Starfield 2: A Former Dev's Bold Prediction and a Long Road Ahead
Starfield, Bethesda's ambitious spacefaring RPG, only launched in 2023, but whispers of a sequel are already circulating. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer has offered intriguing insights. Read on to discover what's been said about Starfield 2 and the potential timeline for its release.
A former Bethesda lead designer, Bruce Nesmith (a key figure in Skyrim and Oblivion), recently predicted that Starfield 2, if developed, will be "one hell of a game." Nesmith, who departed Bethesda in September 2021, believes the groundwork laid by the first Starfield provides a strong foundation for an even better sequel. He highlighted the iterative improvement seen in previous Bethesda franchises like The Elder Scrolls, suggesting Starfield 2 will learn from the original's successes and address criticisms.
Nesmith, in an interview with VideoGamer, emphasized that while Starfield was impressive, much of it involved building new systems and technology from scratch. He anticipates Starfield 2 will leverage these existing foundations to incorporate more features and resolve any shortcomings. He cited the evolution of the Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed franchises as examples of how sequels often refine and expand upon the original game's concept, creating truly iconic experiences.
While Starfield received mixed reviews, with some criticism regarding pacing and content, Bethesda has committed to building Starfield into a major franchise alongside The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Bethesda's Todd Howard confirmed plans for annual story expansions for "hopefully a very long time," indicating a long-term commitment to the game's development. However, Bethesda is known for its lengthy development cycles. Considering the early development stage of The Elder Scrolls VI (pre-production since 2018) and the planned Fallout 5, a Starfield 2 release seems far off.
Based on Phil Spencer's 2023 statement that The Elder Scrolls VI is "at least five years out," and the likely sequence of Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 5 releases, a Starfield 2 launch could potentially be pushed back to the mid-2030s.
Although Starfield 2 remains speculative, Bethesda's commitment to the franchise is clear. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial concerns, and further DLC is planned. For now, Starfield fans will have to content themselves with the existing game and its upcoming expansions while patiently awaiting the potential arrival of its highly anticipated sequel. The foundation is set, and the promise of "one hell of a game" is certainly enticing.
