The console version of The Elder Scrolls Online will not require a CD key to play, publisher Bethesda has explained, just hours after initially claiming the opposite was true.

Last night, a Bethesda representative claimed that all console copies would ship with a one-time use activation key. Once used, your copy was permanently registered to your account.

"To clarify, you will need a unique game registration code in order to play the game, and used copies will not be eligible to receive a key if the code has already been redeemed."

This would have left the game with effectively no trade-in or resale value.

However, Bethesda has now revised its statement and explained that this would not be the case.

"The physical console version of The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited does not require a one-time game code," a spokesperson explained.

"As with any other boxed PS4/Xbox One game, only the game disc is needed for verification. Any previous statements counter to this were incorrect."