Starfield 2: A Promising Sequel, But Years Away
Starfield, released in 2023, has already sparked anticipation for a sequel. While Bethesda remains tight-lipped, former lead designer Bruce Nesmith offers an optimistic outlook. He confidently predicts Starfield 2 will be "one hell of a game," building upon its predecessor's foundation and addressing player feedback.
Nesmith, a veteran of Bethesda's development team (contributing to Skyrim and Oblivion), believes the initial game's groundwork, despite its "starting from scratch" approach, will streamline the sequel's creation. He anticipates Starfield 2 will incorporate improvements and new features, learning from both successes and shortcomings.
Drawing parallels to franchises like Mass Effect and Assassin's Creed, Nesmith suggests that sequels often refine and enhance the initial concept, leading to a more polished and enriching experience. "It takes, sadly, sometimes a second or third version of the game to really enrich everything," he noted.
However, patience is key. Bethesda's Director, Todd Howard, confirmed plans for annual story expansions for Starfield, indicating a long-term commitment. He emphasized Bethesda's dedication to quality over speed, prioritizing the creation of "meaningful moments" for fans.
Considering Bethesda's lengthy development cycles (The Elder Scrolls VI, in pre-production since 2018, is still in early stages, with Fallout 5 to follow), a Starfield 2 release seems far off. Considering estimates placing The Elder Scrolls VI at least five years away, a Starfield sequel might not arrive until the mid-2030s.
While Starfield 2 remains speculative, Bethesda's commitment to the franchise is evident. The recent release of the Shattered Space DLC addresses some initial criticisms, 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.
