From Morrowind to Starfield: How Bethesda Evolved its Signature Open World RPG Formula Over Two Decades

Morrowind was a breakthrough game for Bethesda that helped define the studio's open world RPG formula going forward. It focused on handcrafted environments and living NPC schedules over procedural generation.
Oblivion brought Bethesda to a mainstream console audience. It added quality of life features like quest markers but struggled with combat early on.
Fallout 3 and Skyrim further evolved Bethesda's worlds and technology. VATS helped introduce shooter elements while staying true to RPG roots.
Fallout 4 expanded the settlement building features that later influenced online multiplayer in Fallout 76. It also brought more color to Bethesda's art style.
Starfield represents Bethesda's next ambitious step into space while building on its legacy of player freedom and exploration. The technology has evolved across decades of RPGs.

ign.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/8/2023

Witcher 3 Players Exploit Cows for Money Until Facing Off Against Deadly Chort

Bethesda's open world games provide players with the exhilarating experience of exploring uncharted territory and encountering unique enemies, such as the Chort in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which presents a challenging and memorable encounter for players.

9/14/2023

Hoarders Rejoice: Junk Collecting Remains a Signature of Bethesda RPGs in Starfield

Bethesda games are known for their abundance of items to collect and hoard, creating a distinct atmosphere and adding to the immersive experience of the game.

9/19/2023

Leaked Documents Reveal Upcoming Bethesda Games Like Oblivion Remaster, Dishonored 3

Bethesda's leaked upcoming releases include an Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remaster, Doom Year Zero, Fallout 3 remaster, Ghostwire: Tokyo 2, Dishonored 3, and an Indiana Jones game, among others, although some projects may have been delayed or shifted.

9/19/2023

Leaked documents reveal Bethesda's plans to remaster Oblivion and Fallout 3, originally released on PS3, for Xbox and PC

Microsoft's leaked document reveals that remastered versions of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Fallout 3 may be in development, raising the possibility of them coming to PlayStation, despite being assumed to be exclusive to Xbox and PC.

9/20/2023

Microsoft Leaked Emails Reveal Plans to Acquire Gaming Giants, New Xbox Models

Microsoft's leaked documents reveal discussions of the company considering acquisitions of Nintendo, Valve, and Warner Bros. Games, as well as potential remasters of Bethesda's Oblivion and Fallout 3, and the majority of Xbox gamers using the lower-powered Series S console.

9/21/2023

Skyblivion Modders Determined to Finish Oblivion Remake for Skyrim Despite Rumors of Official Bethesda Remaster

Bethesda's potential plan to release an official remastered version of Oblivion has sparked excitement among Elder Scrolls fans, but has also raised concerns for the modders behind the Skyblivion project.

9/28/2023

New Elder Scrolls Mobile Game 'Castles' Launches, Filling Gap Until Elder Scrolls 6 Release

A new Elder Scrolls mobile game called The Elder Scrolls: Castles has been released, featuring a time management simulation similar to Fallout Shelter.

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Posted 9/8/2023, 2:01:07 PM

From Morrowind to Starfield: How Bethesda Evolved its Signature Open World RPG Formula Over Two Decades

Morrowind was a breakthrough game for Bethesda that helped define the studio's open world RPG formula going forward. It focused on handcrafted environments and living NPC schedules over procedural generation.
Oblivion brought Bethesda to a mainstream console audience. It added quality of life features like quest markers but struggled with combat early on.
Fallout 3 and Skyrim further evolved Bethesda's worlds and technology. VATS helped introduce shooter elements while staying true to RPG roots.
Fallout 4 expanded the settlement building features that later influenced online multiplayer in Fallout 76. It also brought more color to Bethesda's art style.
Starfield represents Bethesda's next ambitious step into space while building on its legacy of player freedom and exploration. The technology has evolved across decades of RPGs.

ign.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/8/2023

Witcher 3 Players Exploit Cows for Money Until Facing Off Against Deadly Chort

9/14/2023

Hoarders Rejoice: Junk Collecting Remains a Signature of Bethesda RPGs in Starfield

Bethesda games are known for their abundance of items to collect and hoard, creating a distinct atmosphere and adding to the immersive experience of the game.

9/19/2023

Leaked Documents Reveal Upcoming Bethesda Games Like Oblivion Remaster, Dishonored 3

9/19/2023

Leaked documents reveal Bethesda's plans to remaster Oblivion and Fallout 3, originally released on PS3, for Xbox and PC

9/20/2023

Microsoft Leaked Emails Reveal Plans to Acquire Gaming Giants, New Xbox Models

9/21/2023

Skyblivion Modders Determined to Finish Oblivion Remake for Skyrim Despite Rumors of Official Bethesda Remaster

9/28/2023

New Elder Scrolls Mobile Game 'Castles' Launches, Filling Gap Until Elder Scrolls 6 Release

A new Elder Scrolls mobile game called The Elder Scrolls: Castles has been released, featuring a time management simulation similar to Fallout Shelter.