Elder Scrolls Online Apologizes For Plagiarism Fiasco, Pulls Elsweyr-Inspired Adventure From Circulation

Earlier this week, ZeniMax Online posted a free Elsweyr-inspired tabletop RPG scenario on their Facebook page ahead of The Elder Scrolls Online Elsweyr chapter launch. What was initially meant to be a fun marketing gimmick, however, turned out to be a marketing fiasco as allegations of plagiarism began to pour in.

The scenario in question, which bore striking similarities to one published by Wizards of the Coast back in 2016, has since been pulled from circulation. The ESO team apologized to fans via Twitter with assurances that they’re looking into the matter and that the scenario bears no similarities to the actual expansion itself. “We requested that an original scenario be created, and we are investigating why this does not appear to be the case,” says the devs. “We have removed all assets relating to this and ask, in respect to the creator of the original scenario, that is should not be circulated.”

Thanks again to everyone who highlighted the issue of alleged plagiarism in relation to the ESO Elsweyr tabletop RPG promotion. Our intention had been to create and give away a unique Elsweyr inspired scenario that could be played within any popular tabletop RPG rule set. (1/3)

— The Elder Scrolls Online (@TESOnline) May 9, 2019

Lastly, to avoid any confusion, please note that there is no correlation between this scenario and anything that will eventually appear within the video game. (3/3)

— The Elder Scrolls Online (@TESOnline) May 9, 2019