Starfield 2: A Former Bethesda Dev's Bold Prediction and the Long Road Ahead
Starfield may have only launched in 2023, but whispers of a sequel are already circulating. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer has offered intriguing insights. Read on to discover their comments and what a potential Starfield sequel might hold.
A "Hell of a Game" in the Making?
Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer at Bethesda with a significant role in titles like Skyrim and Oblivion, recently predicted that Starfield 2, if developed, will be "one hell of a game." Nesmith, who departed Bethesda in September 2021, believes the foundation laid by the first Starfield, combined with lessons learned, positions the sequel for significant improvement. He points to the iterative development of previous Bethesda franchises, like the evolution from Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim, as evidence. He suggests that while Starfield was impressive, its creation involved building many systems from scratch, a process that will be smoother for a sequel.
"I’m looking forward to Starfield 2," Nesmith stated in a recent interview. "It will be able to take what’s in there right now and put in a lot of new stuff and fix a lot of those problems." He compared the potential of Starfield 2 to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, where sequels refined and expanded upon the initial game's strengths.
A Long Wait Ahead?
Starfield's initial reception was mixed, with criticism directed at pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to Starfield as a flagship franchise alongside The Elder Scrolls and Fallout is clear. Director Todd Howard confirmed plans for annual story expansions, aiming for long-term support. He emphasized Bethesda's dedication to quality and meaningful additions to its franchises.
Bethesda's history of lengthy development cycles is well-documented. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, is still in early development. Fallout 5 is slated to follow The Elder Scrolls VI. Considering Xbox's Phil Spencer's statement that The Elder Scrolls VI is at least five years out, a 2026 release at the earliest seems realistic. If Fallout 5 follows a similar timeline, Starfield 2 might not arrive until the mid-2030s.
The Future of Starfield
While Starfield 2 remains speculative, Bethesda's commitment to the franchise is undeniable. The recent release of Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial criticisms, and more DLC is planned. For now, fans can enjoy the existing content and anticipate future updates while patiently awaiting the potential arrival of Starfield 2.
