Bethesda’s latest intellectual property, Starfield, has stepped into the big leagues alongside legendary franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. With such a prestigious lineup to match, expectations were sky-high upon its release. However, what followed was a mix of anticipation and disappointment. Starfield, a venture into the realm of space exploration, deviated from the familiar medieval fantasy and post-apocalyptic settings we’ve come to expect. Yet, despite its novelty, many players felt it fell short of the promises and immense hype built around it.
The Elder Scrolls, crowned by the spectacular success of Skyrim, remains a cornerstone of Bethesda’s portfolio, boasting immense popularity. With The Elder Scrolls 6 being the next big thing fans are eagerly waiting for—for nearly a decade now—there’s a palpable sense of apprehension following Starfield’s rocky execution. Despite the stumbles, there’s hope that if Bethesda reflects on what didn’t work with Starfield and dedicates sufficient time and resources before unveiling The Elder Scrolls 6, they could steer clear of previous pitfalls.
In Bethesda’s upcoming releases, The Elder Scrolls 6 holds a special place, with fans longing for a return to the beloved fantasy world. Unlike Starfield, The Elder Scrolls 6 hasn’t undergone excessive reboots during its development, suggesting potentially smoother progress towards a polished outcome. By leveraging the lessons learned from Starfield’s development challenges, Bethesda could refine their approach to delivering a game that aligns with the community’s high expectations.
Having trudged through Starfield’s developmental hurdles, Bethesda’s insights should prove invaluable as they pivot towards The Elder Scrolls 6. Before announcing a release date or even giving a full reveal, it’s crucial for them to assure fans that the game meets the standards they anticipate, considering how long it’s been in the works.
In the realm of AAA gaming, there’s a growing strategy of announcing new titles just a short time before their actual release. This helps ensure that all details are finalized, reducing the risk of overpromising features that might not end up in the game. Premature disclosures can lead to player disillusionment if the final product diverges from initial expectations.
Instead of rushing to announce something to appease fans who have been waiting since 2011 for the next Elder Scrolls installment, Bethesda should focus on making sure The Elder Scrolls 6 development stays on track to deliver what fans truly expect. In practical terms, that might mean holding off on any official announcements for a little while longer. But if this patience leads to a game that fulfills what players hope for, it will surely be worth the long wait for one of the most cherished franchises in gaming history.