It would appear that game industry professionals just can’t stop sharing revenue details on their Linkedin profiles. You might recall that a senior product manager for Diablo IV spilled the beans on the $1B in revenue the game made for Blizzard, and now we have a similar bit of leaked detail for Elder Scrolls Online courtesy of former user experience lead Gary Boodhoo.
The proclamation was first noticed by Twitter user Timur222 and was further independently verified by us as you can see in the image below. According to Boodhoo, his work on “[i]nteraction design and Information architecture for itemization of digital assets” helped to “drive $15M in monthly revenue for over 10 years” for the MMORPG. Boodhoo also claims that ESO earned $2B in revenue over the past decade.
This information comes just as the MMO is looking to sell companions as DLC for the first time in its history, which may further fuel people’s desire to not spend money in the crown store. Then again, this reveal further reaffirms the title as one of the “big five” in the genre, especially from a financial standpoint.
The Elder Scrolls Online's Revenue Stream
It has been suggested that The Elder Scrolls Online, which was released in 2014, has made $15 million every month since it launched. This claim goes hand-in-hand with a report that ‘ESO’, which is maintained by ZeniMax Online Studios, has raked in a whopping $2 billion since 2014.
The ‘$15 million a month’ reference was dug up by Timur222 on Twitter, who found the number on the profile of Gary Boodhoo, a former UX lead at ZeniMax Online Studios. I’ve mentioned that this is a ‘claim’ because Boodhoo’s profile suggests he departed from ZeniMax Online Studios in 2016, just two years after The Elder Scrolls Online was released. On his profile, he writes:
‘Interaction design and Information architecture for itemization of digital assets, working alongside Content and Business teams to drive $15M in monthly revenue for over 10 years.’
It’s possible he’s still plugged into the ecosystem and just knows that’s how much the game has continued to make since being released a decade ago. He works now in a consultancy capacity but insists he’s still connected to The Elder Scrolls.
The Elder Scrolls Online's Success
The Elder Scrolls Online is one of ZeniMax’s most successful games ever, and since being released ten years ago, it has succeeded at pulling in and holding the attention of millions of gamers worldwide. It’s still receiving sizeable expansions today, and with there still being more ground to cover across the game’s universe, it’ll likely remain online for several years to come.
The Elder Scrolls Online first launched on PC in April 2014. As part of the game's ten year anniversary, some of the developers began talking up their achievements during that time period. During a GDC talk, Zenimax Online Studios director, Matt Firor, confirmed that the game has generated close to $2 billion in revenue since then, equating to roughly $200 million per year on average. Now, Gary Boodhoo, a former UX designer at ZeniMax Online Studios has revealed on LinkedIn that during his time working on ESO, the game was driving $15 million in monthly revenue over the past ten years, through subscription sales and the Crown Store.
ESO's Impact on Zenimax
With all of that in mind, The Elder Scrolls Online is one of Zenimax's most successful games ever, something that no doubt spurred the publisher's larger focus on multiplayer games prior to the Microsoft acquisition, with projects like Fallout 76, Wolfenstein: Youngblood, Deathloop and Redfall.
Why is ESO So Successful?
Elder Scrolls Online is one of the most popular MMORPGs ever made. It allows players to explore the many realms that makeup Tamriel, the fictional setting of The Elder Scrolls universe. This, coupled with the engaging gameplay, has contributed to its enduring popularity. The game’s consistent updates and expansions have also played a crucial role in attracting players and keeping them engaged over the years.
While The Elder Scrolls Online doesn't make as many headlines as some other MMOs on the market, it has been a hugely successful venture for Zenimax Online.
The Future of ESO
ESO is constantly evolving. While the game has been out for a decade, it has yet to be overtaken by other MMORPGs. Its success has been undeniable. With its consistent updates, exciting expansions, and ever-growing player base, it is safe to say that The Elder Scrolls Online is not going anywhere.
The Final Word
The Elder Scrolls Online's impressive revenue figures serve as a testament to its longevity and success. The game's ability to maintain a significant and dedicated player base over a decade is a feat few MMORPGs can achieve. It’s a reminder that well-crafted games, with a dedicated team behind them, can be a strong and steady source of revenue, even as gaming trends shift and change over time.
