THe Elder Scrolls V Skyrim will be online

Bethesda Softworks, A ZeniMax Media Company,  just announced that The Elder Scrolls Online, a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) video game is in development at ZeniMax Online Studios. ZeniMax Online Studios, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is a division of  ZeniMax Media Company.

The Elder Scrolls Online will be the first Elder Scrolls game to allow you to explore the legendary Elder Scrolls world with others.

Scene from The Elder Scrolls V. Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls online is being developed under the leadership of industry veteran and game director Matt Firor who has spent the last two decades working in online video game development.  Matt Firor states: "We have been working hard to create an online world where players will be able to experience the epic Scrolls universe with their friends, something fans have long said they wanted."

He goes on to pledge, "The entire team is committed to creating the best MMO ever made -- and one that is worthy of the Elder Scrolls franchise."

Screeenshot from The Elder Scrolls V. Skyrim

And what a franchise it is.  Skyrim was released in November 2011 and enjoyed worldwide critical and commercial success. Skyrim won hundreds of video game awards, including top honors at the 2012 Game Developers Choice Awards, and the 15th annual Interactive Achievement Awards held at the 2012  Design Innovate Communicate Entertain (D.I.C.E.) Summit.  Skyrim shipped over 10 million units internationally, within the first month of its release, was the second highest grossing title in the industry last year and is the fastest selling title in Steam's history.

The Elder Scrolls Online MMO will be playable on the PC and the MAC.  A specific release date was unannounced at press time.