Highlights
Bethesda has had its ups and downs over the years, and public perception of the studio is currently mixed.
Starfield, the highly anticipated game by Bethesda, has the opportunity to serve as a new beginning for the studio and start afresh.
The success of Starfield has the potential to restore Bethesda's position at the pinnacle of the gaming industry, but on the flip side, its failure could result in lasting harm to the studio's reputation.
With a history dating back to the mid-1980s, Bethesda stands as one of the oldest and most esteemed Western developers in the industry. Over the past three decades, it has enjoyed a steadily growing fanbase, gaining mainstream recognition with iconic titles like the long-running The Elder Scrolls series, which debuted in 1994. Today, Bethesda is renowned as one of the industry's top developers, eagerly anticipated for its upcoming AAA project, Starfield, set to release in just a little over a month.
Throughout its journey, Bethesda has encountered both triumphs and setbacks, but what truly matters in the present, in 2023, is how the gaming community perceives the studio. Opinions may be somewhat divided. Despite creating indisputably exceptional RPGs, Bethesda has also stumbled in recent years. However, with Starfield poised to make its grand entrance, it carries the potential to mark a fresh new chapter for Bethesda, meeting the current needs of the studio.
Starfield is Bethesda's Chance to Start Again
Bethesda's tumultuous past decade has been no secret. After the enormous success of Skyrim in 2011, the studio soared to the pinnacle of the gaming industry and remained there for several years. However, the release of Fallout 4 in 2015 brought about the first hints of doubt among fans. While Fallout 4 was a good game in its own right, it didn't quite satisfy the fervent expectations for a major sequel. Then, the disastrous launch of Fallout 76 in 2018 completely shattered public perception of Bethesda practically overnight.
Once a powerhouse in the industry, the studio suffered a significant downfall in 2018. Nevertheless, Bethesda has been slowly recovering from the brink of failure. Fallout 76 has undergone numerous updates and expansions, transforming it into a much more enjoyable experience, albeit still not the game fans truly longed for. Furthermore, the studio has taken substantial ownership of its recent failures, leading to a gradual shift in public perception of Bethesda once again.
Starfield is not only Xbox's saving grace but also a fresh start for Bethesda. It has the potential to completely redefine the company. While Starfield still possesses the familiar game systems and mechanics of a Bethesda RPG, it distinguishes itself from The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. With its sci-fi setting, ship flying and customization mechanics, a multitude of planets to explore, and an expansive progression system, Starfield is Bethesda's most ambitious project to date. This ambition could mark the beginning of a new era for the company. However, there is a significant risk involved. If Starfield fails to live up to the immense hype, it could severely damage Bethesda's already fragile reputation. With potentially three high-profile disappointments in a row, Starfield may spell the end of an era rather than a new beginning.
Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
