Speculation Mounts for Starfield 2: A "Hell of a Game" Years in the Making
While Starfield's 2023 launch is still fresh, whispers of a sequel are already circulating. Although Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer has offered intriguing insights. Let's delve into their comments and explore the potential of Starfield 2.
Former Bethesda Lead Designer Hints at an Epic Sequel
Bruce Nesmith, a veteran Bethesda designer with a hand in 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 positions the sequel for significant improvement, building upon lessons learned and pre-existing infrastructure.
Nesmith, in an interview with VideoGamer, drew parallels to the evolution of the Elder Scrolls series, highlighting how each iteration (Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim) refined its predecessor. He suggests Starfield's development, while impressive, involved creating many systems from scratch. This initial groundwork, he argues, will streamline the sequel's development.
"I’m looking forward to Starfield 2," Nesmith stated. "It’s going to address a lot of the things people are saying… ‘We’re quite there. We’re missing a little bit.’ It will build on what's there, add new content, and rectify existing issues." He further compared the potential of Starfield 2 to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, which blossomed into iconic series after initially imperfect first installments.
A Long Road Ahead: Release Date Speculation
Starfield's reception was mixed, with criticism focusing on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to Starfield as a core franchise alongside Elder Scrolls and Fallout is evident. Todd Howard, Bethesda's director, confirmed plans for annual story expansions, aiming for "a very long time."
Howard emphasized Bethesda's dedication to meticulous game development and franchise management. "We want to get it right," he explained, "and ensure that everything we do in a franchise becomes a meaningful experience for fans."
Bethesda's history reveals lengthy development cycles. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, remains in early development. Fallout 5 is slated to follow Elder Scrolls VI. Considering Phil Spencer's 2023 statement that 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 hypothetical, Howard's commitment to the franchise is reassuring. The recent release of Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial concerns, and further DLC is planned. For now, fans can anticipate continued support for Starfield while patiently awaiting the potential arrival of its highly anticipated sequel.
