Starfield 2 Release Probably Years Away, But Promised to be “One Hell of a Game”

Speculation Mounts for Starfield 2: A "Hell of a Game" Years Away?

Though Starfield's 2023 debut is fresh in gamers' minds, whispers of a sequel are already swirling. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer has offered intriguing insights.

A Former Bethesda Designer's Bold Prediction

Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer with a significant history at Bethesda (contributing to Skyrim and Oblivion), recently declared that Starfield 2, should it materialize, will be "one hell of a game." Nesmith, who departed Bethesda in September 2021, believes the groundwork laid by the first Starfield will facilitate a superior sequel, building upon and rectifying perceived shortcomings. He points to the iterative improvements seen in the Elder Scrolls series (Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim) as a precedent. He highlights that while Starfield was impressive, much of its development involved establishing new systems and technology from scratch. The sequel, he suggests, will leverage this foundation to incorporate substantial new content and address player feedback.

"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 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.

A Long Road Ahead: Release Date Uncertainties

Starfield's reception was mixed, with critiques focusing on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to Starfield as a flagship 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." He emphasized Bethesda's dedication to meticulous development and maintaining high standards across its franchises.

Bethesda's history of lengthy development cycles is well-documented. 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 out," a Starfield 2 release before the mid-2030s seems unlikely.

While Starfield 2 remains speculative, Bethesda's commitment to the franchise is reassuring. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial concerns, and more DLC is planned, bridging the gap until a potential sequel.