Bethesda Game Studios has been under the microscope quite a bit recently, often facing a fair share of criticism. However, it’s undeniable that this developer has left a significant mark on the RPG gaming world. Take The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, released back in 2011 — this fantasy action gem has not only been a staple in the RPG genre for years but has also served as a blueprint for numerous other games, regardless of their scale. On the other hand, 2015’s Fallout 4 continues to boast an active player community nearly a decade later, even though some veteran Fallout players have been rather vocal about their discontent with it. Despite any mixed reviews, both these titles have racked up millions in sales worldwide, cementing their legendary status in gaming history.
Sure, Bethesda’s game canon is acclaimed, but they’ve never been frontrunners in the tech race. Fans often point fingers at the visuals in Skyrim, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and even the latest Starfield — the graphics just don’t pop as they do in other leading AAA titles. Running on Bethesda’s proprietary Creation Engine, these games seem somewhat outdated because of their frequent loading screens and pesky bugs. Some folks think the solution could be for Bethesda to switch engines, such as adopting the well-regarded Unreal Engine 5. This move could certainly have its advantages, yet it could also bring along its own set of challenges.
When it comes to making visuals pop, Unreal Engine 5 truly shines. The engine, crafted by Epic Games, boasts features like Lumen and Nanite that, when used effectively, can result in breathtaking graphics. If Bethesda were to harness UE5 for their upcoming projects, the result could be visually stunning Fallout or Elder Scrolls entries. Just imagine the games enveloped in realistic lighting and producing lifelike NPCs akin to those in Black Myth: Wukong — a dream for many seasoned fans.
Besides amping up graphics, switching to Unreal Engine 5 could speed up the release schedules for future Bethesda titles. Learning to master proprietary engines like the Creation Engine can be a cumbersome process, often requiring specific training and substantial experience. On the contrary, Unreal Engine 5’s popularity means that developers and contractors are often already well-acquainted with its nuances. This familiarity can significantly streamline development timelines, making it easier to onboard new talent, as former Bethesda artist Nate Purkeypile has pointed out.
Yet, while a shift to Unreal Engine 5 could bump up efficiency, it’s not a magical fix for all of Creation Engine’s shortcomings. Critics have raised concerns over the increased uniformity among games as numerous studios are transitioning to Unreal Engine, leaving bespoke engines behind. Though this change is widely endorsed, some experts worry about a potential dip in games’ technical finesse over time. A proprietary engine is often tailored to a specific type of game, offering unique features that might vanish when using a more ubiquitous engine like UE5.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the Creation Engine is its unparalleled mod support. It’s notoriously modder-friendly — more so than Unreal Engine 5. Mod creators have become a vital part of Bethesda’s community, and preserving easy modding capabilities in their games is something the studio would need to consider seriously if it switched engines. Losing this key feature would risk alienating an incredibly dedicated part of their player base.
Bethesda Game Studios, nestled in Rockville, Maryland, first opened its doors on June 28, 1986. Known predominantly for the Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, the studio is a beacon of creativity within the gaming landscape. Bethesda joined the Xbox Game Studios family in 2021 after its parent company, ZeniMax Media, was acquired by Microsoft. Led by Todd Howard, Bethesda continues to be a powerhouse with its subsidiary, Bethesda Game Studios, sustaining its influence in the industry.
