Emil Pagliarulo, a design director at Bethesda Game Studios, recently shared his thoughts on the studio’s evolving identity in light of its latest release, Starfield. In an interview with GamesRadar+ prior to the launch of the Shattered Space expansion, Pagliarulo claimed that Starfield has successfully positioned itself among Bethesda’s “Big Three” games, alongside the beloved franchises Fallout and The Elder Scrolls.
He highlighted that the game is developing its own distinct fanbase, showcasing its unique attributes and appeal to players.
Pagliarulo emphasized the originality of Starfield, describing it as existing in a “unique space.” He noted that, while it might not appeal to everyone, the game offers a distinctive blend of immersion, action, and RPG elements that fans have come to expect from Bethesda titles.
He stressed that Starfield should be considered neither better nor worse than previous games, but rather a different experience that showcases the studio’s innovative approach to game development.
He also recognized how Starfield diverges from traditional Bethesda RPGs, which has helped it attract a new audience.
For example, the game’s expansive universe features hundreds of procedurally generated planets, offering a type of exploration distinct from the open-world design seen in Skyrim. This innovative format has enabled Starfield to build a growing community of players eager for fresh content and unique gameplay experiences.
In discussing the challenges faced during the development of Starfield, Pagliarulo noted that creating a brand-new series after decades was no small feat.
The excitement surrounding The Elder Scrolls VI added to the pressure, but Pagliarulo expressed confidence in the game’s success. He pointed out that Starfield is now part of a trio of significant franchises, which have collectively strengthened Bethesda’s position within the gaming industry.
Looking ahead, director Todd Howard has teased ambitious plans for Starfield, including potential annual story expansions that could last for years. Pagliarulo reinforced this optimism, stating that the journey with Starfield is just beginning. As Bethesda Game Studios embraces this new chapter, it is well-positioned to uphold its legacy while continuing to explore innovative avenues in game development.
