Starfield's Release: Years to Wait, Promises "Epic Adventure"

While Starfield's 2023 launch is still fresh, anticipation for a sequel is already building. Though Bethesda remains officially silent, a former developer has offered intriguing insights. This article explores those comments and what they might suggest for Starfield's future.

Starfield 2: A Promising Sequel, According to a Former Bethesda Developer

A Strong Foundation for a Stellar Sequel

Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer at Bethesda with a significant role in titles like Skyrim and Oblivion, recently predicted a spectacular Starfield 2. Having departed Bethesda in September 2021, Nesmith believes the groundwork laid by the original Starfield positions the sequel for substantial improvement. He highlights the iterative development process seen in previous Bethesda franchises, suggesting Starfield 2 will learn from its predecessor's successes and shortcomings.

In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith emphasized the advantages of sequel development, drawing parallels to the evolution of Skyrim from Oblivion, and Oblivion from Morrowind. He noted that while Starfield was impressive, much of its development involved 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’s going to address a lot of the things people are saying," Nesmith stated. "‘We’re quite there. We’re missing a little bit.’ 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."

Nesmith further compared the potential of Starfield 2 to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, which saw their defining moments in sequels that refined and expanded upon their initial installments. "It takes, sadly, sometimes a second or third version of the game in order to really enrich everything," he added.

A Longer-Term Vision: Starfield 2's Release Date Remains Uncertain

Starfield's initial reception was mixed, with critics offering varied opinions on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to establishing Starfield as a major franchise alongside The Elder Scrolls and Fallout is evident. In June, Bethesda's Todd Howard confirmed plans for annual story expansions for Starfield, aiming for a long-term commitment.

Howard explained Bethesda's deliberate approach to game development and franchise management, prioritizing quality and meaningful experiences for fans. "We just want to get it right and make sure that everything we’re doing in a franchise, whether it’s Elder Scrolls or Fallout or now Starfield, that those become meaningful moments for everybody who loves these franchises as much as we do," he stated.

Bethesda's history of extensive development cycles is well-documented. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, remains in early development, according to Bethesda's Pete Hines. Howard has also confirmed Fallout 5 as the next project after The Elder Scrolls VI. Considering 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, a Starfield 2 release might not arrive until the mid-2030s.

While Starfield 2 remains speculative, Howard's commitment to supporting Starfield is reassuring. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial concerns, and further DLC is planned. Fans can look forward to continued content while patiently awaiting the potential arrival of Starfield 2.