Starfield's Release Delayed, but Highly Anticipated

Speculation about Starfield 2 is already swirling, despite Starfield's 2023 release. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer has offered insights. This article explores those comments and what they might mean for a potential sequel.

Starfield 2: A "Hell of a Game" in the Making?

A former lead Bethesda designer, Bruce Nesmith, boldly predicted that Starfield 2, if developed, will be "one hell of a game." Nesmith, a veteran of Bethesda with contributions to Skyrim and Oblivion, believes the foundation laid by the first Starfield will facilitate a superior sequel. His recent interview highlighted the iterative nature of Bethesda's game development, drawing parallels to the progression from Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim. He suggests that Starfield's initial challenges, stemming from building new systems and technology, will be significantly mitigated in a sequel.

Nesmith anticipates Starfield 2 will address player feedback, incorporating new features while refining existing mechanics. He used examples like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, franchises that refined their initial concepts across multiple installments, to illustrate the potential for improvement.

Starfield 2: A Distant Horizon?

Starfield's reception was mixed, with critiques focusing on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to the franchise is evident in their plans for annual story expansions, as confirmed by Director Todd Howard. He emphasized Bethesda's focus on quality and thoughtful development across all franchises, including Starfield, Elder Scrolls, and Fallout.

Bethesda's lengthy development cycles are well-known. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, remains in early development. Fallout 5 is slated to follow The Elder Scrolls VI. Considering Phil Spencer's 2023 statement that The Elder Scrolls VI is at least five years away, 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, Bethesda's commitment to Starfield is clear. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial criticisms. Further DLC is planned, keeping fans engaged while the possibility of a Starfield 2 remains a tantalizing prospect.