This week, The Elder Scrolls Online embarked on an unprecedented journey, launching a community-wide event that challenges individual servers to collaborate in a race against time to dismantle the enigmatic Writhing Wall. Behind this formidable barrier lies the realm of Eastern Solstice, along with the enticing offerings of Update 48. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant “shift in mentality” for Zenimax Online Studios, as noted by ESO‘s associate design director, Mike Finnigan.
The Writhing Wall: A New Chapter
The Writhing Wall has been heralded as a pivotal moment in the history of The Elder Scrolls Online. The initial phase, which commenced on October 13, is accessible to all players, regardless of their ownership of the 2025 Content Pass. However, its dependence on daily tasks has sparked some criticism among the seasoned player base. The game’s subreddit is buzzing with sentiments of disappointment, as many players expected a more invigorating introduction to this event.
Despite the initial lukewarm reception, Finnigan remains optimistic about the potential for the Writhing Wall to evolve. Phases two and three promise to introduce exclusive activities tailored for Content Pass owners, designed to offer a more substantial and challenging experience befitting one of the premier MMOs in the market. While the current phase may not have hit the mark for everyone, Finnigan assures that this is not indicative of a new standard for ESO.
“I want to point to [the Writhing Wall event] as a kind of bellwether, as a first inkling of [what’s to come],” he explains. “This should give players hope that we are willing to try brand new things and take big swings that push the boundaries of [the game]. There’s risk associated with it, but we trust the players, and we trust our ability to deliver what they want.”
A Future of Innovation
Finnigan emphasizes the importance of player feedback, expressing a strong desire to gather insights that can inform future innovations. As Zenimax Online Studios positions the Writhing Wall as a turning point in its content strategy, the conversation shifts to the long-term vision for ESO. Reflecting on a recent discussion with studio game director Rich Lambert, who envisions ESO as a “30-year MMO,” Finnigan contemplates the evolving landscape of the MMO genre over the next two decades.
“I’ve been making MMOs for 23 or 24 years now, something like that, and it’s shifted a lot in that amount of time,” he shares. “So I don’t know if I can predict where it will go. But I think that MMOs, as a genre, borrow from everything else that’s out there, but you still see new intriguing ways that companies and studios are getting people to play together.”
Finnigan articulates a clear vision for the future of ESO: “One of the things that I think that will make ESO successful, and one of the tenets that we’re taking for the future, is we don’t want to be predictable. We want to challenge those thoughts and excite players and get players thinking… I think variety is the spice of life. I think that’s what’s going to work for ESO too.”
For those who find the Writhing Wall event less than appealing at the moment, there’s no need for concern regarding its implications for the future of ESO. It appears that even more experimental endeavors are on the horizon, with hopes that future initiatives will avoid the pitfalls of a daily quest grind.
Despite recent disappointments, ESO continues to stand tall as one of the finest fantasy gaming experiences available today, especially for those willing to invest time and share the adventure with friends. For those currently engaged in the Writhing Wall event, the PCGamesN Discord invites you to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this new chapter.
