Bethesda, unfortunately isn't in much control over this MMO. Sure they developed the Elder Scrolls as fans know it, but Zenimax was mostly behind this... Well, most would call it a 'crime' or what not. Some have, from what I have seen, venomously defended it as well as the paid subscription. People such as Joe (Angry Joe) are getting praised and also fired upon their negative opinions on this game. Calling them whiners over the 'money grab'.
I had a feeling it might have been a money grab from the beginning. I knew I wouldn't be able to afford it, (I have other higher priorities than an MMO anyway, even though I have a bit of free time on my hands) but nonetheless I kept an eye on it. I admit I was curious as to how it was going to go about all the speculation early on. Then I saw the factions and face-palmed. I don't know a lot of lore on the series compared to some dedicated fans, but the factions really had me shaking my head. But I let it pass due to multiple reasons.
I imagined myself paying every single month. I did that with Runescape and it was fun, but it felt like I was being forced to play my membership time almost. Almost being, I could just wait until it was over and not be a member but still play the game. I tried it out, wasn't really for me, they got some money but I could still play. Win, win.
I also saw that they asked for credit cards even when you made the purchase so they could charge you every month, with no other payment option. I don't know if they changed that rule or not but maybe they should. That really set me off and made me uneasy considering theft is all around. (My dad has been ripped off a few times but he got his money back, and a few scared people running to boot) I'm not saying Zenimax is full of crooks, I just don't like the idea of having credit card information on the INTERNET. You know, that place where once you put something online it stays there. For like, you know... FOREVER?
As for game play and experiences on exploring I cannot comment as I haven't played it obviously. I have seen play through videos on them, YouTube, blogs, etc, and I'm kinda torn. PvP looks neat, but would ultimately crash my computer and laptop. It looks like there is constantly people stealing kills and items under your nose (it happens to the best MMO's, can't really be helped most of the time).
I don't know, I don't see it lasting too long. Apparently it did ok after launch regarding sales and pre-order (or those could be lies cooked up by supporters or Zenimax themselves, who knows) but I wouldn't be surprised if this went south.
I hope I didn't upset or stir up any people who like the MMO, I'm sure there are good points to the game, it looks like they did put some kind of effort into it. The look of Molag Bal made me want to hide under my covers (not really) and some of the scenery looked great. But as we know... Having pretty colors and beautiful scenes will not save your product if it does not meet overall standards of the customers. We'll have to wait and see.
I obviously don't know all the facts on how things are going but if I need to be enlightened, then by all means share information. I'm curious on how this MMO is going to go and where it is at now.
Those things being said, this game has a long way to go and has some potential. The staff can learn from their mistakes and maybe make changes that will help the game and fix things up a bit. Only time will tell.