Tag Archives: oceania

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Big new feature in updated Elder Scrolls instalment

One of the largest online video games in the world is getting a huge new update later this year that will see players explore a 'never seen before' land, all while adding a game-changing new feature.

The Elder Scrolls world is expanding, with players invited to meet the Bretons and journey through a new region of Tamriel, all themed around the often controversial and politically motivated race.

9News caught up with Rich Lambert, Elder Scrolls Online's creative director, who said this new venture is far from anything they've done before.

READ MORE: Japanese game studio launches 'enormous' data centre in Australia

Mr Lambert said High Isle is the centrepiece of a year-long storyline. It features an extensive look into the Breton culture and explores all-new locations never seen before in the Elder Scrolls universe.

"High Isle is the epitome of Breton society and culture. It's a lavish location where nobility and people of wealth go to vacation. Biome wise, the island is a mix of Mediterranean beaches and grasses, mixed in with a healthy dose of lush green jungles," he said.

On the outside, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is seen as a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). But it can hold its own as a single-player adventure, regardless of the player's skills.

Video games in The Elder Scrolls series have earned their place. Skyrim from 2011 sold more than 30 million copies (and counting), cementing itself as one of the biggest games of all time.

This number is also reflected with Elder Scrolls Online community; more than 20 million players have joined ESO since its launch in 2014.

READ MORE: Three new Star Wars games in development

Elder Scrolls Online being around for as long as it has may scare off any new players. But Mr Lambert said the best thing about ESO is you don't need to worry about catching up on past content to jump in.

"There are no restrictions – part of the magic of ESO is that you can go anywhere, do anything and play with anyone regardless of level or alliance," he told 9News.

"You don't have to grind through years of 'older' content to get to the new stuff. You just pick the story that appeals to you and go there."

This High Isle will see around 30 hours of new quest content, a new trial, public dungeons and delves.

But that's not all, Mr Lambert said.

"In addition to all the new story and lore, there's a huge new feature coming – a collectible trading card game that you play entirely within ESO."

This time around, the world is expanding without the threat of cosmic destruction, Mr Lambert said.

"We have done a lot of 'huge cosmic threats' and 'nostalgia trips' the last few years, so we wanted a change. That led us to focusing on doing a deep dive on the Bretons and their culture.

READ MORE: Sony releases in-depth look at Gran Turismo 7 with State of Play video

"The stories we're telling this year are more on the political or grounded side of things, rather than the 'cosmic' threats we've seen in the previous storylines," he said.

Of the new content, Mr Lambert said there are a heap of new quests he is excited for players to explore but one of his favourites involved a player teaming up with a new companion named Ember.

"Ember's questline is one of my particular favourites," he said.

"If I can only pick one new experience though, I'd have to call out the Tales of Tribute card game. It's a huge new addition to the game and is remarkably fun and deep."

READ MORE: TCL's first entry into the tablet market a welcome one

There's still a bit of a wait until players will get to experience the new content. The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle is coming to PC on June 6, while console gamers will need to wait until June 21.

If you're chasing news on Elder Scrolls 6, there's not much more to say. Following Microsoft's $10.5 billion acquisition of developer Bethesda last year, we haven't heard a peep about the next game in the series.

I think it's safe to assume Elder Scrolls 6 won't land until at least 2023.

In the meantime, if you're looking for something to fill the Skyrim void, after experiencing the game myself I'm happy to say that Elder Scrolls Online is just as enchanting as the single-player game.

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Lifeline launches 24/7 text service as record number of Aussies seek support

Australians in need of psychological support will now be able to text Lifeline and get help at any time of day or night.

The mental health charity has launched a 24/7 crisis text service to expand its support lines as record numbers of Australians reach out to Lifeline.

People can send a confidential text message to 0477 13 11 14 at any time and will be connected to a trained Lifeline crisis supporter after answering a few questions.

READ MORE: Half of Victorians aged five to 11 vaccinated as COVID-19 hospitalisations drop

Woman texting on phone

Lifeline's telephone and online chat service are also available 24/7.

However, the text service has been expanded to 24/7 service after a two-year limited service showed texting was the preferred means of contact for many people.

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt data showed texting was preferred by "high risk members of the community including young people, those experiencing family and domestic violence, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people".

Australians are reaching out to Lifeline's crisis support and suicide prevention services in record numbers after two years being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lifeline received more than 3700 calls in just one day in January, marking an all new high in its 58-year history.

READ MORE: Woman made to wait in hospital car park while mum died alone

The charity broke records when it received 3436 calls in August when many states were in lockdown.

It received a record 1,070,860 calls in 2021, with an average of 90 per cent of calls answers.

The service also responded to 51,265 text conversations last year.

The expansion of the text service has been funded by $1.5 million from the federal government.

Lifeline can be called on 13 11 14 or at www.lifeline.org.au.