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00:00:00 – 00:22:31
The video highlights key insights from an interview with Todd Howard concerning the future of Bethesda's major franchises: Fallout, Starfield, and The Elder Scrolls. Howard emphasizes the importance of quality and meaningful game development, even as Bethesda navigates its new ownership under Microsoft. Despite Microsoft's possible interest in accelerating new Fallout releases, Bethesda continues to support Fallout 76 with regular updates and aims for both existing and new games, like a future single-player Fallout game, to coexist.
Microsoft's acquisition has provided Bethesda with more creative freedom and less financial pressure, allowing for robust support plans for their games. This includes continuing updates for Fallout 76 amid its newfound popularity and integrating future content without monetizing DLCs. The company is also preparing substantial expansions for Starfield, such as "Shattered Space," and promises long-term support similar to previous successful models like Fallout 4’s Far Harbor. This approach will extend to The Elder Scrolls 6, leveraging technological advancements from Starfield.
Howard discusses the possibility of remastering older Fallout titles, though he prefers keeping their original charm intact. Bethesda's updates strategy aims to maintain player engagement with a structured content release schedule. He acknowledges community feedback, particularly regarding Starfield's pricing strategies and paid content, which may be adjusted accordingly. The potential impact of free and paid mods on the modding community is another crucial point.
Throughout the interview, Howard emphasizes the need for creators to handle criticism constructively, as it can guide improvements and foster growth. This perspective is echoed by the speaker, who lauds Howard's responses and Bethesda's commitment to listening to community feedback to enhance their projects. Overall, the video underscores Bethesda's dedication to sustaining and evolving its major franchises while remaining responsive to player input.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the host discusses the noteworthy insights from a recent interview with Todd Howard. Todd Howard addresses the future of Bethesda’s major franchises—Fallout, Starfield, and The Elder Scrolls. Key points include Howard’s explanation that despite the demand for a new Fallout game, Bethesda continues to support Fallout 76 with regular updates. He emphasizes the importance of not rushing new releases and ensuring that each game is crafted to be meaningful for fans. Additionally, there is a mention of a potential disconnect between Bethesda’s approach and Microsoft’s rumored interest in expediting a new Fallout game, potentially involving other developers. Howard’s focus remains on the quality and impact of their games, contrasting with Microsoft’s business-driven objectives.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the current and future state of the Fallout franchise. Now under Microsoft’s ownership, there is less financial pressure, which allows more creative freedom. Fallout 76, in particular, is seeing a surge in popularity due to an associated TV show. Todd Howard reveals Bethesda’s internal roadmap for Fallout 76, confirming that the game will not have paid DLC, even though some fans are willing to pay for more content. He addresses concerns about a new Fallout game potentially cannibalizing Fallout 76’s player base, asserting that both can coexist successfully and citing the example of Skyrim and Elder Scrolls Online. Howard emphasizes that a new single-player Fallout game will not end support for Fallout 76, which suggests a robust future for the game fostered by Bethesda Game Studios Austin, known for its multiplayer focus.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the discussion revolves around Microsoft’s interest in developing a new Fallout game and providing bigger updates for Fallout 76. The potential for remastering the original two Fallout games is questioned, with opinions divided. Todd Howard emphasizes the importance of keeping the original games playable on modern systems without extensive overhauls, appreciating their original charm. Despite Howard’s reservations about remasters, historical context shows that remasters have still been planned, and Microsoft’s increasing influence on Bethesda suggests remasters could be possible. Fallout fans are eager for new content sooner, but Fallout 5 may not arrive until the mid-2030s. The segment highlights a possible strategic shift by Bethesda and ongoing support plans for their games, such as continued updates for Skyrim.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion centers on Bethesda’s increasing focus on long-term support and continuous updates for their games, such as Fallout 4 and Starfield. Bethesda is committed to maintaining player engagement with regular updates, revealing plans to implement a six-week update cadence for Starfield, although this may change depending on their work. Furthermore, Todd Howard has emphasized that future Bethesda titles, including The Elder Scrolls 6, will also adopt this model of prolonged support. The company is working on Starfield’s year 2 plans and ensuring comprehensive support, contrary to the earlier speculation that Starfield would receive limited post-launch updates. The segment also touches on the “Shattered Space” expansion for Starfield, which will offer substantial new content akin to previous expansions like Fallout 4’s Far Harbor.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, Todd Howard discusses the upcoming Shadowed Space DLC for Starfield, which focuses on exploring an entirely new planet with a major city, unique culture, and new characters, eliminating extensive fast travel and load screens. The DLC is likened to Far Harbor in scale and is set to be the first of annual expansions, with future expansions already planned. Howard envisions a similar approach for The Elder Scrolls 6, suggesting a steady release of substantial content post-launch, potentially mirroring Ubisoft’s long-term game support strategy. He also mentions that technology from Starfield will be leveraged and improved upon for The Elder Scrolls 6.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion revolves around potential developments in the Elder Scrolls and feedback on Starfield’s recent pricing strategies. Todd Howard clarifies that while there’s interest in expanding the ship system to boats in Elder Scrolls 6, spin-off games are not planned as they prefer focusing on mainline titles. He acknowledges community frustration over Starfield’s paid quest modules, emphasizing they were priced based on previous content. Bethesda is open to adjusting these prices and content delivery based on feedback. Howard also highlights the benefits of paid content for the modding community, enabling hobbyists to become professionals.
00:18:00
In this segment, the discussion centers around the influence of free and paid mods on the modding scene, particularly with the release of both types simultaneously for a game. It explores the potential impact on the evolution of Starfield’s modding community and whether high-quality mods will move towards monetization. The conversation also addresses Bethesda’s focus on nurturing existing franchises rather than developing new IPs. Todd Howard confirms Starfield’s achievement of over 14 million players and an average play time of 40 hours, refuting claims of the game’s failure. Additionally, Howard comments on the reception of the Fallout TV show and emphasizes the importance of handling criticism and feedback to improve their projects. He underlines the necessity for creators to develop a thick skin and accept that while critique may be unpleasant, it’s vital for growth and betterment. Howard also mentions regularly engaging with community feedback, even on platforms like Reddit.
00:21:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of creators being passionate and confident about their work, regardless of the type of content they produce, whether it’s videos, music, games, or art. They highlight the inevitability of receiving criticism once a creator’s audience grows, noting that even a small percentage of negative feedback can mean a significant number of people. The speaker praises Todd Howard’s response in the interview, stressing that while some critiques may be harsh, they might contain valid points that creators should consider. They also note that Bethesda appears to be listening to feedback, particularly with their project “Shattered Space.” The segment concludes by recommending the interview as one of the best with Todd Howard, touching on various community interests around franchises like Fallout, Starfield, and The Elder Scrolls.