hit The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gives players the ability to pursue romance options with certain characters. BioWare helped paved the way for this, with the Mass Effect trilogy offering multiple romance options, so Elder Scrolls Online is only picking up the torch.

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The Elder Scrolls Online is available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia, and its PS5 and Xbox Series X/S launch is TBA.

Source: Game Informer