Why are there no children in Elder Scrolls Online?

Why are there no children in Elder Scrolls Online?

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Bethesda Softworks. One of the most frequently asked questions about ESO is "Why are there no children in Elder Scrolls Online?" The answer is a complex one, involving various factors and design decisions made by the game developers.

Design Philosophy

In an interview, the game director, Matt Firor, explained that the team decided not to include children in the game due to the complexity and nuances of creating a believable and engaging experience. He stated that the developers wanted to focus on creating a rich and immersive world with complex characters, rather than catering to younger players or including features that might not be relevant to the game’s core audience.

Gameplay and Balance

Another reason for the lack of children in ESO is the impact on gameplay and balance. With a vast open world to explore, the game’s designers needed to focus on creating a balanced and engaging experience for players. Including children would have introduced new mechanics and challenges, which might have detracted from the overall gameplay experience.

Technical Challenges

Developing a game with a vast open world and complex mechanics comes with significant technical challenges. Including children would have required significant changes to the game’s architecture, which might have impacted the overall performance and stability of the game.

Rating and Target Audience

The Elder Scrolls Online is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it is suitable for players aged 17 and older. The game’s target audience is primarily adult players who are interested in a rich and immersive MMORPG experience. Children, on the other hand, are not a part of the game’s target audience.

Gameplay Mechanics

Including children in the game would have required significant changes to the gameplay mechanics. For example, children would need to have their own skill trees, quests, and storylines, which would have added complexity to the game. The game’s designers would also need to consider the impact of children on the game’s lore and storylines.

Comparison to Other Games

In comparison to other MMORPGs, ESO does not have children as characters or NPCs. This is because the game’s designers have focused on creating a complex and immersive world with adult characters, rather than catering to a younger audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lack of children in Elder Scrolls Online is due to a combination of design philosophy, gameplay and balance, technical challenges, rating and target audience, and gameplay mechanics. The game’s designers have chosen to focus on creating a rich and immersive world with complex characters, rather than catering to a younger audience. While some players may miss the presence of children in the game, the overall experience and design of ESO are geared towards a mature audience.

Additional Facts

Here are some additional facts about ESO and children:

• There are no children in the game’s storyline or lore.
• Children are not a part of the game’s character creation options.
• The game does not have any features or mechanics specifically designed for children.
• The game’s rating and target audience are both focused on adult players.

References

• Firor, M. (Interviewer). (2014, April 15). Elder Scrolls Online Game Director Matt Firor Discusses the Game’s Design. Retrieved from https://www.elderscrollsonline.com/en/news/article/game-director-matt-firor-discusses-the-game-design
• Entertainment Software Rating Board. (n.d.). ESRB Rating: M for Mature. Retrieved from https://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=27043