Bethesda is introducing a new system to The Elder Scrolls Online that will allow players of the online MMORPG to earn loot box items without paying real-world money. Endeavors, as the system is called, comprises various tasks ranging from stealing/pickpocketing items to defeating certain monsters that, when completed, rewards gold, experience, or a new currency called Seals of Endeavor that can be used to purchase Crown Crate (i.e., loot box) items. It appears that Bethesda had no choice but to add this system due to its acquisition by Microsoft and integration into Xbox Game Studios, which includes a policy mandating that items can always be earned through gameplay.
New with Update 30: Complete new daily and weekly activities, called Endeavors, and you’ll earn a new currency that you can use to acquire Crown Crate items. More details: https://t.co/asYoYTPl4V pic.twitter.com/u5C6NG2mjP
— The Elder Scrolls Online (@TESOnline) April 15, 2021
“Items in loot boxes can always be earned through play. All items available through paid loot boxes in our games will also be available through unpaid opportunity by gameplay (i.e. grinding).” Of course, Microsoft recently completed its $7.5bn acquisition of Bethesda, which operates The Elder Scrolls Online. The Endeavors system brings ESO in-line with its new parent company’s loot box rules.
Sources: Elder Scrolls Online, Microsoft, Eurogamer