Starfield Development Continues with "Hell of a Game" Promise

Speculation Mounts for Starfield 2: A "Hell of a Game" Years in the Making?

While Starfield's 2023 launch is still fresh in gamers' minds, whispers of a sequel are already circulating. Although Bethesda remains officially silent, a former developer has offered intriguing insights. Let's delve into the comments and explore what a potential Starfield 2 might entail.

Former Bethesda Lead Designer's Optimistic Outlook

Bruce Nesmith, a prominent figure in Bethesda's development history (contributing to Skyrim and Oblivion), recently declared that Starfield 2, should it materialize, will be "one hell of a game." Having departed Bethesda in September 2021, Nesmith believes the foundation laid by the original Starfield provides a strong springboard for a superior sequel. He highlighted the iterative improvements seen in previous Bethesda franchises (Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim), suggesting that Starfield 2 can leverage established systems while addressing initial criticisms. He emphasized that while the first Starfield was ambitious, much of its development involved building new systems from scratch. This groundwork, he argues, will streamline the sequel's development.

"I’m looking forward to Starfield 2. I think it’s going to be one hell of a game because it’s going to address a lot of the things people are saying," Nesmith stated. He anticipates the sequel will refine existing elements and introduce significant new content. He drew parallels to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, which saw their defining moments in sequels that built upon and refined their predecessors.

A Long Wait Ahead: Release Date Speculation

Starfield's reception was mixed, with critiques focusing on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to establishing Starfield as a major franchise alongside The Elder Scrolls and Fallout is evident. Todd Howard, Bethesda's director, confirmed plans for annual story expansions for "hopefully a very long time."

Howard emphasized Bethesda's dedication to meticulous game development and franchise management, prioritizing quality over speed. This approach, coupled with the lengthy development cycles of The Elder Scrolls VI (in pre-production since 2018, and still in early stages according to Pete Hines) and the planned Fallout 5, suggests a considerable wait for Starfield 2. Considering Phil Spencer's 2023 statement that The Elder Scrolls VI is "at least five years out," a Starfield 2 release before the mid-2030s seems unlikely.

While Starfield 2 remains firmly in the realm of speculation, Bethesda's commitment to the franchise is clear. The recent release of Shattered Space DLC demonstrates their ongoing support, addressing some of the original game's shortcomings. Further DLC is planned, keeping fans engaged while the possibility of a future Starfield 2 remains a tantalizing prospect.