Starfield: Release Date Distant, But "Hell of a Game" Promised

Starfield's 2023 launch has already sparked anticipation for a sequel. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer offers insights. Let's explore their comments and what a potential Starfield 2 might entail.

Starfield 2: "One Hell of a Game," Claims Ex-Bethesda Dev

A former Bethesda lead designer, Bruce Nesmith, a key figure behind Skyrim and Oblivion, boldly predicts a stellar Starfield sequel. Having departed Bethesda in September 2021, Nesmith believes Starfield 2, if developed, will significantly surpass its predecessor, leveraging lessons learned and existing foundational work.

In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith highlighted the advantages of sequel development, drawing parallels to the evolution of Skyrim from Oblivion, and Oblivion from Morrowind. He suggests Starfield's groundwork simplifies the sequel's creation, despite the original's challenges of building new systems and technologies from scratch.

"I'm looking forward to Starfield 2. I think it's going to be one hell of a game because it will address many player concerns," Nesmith stated. "It can build upon the existing foundation, adding substantial new content while rectifying existing issues."

He compared the potential of Starfield 2 to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, series that refined their initial concepts in later, iconic installments. Nesmith noted, "Often, a second or third iteration is needed to truly enrich the overall experience."

Starfield 2: A Long Road Ahead

Starfield's initial reception was mixed, with varying opinions on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to Starfield as a flagship franchise alongside The Elder Scrolls and Fallout is clear. Bethesda's Director, Todd Howard, confirmed plans for annual story expansions for Starfield for "hopefully a very long time" in a June interview with YouTuber MrMattyPlays.

Howard emphasized Bethesda's dedication to meticulous game development and franchise management to maintain high standards. "We want to ensure that every entry in a franchise, whether Elder Scrolls, Fallout, or now Starfield, creates meaningful moments for fans," Howard explained.

Bethesda's lengthy development cycles are well-known. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, remains in "early development," according to Bethesda's head of publishing, Pete Hines. Howard confirmed Fallout 5 will follow The Elder Scrolls VI. Considering Xbox's Phil Spencer's 2023 statement that The Elder Scrolls VI is "at least five years out," a 2026 release at the earliest seems plausible. If Fallout 5 follows a similar timeline, Starfield 2 might not arrive until the mid-2030s.

While Starfield 2 remains speculative, Howard's commitment to Starfield is reassuring. The recent release of Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial concerns, and further DLC is planned. Fans eagerly await both future DLC and the potential arrival of Starfield 2.