That’s a Wrap on 2016!

As we near the end of 2016, Game Director Matt Firor looks back on everything we've accomplished this year for ESO.

Greetings everyone,

It's the end of another year – a great, great year for The Elder Scrolls Online. The goal for 2016 was to build on the success of our stupendously large console launch in 2015 by adding new content and continuing to improve the game by making system changes where necessary to keep the game fresh, fun, and cement ESO as being one of the best Online RPGs of all time. I think, in all honesty, we accomplished that goal.

Consider this: At the beginning of this year, we had yet to launch amazingly good DLC like Thieves Guild and Dark Brotherhood. We had yet to bring out new dungeons as in our Shadows of the Hist DLC. We added fun character customization options and other utilities in the Style Parlor. And of course, at the beginning of 2016, the game was still level-based with players separated into three different Alliances, unable to communicate or group with one another – until One Tamriel launched, that is.

The team at ZOS added all that and more to the game over the course of 2016 – tons of new content, new systems, and we brought millions of additional players into the world of ESO throughout the year. While I'm on the subject, I hope all of you appreciate the dedication and awesomeness of the team at ZOS – very few studios could have accomplished what we have done, and that success is 100% because of the men and women who work on ESO every day to improve and enhance the game.

We also had a great E3 where the world sat up and took notice of our success, especially our announcement of over 7 million players as well as the exuberance of our fans. In addition, we attended many other shows and events over the course of the year to talk to the community, listen, and let everyone know about ESO's accomplishments. It's only going to get better.

And it IS only going to get better. We'll talk more about our 2017 plans early next year, but most of you already know about Homestead which introduces player housing. This will be launching in February, and you can expect to see it on the PTS very early in the new year.

After that? Well, you're going to have to wait a bit, but trust me, the wait will be worth it. We'll talk a lot more about the amazing new things that are coming to ESO as early as we can in the new year. We had a huge year in 2016, and I fully expect 2017 to be an even more successful year for ESO and will set us up for many more years of growth and success.

Of course, none of this success would be possible without you, the community. We appreciate everything you do for us, from simply playing the game to livestreaming, from leading guilds to letting us know what you think. Most importantly, spreading the word about ESO to your friends. I always say this (and I mean it!): we will work on ESO for as long as there is a community like you to play the game, live in Tamriel with us, and partner with us for good times far into the future.

Thanks and Happy Holidays, everyone! See you in Tamriel in 2017.

– Matt

What an incredible year it's been. What are some of your favorite ESO memories from 2016? What are you looking forward to in 2017? Share your thoughts with us on the official forums and Twitter @TESOnline.