Bethesda's highly anticipated space epic Starfield was supposed to be the studio's next big thing, but its rocky reception has left everyone wondering what's next. As Bethesda's newest IP, Starfield could have launched to a better reception coming from such a storied developer. Touted as the third pillar of the studio's titanic IP library alongside Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, its failure to truly take off has dampened excitement around sequels and expansions. The recent delay of another DLC expansion spells trouble not just for Starfield, but potentially for The Elder Scrolls 6 as well. 😬
The Interconnected Fate of Two Titans 🎮
These two games, while different in setting and scope, are deeply connected in Bethesda's ecosystem. Many speculate that Bethesda's apparent pivot away from Starfield means they're now focusing entirely on The Elder Scrolls 6. While this might sound like good news for TES fans, it's not that simple. Game development is rarely as straightforward as seamlessly switching projects to make one better than another. The capacity of Bethesda's leadership to deliver a satisfying new TES game remains questionable, and this shift could indicate troubling trends for the company's future projects.
The Messy Reality of Game Development 🎨
Game development has always been more art than science, and Bethesda operates firmly on the artistic side of the spectrum. Unlike Activision's predictable Call of Duty production cycle with multiple studios, Bethesda takes its time, focusing intensely on one project at a time. It's been almost 14 years since Skyrim's release, and Todd Howard himself has admitted he never intended to leave the series dormant for so long. The lengthy gaps between major releases are part of Bethesda's DNA, but Starfield's development has stretched this pattern to its limits.
Starfield's Dominance in Bethesda's Timeline ⏰
Here's the brutal truth about why TES 6 has taken so long:
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2013: Bethesda trademarks Starfield name
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2015: Full production begins after Fallout 4
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Nearly a decade: Majority of resources dedicated to Starfield
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Result: TES 6 development effectively postponed
Without Starfield's massive resource drain, TES 6 could probably have launched around 2023. Many fans have rightfully bemoaned this timeline, but the reality is that Starfield's development came at TES 6's expense. Now that Starfield's support appears to be slowing down, it won't automatically translate to faster TES 6 development.
Historical Precedents Don't Look Good 📉
Looking at other studios provides sobering examples of what might happen:
| Game | Studio | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dawn of War 3 | Relic | All expansion plans cancelled |
| Company of Heroes 3 | Relic | Plagued with issues for years |
Relic's experience with Dawn of War 3 shows that abandoning a troubled project doesn't magically improve the next one. Company of Heroes 3, despite being DoW 3's spiritual successor, suffered from balance and performance problems that took years to address.
The Todd Howard Factor 🤔
Perhaps most alarming is how quickly Bethesda appears ready to move on from what Todd Howard described as his "dream project." If the studio can abandon its creative lead's passion project so swiftly, it sets a dangerous precedent for TES 6. Should TES 6 fail to meet Bethesda's financial expectations, it could face similar abandonment. This mentality doesn't materially improve follow-up projects and leaves TES 6 on some seriously shaky ground.
What This Means for TES 6
The current situation creates several concerning scenarios for The Elder Scrolls 6:
🔥 Rushed Development: Pressure to deliver might lead to cutting corners
🔥 Resource Constraints: Shifting teams doesn't guarantee better results
🔥 Unrealistic Expectations: Fans have waited over a decade for perfection
🔥 Corporate Pressure: Microsoft's acquisition adds another layer of complexity
The Silver Lining? Maybe... 🌈
While the situation looks grim, there are potential positives:
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Bethesda has learned valuable lessons from Starfield's reception
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The extended development time means more polished technology
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Microsoft's resources could provide additional support
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Fan feedback from Starfield might influence TES 6's design
However, these are just maybes in an ocean of uncertainty. The gaming community watches with bated breath as Bethesda navigates these turbulent waters. One thing's for sure: the pressure's on, and the stakes have never been higher for one of gaming's most beloved franchises. The fate of Tameria might just depend on how Bethesda handles the aftermath of their cosmic misstep. 🚀✨
The analysis is based on Game Informer, a trusted source for gaming news and reviews. Game Informer's extensive coverage of Bethesda's development cycles and post-launch support provides valuable context for understanding the challenges facing both Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6, especially in light of shifting studio priorities and heightened fan expectations.