TLDR;
The video discusses the challenges and criticisms Bethesda Game Studios faces, particularly regarding its Creation Engine and the upcoming Elder Scrolls 6. It highlights concerns about dated game design, the engine's limitations, and whether Bethesda can meet the high expectations of fans. The video also touches on the possibility of switching to Unreal Engine 5 and the implications of such a move.
- Bethesda faces pressure to evolve and deliver a great Elder Scrolls 6.
- The Creation Engine is a major point of contention, with some advocating for a switch to Unreal Engine 5.
- Concerns exist about Bethesda's ability to keep up with modern game development standards.
Intro [0:00]
Bethesda has been facing a wake-up call for years, starting around the time of Fallout 4 and even as far back as Skyrim. Fallout 4 was a turning point, with its clunky, dated design drawing criticism that has only continued with subsequent releases like Starfield. Discussions have arisen about the future of Bethesda Game Studios and whether it involves their Creation Engine.
Starfield rocky past and future [0:35]
In 2025, Bethesda is still working on Starfield, with a second big expansion in development called Terran Armada. The first expansion, Shattered Space, did not improve Starfield's reputation. The Starfield universe lacks the community interest seen in Fallout or The Elder Scrolls, with few players feeling drawn to its factions or lore.
The pressure is on TES VI [1:44]
The main focus of Bethesda's Maryland office is The Elder Scrolls 6. Todd Howard mentioned that the game is in development, likely a couple of years away. There is conversation about what The Elder Scrolls 6 should represent and how Bethesda needs to evolve, particularly in its writing, which has been criticised as boring or laughable. The pressure is on for The Elder Scrolls 6 to be great, especially given the long gap since Skyrim.
Former lead dev speaks out [4:36]
One of the major issues hurting Bethesda is their game engine, a problem dating back to Skyrim. A former Bethesda lead artist, Nate Perkupile, suggests abandoning the Creation Engine for Unreal Engine 5. Perkupile, who left Bethesda during Starfield's development due to the team becoming too large, has been critical of the studio's direction. He believes smaller development teams allow for easier integration of ideas into a game.
The engine problem [7:44]
Perkupile explained in an interview with Kiwi Talks why Bethesda should move to Unreal Engine 5, noting that other studios with similar tech, like CD Project Red, have made the switch. While acknowledging the work involved, he argues that Unreal Engine 5 offers a large tool and knowledge base, making it easier to hire and stay relevant. He describes developing on the Creation Engine as "laying the train tracks while also on fire," similar to CD Project Red's experience with Cyberpunk 2077.
Former Skyrim lead dev speaks out [9:15]
Skyrim's former lead designer, Bruce Nesmith, has a different perspective, stating that the Creation Engine is perfectly tuned for Bethesda's sweeping, reactive worlds. He argues that the engine is in service to the game and that switching to Unreal Engine would involve a huge shift, years of implementation, and massive costs. Nesmith admits to tech debt within the Creation Engine but believes the game's quality is more important than the engine itself.
Bethesda dilemma [13:05]
Starfield has a mixed reception on Steam, indicating a decline in quality compared to previous titles like Fallout 4. While the Creation Engine has aspects that some enjoy, such as the ability to pick up any item, it doesn't necessarily improve the overall gameplay experience. The jankiness associated with Bethesda games may be fun for a few videos, but it doesn't make the game better.
Complacency is a problem [15:15]
Former Bethesda developer Nate Perkupile was surprised by the number of loading screens in Starfield, suggesting that some were unnecessary. He attributes the game's segmentation to the way the Creation Engine works, particularly regarding performance. Bruce Nesmith addressed the loading screen concern, implying that they will continue to be a part of Bethesda games due to the detailed and graphics-intensive nature of their open worlds.
Unreal Engine 5 reputation [18:40]
The Oblivion remaster offered a glimpse of what Unreal Engine could look like in an Elder Scrolls experience, but it only handled rendering while the Creation Engine handled everything else. Unreal Engine 5 has had a disastrous reputation this console generation, with many developers failing to prioritise optimisation. While it's unclear if Unreal Engine 5 is the answer, Bethesda's current approach isn't working, and something needs to change.
The mounting concerns [20:24]
An ex-Bethesda developer expressed scepticism about the current team's ability to deliver a great Elder Scrolls 6. Skyrim's co-lead suggested that Todd Howard tends to avoid the "weird stuff," which could hurt the game. Starfield was criticised for its lack of creativity and uninteresting universe. The pressure is on for The Elder Scrolls 6, and the decision to stick with the Creation Engine is being questioned by former developers.