After speculation about whether Bethesda’s MMO The Elder Scrolls Online was due to move to a free-to-play model due to the removal of some subscription options and other actions that fitted with the pattern other MMOs have taken before changing to a similar model. Now Bethesda have confirmed that yes, they are changing it. To a single-payment model similar to Guild Wars 2.

The director of ESO, Matt Finor said that they were listening to fan feedback with the changes. “We know that Elder Scrolls fans want choice when it comes to how they play and how they pay, and that is what they will get.”

The game is scheduled for release on the new-gen consoles on June 9th, but the game will go single-payment a little under three months before that on March 17th. Zenimax have confirmed that the single-payment system will give players access to the full launched game along with all existing updates and future Justice and Champion systems.

All existing accounts will be updated to reflect the new payment model and subscribers updated to Premium memberships – able to gain in-game bonuses as well as having access to DLC and a monthly allotment of Crowns all for a monthly fee. Crowns are going to be the paid-for currency for a new in-game store also arriving in March. TESO will now make money via purchasable cosmetic and convinience items from this store, although regular players will get new toys via the updates that come along.

It might not be f2p, but does the idea of paying just once for the game make you want to try TESO again, especiallu with recent updates bringing in a justice system?