Starfield 2: A Hell of a Game, But Years Away?
Speculation surrounding a Starfield sequel is already swirling, despite the game's 2023 release. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, a former developer has offered intriguing insights.
A Former Bethesda Designer's Optimistic Outlook
Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer with a significant history at Bethesda (contributing to Skyrim and Oblivion), recently predicted that Starfield 2, should it materialize, will be "one hell of a game." Nesmith, who departed in September 2021, believes the foundation laid by the original Starfield provides a strong base for a superior sequel. He highlighted the iterative improvements seen in previous Bethesda franchises, such as the progression from Morrowind to Oblivion to Skyrim, suggesting Starfield 2 can build upon and refine its predecessor's mechanics and systems. He emphasized that while the first Starfield was impressive, much of its development involved building new systems from scratch. This groundwork, he argues, will streamline the sequel's development.
Nesmith drew parallels to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, noting how sequels often significantly enhance and refine the original game's core concepts. He anticipates Starfield 2 will directly address player feedback and incorporate substantial improvements.
A Long Road Ahead: Release Date Speculation
The initial Starfield release garnered mixed reviews, with criticisms focusing on pacing and content. However, Bethesda's commitment to establishing Starfield as a major franchise alongside The Elder Scrolls and Fallout is evident. Director Todd Howard confirmed plans for annual story expansions for "hopefully a very long time."
Bethesda's reputation for lengthy development cycles is well-established. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, remains in early development. Fallout 5 is slated to follow The Elder Scrolls VI. Considering Xbox's Phil Spencer's 2023 statement that The Elder Scrolls VI is "at least five years out," a 2026 release at the earliest seems plausible. Given a similar development timeframe for Fallout 5, Starfield 2 might not arrive until the mid-2030s.
Looking Ahead
While Starfield 2 remains hypothetical, Howard's dedication to the franchise is reassuring. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial shortcomings, 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.
