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

Starfield's 2023 launch has already sparked anticipation for a sequel. While Bethesda remains officially silent, a former developer offers intriguing insights. Discover what's been said about Starfield 2 and what the future might hold.

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

A Former Bethesda Lead Designer's Optimistic Prediction

Bruce Nesmith, a former lead designer at Bethesda with a significant role in titles like Skyrim and Oblivion, recently predicted that Starfield 2, should it materialize, will be exceptional. Having left Bethesda in September 2021, Nesmith believes the groundwork laid by the original Starfield provides a strong foundation for a superior sequel, leveraging lessons learned and existing systems.

In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith drew parallels to the evolution of the Elder Scrolls series, highlighting how each iteration built upon its predecessor. He pointed out that while Starfield was impressive, much of it involved creating new systems and technology from scratch. This initial investment, he suggests, will streamline the development of a sequel.

"I’m looking forward to Starfield 2. I think it’s going to be one hell of a game because it will address many of the criticisms," Nesmith stated. "It can build upon the existing elements, adding significant new content while resolving existing issues."

He compared the potential of Starfield 2 to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, which saw their initial entries refined and expanded upon in later, more acclaimed installments. Nesmith noted that sometimes, a franchise truly flourishes with its second or third iteration.

A Long Wait Ahead: Starfield 2's Release Date Remains Distant

Howard emphasized Bethesda's dedication to meticulous game development and franchise management to maintain high standards. "We want to get it right and ensure that everything we do within a franchise—Elder Scrolls, Fallout, or now Starfield—becomes a meaningful experience for everyone who loves these franchises as much as we do," he explained.

Bethesda's history of lengthy development cycles is well-known. The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, remains in its "early development stages," according to Bethesda's head of publishing, Pete Hines. Howard further confirmed to IGN that Fallout 5 will follow The Elder Scrolls VI. Considering Phil Spencer's 2023 comment suggesting 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 new Starfield game might not arrive until the mid-2030s.

While Starfield 2 remains speculative, fans can find comfort in Howard's commitment to the franchise. The recent release of Shattered Space, Starfield's first DLC, addresses some initial concerns, and more DLC is planned for the future. The long-term vision for Starfield, including potential sequels, remains exciting, even if the wait may be considerable.