Former Dev Casts Doubt on Starfield 2
In the sprawling world of Bethesda Game Studios, the ongoing evolution of Starfield has sparked a fascinating debate among industry veterans about the future of open-world RPGs. While the studio continues to pour energy into post-launch content and improvements, the conversation inevitably turns to the question of a sequel, and where the creative ambitions went in the process.
Despite the promise of expansive roleplaying and engaging combat, some observers suggest that the game struggled to reach its full potential. Former Bethesda Lead Systems Designer Kurt Kuhlmann weighed in, offering a candid assessment that tempered the excitement around future installments. When asked about a potential Starfield 2, Kuhlmann stated plainly, “I don’t think Starfield was anywhere near successful enough to do a Starfield 2.”
This skepticism is rooted in the game’s divisive reception. Even with respectable combat and the allure of expansive quests, the game faced forces that hindered its overall success. Kuhlmann reflected on the ambitious vision that was set forth, noting that a sequel could have been much closer to the original concepts that Todd Howard had in mind. He suggested that with the lessons learned from Starfield’s development, a subsequent title could have delivered something far more satisfying than was realized.
Despite these retrospective views, Bethesda has clearly maintained a commitment to the world they built. In July, Todd Howard reiterated the studio’s dedication, promising continued expansion of the Settled Systems, targeted gameplay improvements, and additional updates while preparing for new content next year. These ongoing updates suggest a focus on refining the current experience rather than immediately jumping into a large-scale sequel.
Meanwhile, the studio’s attention appears to be firmly focused on other major franchises. There is significant momentum building around the release of The Elder Scrolls VI, which is likely still a couple of years away. Furthermore, Obsidian has been tapped to develop a new Fallout game, indicating that the studio is actively exploring new avenues within the broader RPG landscape.
While the door for a Starfield sequel remains theoretically open, the current development focus suggests that the studio is prioritizing these other massive projects. For now, the narrative appears to be centered on refining the present and exploring new worlds, rather than immediately embarking on a new Starfield adventure.
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