There’s some good news for Elder Scrolls fans looking forward to the series’ first MMO on PlayStation 4. Bethesda has confirmed that PlayStation Plus memberships will not be required for the subscription-based Elder Scrolls Online.

A Q&A on the EU PlayStation Blog answers the question definitively. “PS4 players will only be required to pay the same monthly subscription associated with The Elder Scrolls Online that PC and Mac users will pay — nothing more,” writes Zenimax Online Studios game director Matt Firor. The Elder Scrolls Online will cost $60 with a recurring $15 monthly subscription.

Because this news came out on the PlayStation Blog, we reached out to Bethesda for clarification. "Xbox One users will need an Xbox Gold subscription," a representative told us via email.

For more on the Elder Scrolls Online, check out recent trailers featuring group gameplay and the impressive voice cast. We’ve also got a journal covering the two hours we spent with the title at Gamescom and our cover story from June 2012.

The Elder Scrolls Online will be available on April 4 for PC and Mac. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions will come later this year.

[Source: PlayStation Blog (EU) via CVG]

Our Take

For those that are only interested in online gaming for The Elder Scrolls Online, one platform is clearly less expensive. However, for those that are already members, the pricing is likely not a significant motivator. What is notable here is that Microsoft is setting firm guidelines around multiplayer. Microsoft will likely tell you that it is protecting value for paying Gold members. Whether you agree with that likely depends on if you are currently a member and interested in The Elder Scrolls Online.