Pros and Cons of Bethesda Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5

These days, Bethesda Game Studios often finds itself in the spotlight, sometimes for not-so-flattering reasons. However, it’s impossible to overlook how the company has crafted some of the most groundbreaking role-playing games ever. Take their 2011 release, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This fantasy action game has stood as a cornerstone of the RPG world for years, shaping the designs of countless other titles across the industry. Then there’s Fallout 4, their 2015 venture into a post-apocalyptic world. Despite mixed reviews from some of the series’ veterans, it has maintained a vibrant player community for nearly a decade. Both titles have achieved millions of sales globally, securing their legendary status in the realm of RPGs.

That said, while Bethesda’s projects have undoubtedly been hits, they haven’t exactly become known for leading in the tech department. Games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and their recent launch, Starfield, are often targeted for their modest graphic quality. All these games run on Bethesda’s internal Creation Engine, which many believe lags behind the visual prowess of other contemporary AAA games. Frequent loading screens, unexpected bugs, and assorted technical hiccups have caught flak for making the games feel somewhat outdated. Critics often point to the Creation Engine as the root of these issues and suggest that migrating to a more modern platform, like Unreal Engine 5, might offer a solution. While such a shift might certainly have its benefits, it could also bring its own set of challenges.

Let’s dive into the potential switch from the Creation Engine to Unreal Engine 5.

The Pros and Cons of Switching from Creation Engine to Unreal Engine 5

Why UE5 Might Enhance Bethesda Games

Unreal Engine 5 is renowned for its state-of-the-art graphics capabilities, and it’s easy to see why. Epic Games has packed it with stunning features like Lumen and Nanite, which can elevate a game’s visual quality to new heights if used correctly. If Bethesda ever decides to use Unreal Engine 5 for future games, fans might see their favorite franchises with unparalleled visual fidelity. Imagine a Fallout or Elder Scrolls game with the rich details, vibrant lighting, and lifelike NPCs akin to titles like Black Myth: Wukong—a prospect that would thrill many enthusiasts.

Additionally, switching to Unreal Engine 5 could speed up the release of Bethesda’s games. Proprietary engines often come with a steep learning curve, making them challenging to navigate unless you have prior experience with them. This isn’t an issue with Unreal Engine 5, as it’s widely used and understood by many in the gaming industry. Developers and contractors often come with pre-existing expertise, allowing projects to advance more swiftly. As former Bethesda artist Nate Purkeypile noted, it makes the hiring process and team scaling much more straightforward.

Creation Engine Still Holds Its Own

On the flip side, while Unreal Engine 5 holds promise for Bethesda’s development processes, it doesn’t necessarily rectify all of the Creation Engine’s faults. There is ongoing debate in the gaming community about the increasing uniformity stemming from the adoption of the Unreal Engine across the board. Some argue that this trend might eventually dilute the technical intricacies that proprietary engines offer. Custom-built engines are usually optimized for specific gaming styles and often include unique features that generic engines cannot deliver.

Perhaps the most significant advantage the Creation Engine holds over Unreal Engine 5 is its modding support. Bethesda’s technology is arguably the most flexible when it comes to mods, far surpassing what UE5 offers. Given that modders form a core part of Bethesda’s community, it’s crucial for the studio to ensure that its games remain highly moddable. Opting for UE5 might diminish this capability.

In summary, while considering a new engine presents a host of potential improvements for Bethesda’s future endeavors, the decision requires a careful balancing act. Embracing Unreal Engine 5 could open new doors but might also require giving up some of the unique community-driven aspects that Bethesda games are cherished for.