In a recent Kind of Funny Games Cast interview, Bethesda’s Todd Howard discussed a variety of topics ranging from Starfield updates to Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout projects. Todd revealed that the much-anticipated Starfield 2.0 update, rumored to be a major overhaul akin to Cyberpunk 2.0, is not happening. Instead, the upcoming Starfield content is more of an incremental improvement aimed at enhancing the experience for existing fans rather than fundamentally changing the game. Todd emphasized that if players didn’t connect with Starfield initially, this update likely won’t change their minds, but those who enjoy the game will find the new content satisfying.
Todd also highlighted Starfield’s success as a “Game Pass hours beast,” indicating that players are spending significant time in the game, which is a key metric for Xbox. He mentioned that Bethesda is preparing to discuss the upcoming Starfield content soon, hinting at a possible early March reveal. Despite this, Todd confirmed that Bethesda will continue supporting Starfield with content, though the scale of future updates may diminish as the team shifts focus to other projects. He also praised the modding community and the recent Starfield digital convention, showing the ongoing vitality of the game’s player base.
Regarding Elder Scrolls 6, Todd shared that the game is progressing well and will run on an upgraded Creation Engine 3, an evolution of the engine used in Starfield. He acknowledged that the game is still some time away and that Bethesda prefers to announce and release games closer together to maintain excitement. Todd indicated a return to the classic Elder Scrolls style, moving away from the more experimental approaches seen in recent titles. The studio is balancing multiple projects with a relatively small team across Fallout, Starfield, and Elder Scrolls, making resource management a key challenge.
Todd spoke extensively about Fallout 76, describing it as one of Bethesda’s most challenging and rewarding projects. He expressed pride in the team’s ability to maintain and grow the live service game despite its rocky launch. Todd acknowledged that the audience for Fallout 76 differs from those eagerly awaiting Fallout 5, and he recognized the difficulty in satisfying both groups simultaneously. He also touched on the Fallout TV show’s contribution to the franchise’s popularity and Bethesda’s strategy to keep Fallout 76 relevant with frequent updates and community engagement.
On the topic of leaks and marketing strategies, Todd expressed a preference for shadow drops, valuing the surprise and excitement they generate. He admitted that leaks can be frustrating and sometimes misrepresent the game, but they rarely affect a game’s ultimate success. Todd also discussed the cautious integration of AI tools in game development, emphasizing their use for data analysis and productivity rather than creative content generation. Overall, the interview painted a picture of a studio balancing legacy, innovation, and community engagement while navigating the complexities of modern game development and marketing.
