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Skyrim was "the holy s*** moment" at Bethesda, says veteran Pete Hines: "You have to be concerned about us if you think you're going to win game of the year"
Former Bethesda publishing lead Pete Hines described The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as the studio's first "Holy S*** moment," solidifying its position in the RPG space. While Morrowind kept the company afloat and Oblivion established its presence, Skyrim's massive success marked a significant turning point for Bethesda Game Studios.
Nyheterna i Starfield – fri rymd, PS5-debut, Terran Armada
Starfield has received significant updates, including its launch on PlayStation 5 with DualSense controller support and PS5 Pro enhancements. The Free Lanes update allows for free-roaming in star systems and adds new features like X-Tech upgrades and outpost improvements. Additionally, the smaller story expansion Terran Armada and five new standalone bounty hunts called Trackers Alliance are now available.
If you are planning to get the new Starfield Terran Armada DLC, here's how to get 15% off
The recently released Starfield: Terran Armada DLC is available at a 15% discount through Fanatical. This story-driven expansion introduces a new faction with ties to Earth, a full questline, new locations, enemies, and gameplay elements like repeatable combat events called Incursions.
'I Saw How It Was Getting Damaged': Ex-Bethesda Exec Goes to Town on Xbox's Mistreatment
Former Bethesda executive Pete Hines has criticized Microsoft's management of the studio following its acquisition, stating that he witnessed the company being "damaged and broken apart and frankly mistreated." Hines, who left Bethesda in 2023 after a 24-year tenure, expressed disappointment that he was unable to protect the studio's efficient operations and authentic culture under Microsoft's ownership.
Quoteworthy
Pete Hines stated that he departed from Bethesda because he did not want to witness the company being 'damaged' and 'abused'. He expressed concerns about the current state and direction of the studio.
Pete Hines says he left Bethesda because he didn't want to watch it being 'damaged' and…
Former Bethesda Softworks executive Pete Hines discussed his departure from the company, stating he left because he didn't want to see it 'damaged.' He expressed high regard for Todd Howard, who supported him during his difficult exit after nearly 25 years with the company. Hines also touched upon his early career, including writing manuals for games like Morrowind.
Bethesda king Todd Howard isn't a master of game design or programming, says Pete Hines, "but there is nobody that is better" at combining them: "Look around the industry. Who else?"
Former Bethesda publishing head Pete Hines stated that while Todd Howard may not be the best programmer or designer, he is unmatched in his ability to combine these skills. Hines highlighted Howard's success with player-first, mass-appeal games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Former Bethesda exec thinks the studio should get more respect for the complex, open worlds it creates: 'Go try…
Former Bethesda executive Pete Hines believes the studio deserves more recognition for its complex, large-scale open worlds, citing the freedom players have to pursue multiple quests simultaneously. He contrasts this with other games, suggesting Bethesda's approach offers a unique level of player agency despite occasional jankiness.
"Go try that s*** in Red Dead Redemption 2": Nobody makes games like Bethesda, says studio veteran Pete Hines, so "put some respect" on Todd Howard and the Creation Engine team
Former Bethesda veteran Pete Hines argues that the studio's flexible sandbox design and proprietary Creation Engine offer a level of freedom unmatched by other developers. He contrasts Bethesda's approach with games like Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting how Bethesda embraces complexity and potential jank to deliver unique player experiences. Hines emphasizes the Creation Engine and Creation Kit as crucial tools that enable this freedom and foster a strong modding community.
"Feels a bit like Elder Scrolls": Starfield is finally "starting to feel like a solid Bethesda title," fans say following Free Lanes update with exploration improvements
Following the recent Free Lanes update, players are reporting that Starfield is finally beginning to feel like a solid Bethesda title. Improvements to exploration, including a new cruise mode for flying between star systems and reduced point-of-interest repetition, have significantly enhanced the player experience, drawing comparisons to the open-ended exploration found in The Elder Scrolls series.
Everything new added with the Starfield Free Lanes update
The Starfield Free Lanes update overhauls space exploration with a new Cruise Mode, allowing players to travel between systems while managing their ship and crew. The update also introduces X-Tech for weapon and gear customization, a new hub called Anchorpoint Station, shared outpost containers, and new ways to upgrade Starborn abilities using Quantum Essence.
Former Bethesda artist says 'every single developer' has already brought up 95% of the complaints that made it to launch, but as Todd Howard told him, 'we can't do everything'
A former Bethesda artist revealed that developers are aware of most player complaints before game launches, with Todd Howard acknowledging limitations in addressing all issues. While games like Fallout 76 have seen significant improvements post-launch, the artist expressed skepticism about a similar revival for Starfield, especially given Howard's comments on its future development.
Everything New In The Starfield Free Lanes Update
The Starfield Free Lanes update, now available on all platforms including PlayStation 5, introduces significant new content such as quests, points of interest, and a new expansion called Terran Armada. The update also revamps gear systems with new weapons, armor, and the X-Tech crafting material, alongside new features like the Moon Jumper vehicle, Chateau Des Etoiles house, Milliwhale pet, and a Cruise Control system for faster travel.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal, operated by Gfinity Digital Media, aims to provide comprehensive guides and news for Starfield fans. The editorial team consists of passionate Bethesda enthusiasts with extensive experience in games like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, ensuring in-depth research and hands-on playtime for all content.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal aims to provide high-quality guides and news for Starfield fans, leveraging the passion and extensive playtime of its editorial staff. The site is operated by Gfinity Digital Media, which emphasizes editorial independence and integrity in its content creation.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal aims to provide high-quality guides and news for Starfield fans, leveraging the passion and extensive playtime of its editorial staff. The site is operated by Gfinity Digital Media, which emphasizes editorial independence and integrity in its content creation.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal aims to provide high-quality guides and news for Starfield fans, written by editors with extensive experience in Bethesda games. The content is developed through in-depth research and hands-on playtime, adhering to strict editorial standards and independence.
The Most Epic Fantasy & Science Fiction Site in Reality
Starfield Portal aims to provide high-quality guides and news for Starfield fans, leveraging the passion and extensive playtime of its editorial staff. The site is operated by Gfinity Digital Media, which emphasizes editorial independence and integrity in its content creation.
Why the Exact Same Things Make Starfield Brilliant to Some and Boring to Others
Starfield's divisive reception stems from its commitment to a specific vision, with its strengths in scale and player agency being double-edged swords. While some players found its fragmented systems and steep learning curve off-putting, others embraced its RPG sandbox elements and unique approach. The article suggests that the game's design, characteristic of Bethesda, demands patience and a willingness to meet it on its own terms, leading to vastly different player experiences.
Starfield in 2026: Finally Fixed or Still Falling Short?
Bethesda's latest update for Starfield, dubbed Free Lanes, significantly expands upon the game's existing systems and mechanics, aiming to fulfill the original space-faring fantasy. Key additions include Cruise Mode for seamless travel between planets, new points of interest, and expanded ship customization, addressing criticisms of emptiness and loading screens. While not a complete overhaul, these numerous improvements provide more depth and reasons for players to explore the vast universe.