Former Bethesda designer claims Starfield 2 unlikely due to execution flaws and mixed reception

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.

Kurt Kuhlmann, former Lead Systems Designer for Starfield, believes a direct sequel to the space RPG is unlikely to happen, stating that the game did not achieve enough success to justify a Starfield 2.

Launch metrics vs. fan reception

• Player Count & Reception: Starfield accumulated at least 15 million players since launch, reached 1 million concurrent players at its debut, and holds a Metacritic score in the 80s range.
• Fan Disappointment: Despite these numbers, much of Bethesda’s loyal audience views the title as a disappointment, contrasting with the far warmer receptions of Skyrim and Fallout 4.
• Designer’s Assessment: Kuhlmann, who left Bethesda near the game’s release, stated he would be “very surprised” if a sequel was announced, noting the title fell short of what it could have been.

The outpost system and dev incoherencies

• Disconnected Mechanics: Kuhlmann pointed to the outpost system as an example of internal design flaws, stating that while it works as an isolated system, it fails to connect to the rest of the game.
• Comparison to Fallout 4: Fallout 4‘s settlement system suffered integration issues with its story and quests, causing developers to set it aside. Kuhlmann questioned why Starfield‘s outposts remained in the game without narrative integration despite requiring a massive volume of work, noting the choice to keep it was not his decision.

Todd Howard’s vision and lessons for ‘The Elder Scrolls 6’

• Unfulfilled Ambition: Game director Todd Howard wanted to build a project like Starfield for decades. Kuhlmann stated the final game failed to match Howard’s ideal vision, offering cool individual moments within a package that lacks total coherence.
• Overambitious Scope: Kuhlmann previously maintained that Bethesda should not have made Starfield because the project was too ambitious for a developer of its size to properly execute.
• Future Impact: The former designer hopes Bethesda will incorporate the hard-learned lessons from Starfield‘s development into The Elder Scrolls 6.

Stay connected via Google News

Follow us for the latest travel updates and guides.

Share

Amanda Torati

View

Amanda Torati is a linguist and postgraduate researcher who specializes in the intersection of storytelling and interactive media. With a deep fascination for the gaming ecosystem, she focuses on deconstructing game narratives and technical trends to make them accessible to players of all levels. At ABWaves Game, Amanda combines her academic background with in-depth research to deliver reviews and guides that are both precise and engaging, ensuring readers stay informed in a fast-paced digital world.

Most recent

News

Paramount Pictures to produce live-action Cyberpunk 2077 movie led by Lorenzo di Bonaventura

Paramount Pictures is adapting CD Projekt Red's sci-fi franchise Cyberpunk 2077 into a live-action feature film, with Transformers producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura attached to produce. While no official release date has been set, the adaptation marks a major expansion for the gaming property following international media reports and executive confirmation.

by Amanda Torati

October 9, 2026 at 12:34 PM

News

Arc System Works unveils Phoenix Cyclops as first DLC character for MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls

Arc System Works has revealed the gameplay trailer for Phoenix Cyclops, the first Year 1 DLC character arriving in MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls on November 2. Voiced by Ray Chase, this version of Scott Summers combines traditional optic blasts with Phoenix Force abilities, offering a distinct visual and mechanical take on the mutant leader.

by Amanda Torati

October 8, 2026 at 12:07 PM

News

Xbox claims return to growth following free fall period under major reset

Microsoft's gaming division has begun showing initial signs of recovery after entering a "free fall," Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told employees during an internal meeting. Sharma stated that the ongoing major organizational reset is starting to yield positive results, following extensive operational restructuring and strategic realignments across the brand.

by Amanda Torati

October 7, 2026 at 12:06 PM

News

Ubisoft shelves immediate Watch Dogs plans, though Legion Director’s Cut rumored for 2027

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed during an early October investor meeting that the company currently has no immediate plans for a new Watch Dogs title, keeping the franchise out of its "creative houses" for now. However, an unconfirmed report from Insider Gaming suggests the publisher may be working on a "Director's Cut" of 2020's Watch Dogs Legion targeted for early 2027.

by Amanda Torati

October 6, 2026 at 12:53 PM

News

Xbox continues development on dedicated Cloud Gaming Controller, disproving cancellation reports

Microsoft is actively developing a new controller capable of connecting directly to televisions and monitors for Xbox Cloud Gaming access, refuting reports that the device had been canceled. Despite a broader shift under leadership to get "back to basics," Xbox continues to explore cloud hardware solutions to expand its user base during a period of rising hardware prices.

by Amanda Torati

October 5, 2026 at 12:54 PM

News

Take-Two signs new long-term Xbox publishing agreement covering GTA 6 and future hardware

Take-Two Interactive has signed a new long-term publishing agreement with Xbox covering all current and future Xbox devices, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. Effective retroactively to September 17, 2026, the contract replaces all prior agreements with Microsoft and governs future releases from Rockstar Games and 2K.

by Amanda Torati

October 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM