Over the last year few, MMOGs have been making more of an effort to put players in positions of power. This has been true longer in games such as EVE Online, where players elect their own game councils with the CSM (Council of Stellar Management), who can have a strong influence on the game’s development. Actions can have game changing consequences on a massive scale. Just take a look at last year's Battle of Asakai as a prime example, where one error started a massive battle.

However, EVE isn’t the only game doing this sort of player empowerment. Zenimax Online Studios is poised to launch The Elder Scrolls Online (TESO) this April, and one thing that we know for sure is that one player at a given time will have the chance to assume the role of emperor. Paul Sage, creative director of TESO, recently spoke with OXM to explain how one single player can rise to power and become emperor, the benefits of wearing the crown, and why you’ll want to be the one wearing it when the dust of war finally settles.

The war for Cyrodiil is waged through lengthy campaigns. During that time, players can earn Alliance Points by healing allies, slaying enemies, and taking keeps. When a faction finally takes control of all of the keeps around the Imperial City, the alliance member with the most points will be crowned Emperor. And that comes with its own perks.

"Players who become Emperor will get a full skill line that they keep throughout the rest of their lives in The Elder Scrolls Online," Sage told OXM. "It won't be easy to become Emperor, but we think people will be glad they worked for it." Lose the title of Emperor, and your hard-rocking Imperial skillz won't be quite as effective, but you'll still be a force on the battlefield.”

More of the interview can be found in the latest edition of OXM. TESO is scheduled to launch on PC April 4th, 2014 with PlayStation 4 and Xbox One releases the following June.

Source: OXM