Rich Lambert, the studio director at ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS), the acclaimed developers behind the hugely successful massively multiplayer online role-playing game The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), has articulated a strong ambition for the studio to venture into creating additional games beyond its current flagship title. During a recent interview with GI.biz, Lambert underscored the critical importance of diversification for the studio`s future, even as ZOS remains deeply committed to ensuring ESO`s long-term vitality and success.
Lambert unequivocally stated his forward-looking vision: “I want to make more games. I`m not done yet, and the team continues to want to make more games as well. I have lots of ideas. Hopefully we`ll be able to share those at some point.” He further expanded on his strategic philosophy regarding sustained relevance in the dynamic gaming industry, emphasizing, “I don`t think you can ride one thing into forever. I mean, obviously we want ESO to be successful, we want it to be that 30-year MMO, and commit to it. But if you put all your eggs in one basket, there`s issues.”
This drive for new ventures isn`t unprecedented for ZeniMax Online Studios. There were prior rumors that the studio was developing a fresh intellectual property, code-named “Project Blackbird,” which was reportedly envisioned as a hybrid drawing elements from Cyberpunk 2077 and Destiny. However, this promising initiative was unfortunately canceled amid broader organizational restructuring and budget reductions implemented by Microsoft, the parent company of ZOS.
Beyond the creation of new game titles, Lambert also revealed an ambitious internal objective for ZOS: to ascend to the status of the “most successful studio” within the entire ZeniMax media conglomerate. While acknowledging the formidable competition from highly respected sister studios such as Bethesda Game Studios, MachineGames, and id Software, he clarified his aspiration: “But I want us to be that group that everybody looks at, like we do with [Bethesda Game Studios].” He lauded Bethesda Game Studios` “enviable” track record and “massive legacy,” concluding with conviction, “That`s what I want us to do.”
The Elder Scrolls Online itself boasts a rich history and impressive achievements since its inception. It initially launched for PC in 2014, followed by its release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2015. It was subsequently optimized for the latest generation of consoles, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, in 2021. Originally a subscription-based title, ESO successfully transitioned to a buy-to-play model and has since captivated a global player base exceeding 25 million individuals.
While ESO has maintained an active and thriving presence as an MMORPG for over a decade, it shares the landscape with other venerable titles in the genre. Blizzard`s iconic World of Warcraft, for instance, first appeared in 2004 and has consistently operated under a subscription model since its debut. The Lord of the Rings Online launched in 2007, and the venerable EverQuest lays claim to an even longer operational history than both World of Warcraft and The Lord of the Rings Online.
Looking ahead, beyond ZOS`s potential new endeavors and its ongoing commitment to supporting The Elder Scrolls Online, the broader Elder Scrolls franchise continues to be a source of immense anticipation for fans. The highly awaited The Elder Scrolls 6 is currently under development by Bethesda Game Studios, though its official release timeline remains unconfirmed, leaving fans eagerly awaiting future announcements.