‘Elder Scrolls Online’ trailer, announcement gives hope to Mac and PC gamers alike

For everyone still recovering from an addiction to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, it isn't over yet: reports indicate that The Elder Scrolls Online is now on the way.

The massively multiplayer online (MMO) title won't just be for PC users, either. Mac users can also get caught up in Bethesda's online world. It's a rare move for a game company to be releasing for both operating systems at the same time, but one that will likely be very welcome by players.

"It's rare that Macs get games at all, and even rarer that they get them on the same day as PC games," says Dave Thier, in Forbes. "So if your first adventure into a multiplayer-enabled Tamriel involves a few more thick plastic glasses and skinny jeans than you expected, you'll know why."

Poking fun at Mac users aside, many Mac users are likely breathing a sigh of relief at the prospect of being able to play more than The Sims, Civilization and a number of titles by Valve on their machines.

And by the look of this teaser trailer released May 4, it's going to be an epic addition to the Mac gaming library:

Game Informer announced on May 3 that their June issue would be featuring details about the long-awaited, oft-rumoured upcoming game. Meanwhile, Polygon unearthed some more details on the MMO ahead of the issue.

For those who are familiar with The Elder Scrolls games, much of the country featured in the games, Tamriel, will be available to explore. Regions including Skyrim, Morrowwind, Summerset Isle and Elseweyr will all be included. Many of the same cities will be featured as destinations, including Imperial City, Windhelm, Daggerfall, Sentinel, Mournhold, Ebonheart, Elden Root, Shornhelm, Evermore and Riften to name a few listed by Polygon. Some areas are being left inaccessible at the beginning to give the developers room to create new expansion content later.

Instead of saving the world from a rising ancient evil, as is the driving force behind many of the previous games, the story will focus on the question of what happens in a world where thousands of heroes think that they should be the Emperor. The main antagonist will be daedric prince Molag Bol, who is already known to fans of the franchise.

Three playable factions will be available in the game, Polygon reports, and each faction will have three races to choose from. Nords, Dunmer and Argonians are part of The Ebonheart Pact; Altmer, Khajit and Bosmer make up The Aldmeri Dominon; and The Daggerfall Covenant will include Bretons, Redguards and Orcs.

ZeniMax Online Studios started work on the project back in 2007, Polygon reports, with a team of 250 employees. The Elder Scrolls Online is anticipated to be released sometime next year.