
The Elder Scrolls Online Offers Free Feature, but Players Displeased
Apr 27, 2025 5:27 PMThe Elder Scrolls Online has announced that its Scribing system will soon be available for free to all players, marking a departure from its previous premium access model. The update is planned for July, allowing every player to claim this feature from the Crown Store without any associated costs. While this move aims to enhance accessibility, it has generated dissatisfaction among players who previously paid for access, as Bethesda has not indicated any compensation for those individuals. Many are questioning the value of premium purchases when features are transitioned to free access shortly after launch, sparking discussions on the potential implications for player loyalty and future transactions.
Why are players upset about The Elder Scrolls Online's new free feature?Players are upset because the Scribing system, which was previously a premium feature requiring purchase, will soon be available for free. Many feel that this devalues their past investments and raises concerns about the diminishing incentives for paying customers.
The Elder Scrolls Online, part of the renowned Elder Scrolls franchise by Bethesda, continues to expand its universe with regular updates and features that keep the community engaged. Scribing is just one aspect of a broader effort to increase player accessibility, while fans remain fervently excited about other recent developments like the sudden launch of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, which has already attracted over four million players in just a few days. This juxtaposition of free features and premium purchases has stirred considerable debate within the gamer community regarding value and fairness.

Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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It’s cool that more players get to enjoy Scribing now, but Bethesda really fumbled by not throwing a bone to the folks who already paid—some Crown Store cosmetics or even a thank-you note would’ve gone a long way. Makes you wonder if they’ll pull this move again with future updates, and how much trust they’re willing to lose over it.

Bethesda’s move to make Scribing free is a win for accessibility, but it’s easy to see why paying players feel burned—nothing stings like watching a premium feature go F2P with no compensation. Hopefully, this sparks a broader conversation about how MMOs handle post-launch monetization without alienating their most dedicated fans.